How Long Should Your AC Unit Last?

Air conditioning units are an integral part of the comfort level in our homes, especially here in Florida! While every household and AC unit is different, an AC unit should last for about 15-25 years. But get this: in Florida and other humid areas AC units tend to last for about 8-14 years. Whether you’ve recently purchased an AC unit, or have had one for quite a few years, it can be helpful to know what factors play into the lifespan of your system. Let’s take a look!

Factors That Can Affect the Lifespan of Your AC Unit

AC and HVAC systems vary widely in terms of their lifespan based on numerous factors including:

The manufacturer
The kind of unit
The size of the unit
How well the unit was maintained and cared for
How often the unit has been used
The environment and climate in which you live

Let’s delve a little deeper…

Rate of Use

An AC unit that is used more (like in a very hot climate) will naturally have a greater amount of wear and tear compared to a unit that is used only for a short season every year (like in a temperate northern climate.) Did you know that in Florida, our AC units run 6 times more frequently than in other parts of the U.S? Your personal cooling preferences can also have an impact on your unit’s lifespan. Take for example that you like your house to be extra cool in these hot summer months in Tampa Bay, Florida so you set your thermostat to 70 degrees every day. Your AC will have to run a lot more frequently than another home with a set temperature of 78 degrees, which in turn causes more wear and tear, a greater need for maintenance, and a shorter lifespan of your unit.

Maintenance and Upkeep

Like any other piece of equipment that you might use in your day to day life, your air conditioner requires proper maintenance and upkeep to keep it running smoothly and efficiently. If you can’t remember the last time that you had your AC unit serviced, it’s a good time to call the pros at Tampa AC company Super Heat & Air! To help prolong your AC unit’s life we recommend:

Replacing/cleaning the air filter every couple of months
Keeping your outdoor unit free of leaves, dirt, and other debris
Getting seasonal maintenance done each year

Regular maintenance is key to prolonging the lifespan of your AC unit, and can potentially prevent bigger issues and higher repair costs down the road. We like to say that regular AC maintenance is the key between an AC unit lasting 25 years, or one that breaks down after 10.

Properly maintaining your AC system can extend its lifespan by several years in our hot and humid Tampa Bay climate!

Exposure to the Elements

Since the condenser unit of your HVAC system is outside, it is exposed to the elements all year long. It can really take a beating due to the heat, sunlight, rain, hurricanes, and humidity here in Florida! If you live near the coast, salty sea air can also take a toll on the condensing coil of your unit. Yes, your unit might have been designed to withstand the elements, but it’s no secret that this prolonged exposure can affect the lifespan of your unit!

If you live in the Tampa Bay area, we recommend you have your AC unit tuned up at least once per season, which can help prevent costly future repairs.

If you need your AC tuned up, repaired, or replaced, call Super Heat & Air today! 813-322-6823 We have been providing superior HVAC services to the Tampa Bay area since 2015. We’re on-call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to rescue you from any heating, ventilation, or AC repair needs – because superheroes DON’T take a day off!

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