How Long Do AC Units Last?

September 16, 2020 - Published by Scott's Air

A typical air conditioning unit can last anywhere from 10-12 years. What makes an AC system last longer? The answer is, it depends on the owner. AC Systems, if maintained well, can last a long time. If they are neglected, you could take years off its life expectancy. So how long do ac units last? The answer to that question is up to you, but here are a few tips to extend the life of your AC.

Give Your AC A Break From Time to Time

The more miles you put on a car, the shorter the shelf life. The same goes for your AC system. Constantly running your system can wear your air conditioner down. If you plan on leaving your home for a while, try adjusting your thermostat to a higher temperature. At night too, you’ll want to raise the temperature on your thermostat a few degrees. Making these minor adjustments can take a huge load off your air conditioner.

Air conditioners, like cars and computers, need regular maintenance to ensure they work properly and efficiently. Scott’s Heating & Air Conditioning recommends 2 tune-ups per year as part of their planned maintenance package.

Set Your Thermostat to Auto

In keeping with the “give your AC a break” theme, check your thermostat to see if the fan is set to “On”. If so, that means that your AC fan is running all hours of the day. Change the setting to “Auto.” The “Auto” setting allows your thermostat to take the room’s temperature and only turn the fan on to blow cool air when the thermostat reads that the room is warmer than the desired temperature. This setting takes a huge load off your AC unit.

Keep Outdoor Unit Clean and Clear of Debris

Be sure to keep the area around your outdoor condenser unit clean and clear of debris. Overgrown landscape can obstruct airflow to the unit, causing your air conditioning system to work less efficiently and could lead to costly repairs. Make sure that grass shavings and any loose materials from storms are cleared from the area.

Invest in a Smart Thermostat

According to the Department of Energy, you can save 10% on your electric bill each year by turning your thermostat back 7-10 degrees for at least 8 hours a day. Programmable, or Smart, thermostats allow you to keep track of your home’s temperature while you’re away from the house, set heating and cooling schedules that optimize your energy consumption, and provide a convenient way to manage your AC system. Smart thermostats reduce unnecessary wear and tear on your system, prolonging its life.

Keep up with Planned Maintenances

Air conditioners, like cars and computers, need regular maintenance to ensure they work properly and efficiently. Scott’s Heating & Air Conditioning recommends 2 tune-ups per year as part of their planned maintenance package, Scott’s Club. Also, be sure to change out your air filters regularly. Dirty air filters reduce efficiency and cause strain on your AC unit.

Additional Benefits of Scott’s Club

When you choose to have an Annual Residential Maintenance Agreement with Scott’s Heating & Air Conditioning, you’ll also enjoy:

Priority scheduling for any emergency calls
15% discount on defective parts that are discovered during your routine maintenance or service calls
$500 off system replacement and priority scheduling for system installations

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Scott’s Heating & Air Conditioning is a full-service heating and air conditioning company and a Bryant® Factory Authorized Dealer in Central Florida. Whether you need repair, maintenance, or installation of a new heating or cooling system, we provide efficient, cost-effective, and professional service. When it’s hot, call Scott!