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How Long Does a Central Air Conditioner Last?

With the dog days of summer right around the corner in the Lynchburg area your air conditioner will be working over time to keep your home cool and comfortable. If you have been experiencing poor performance from your central AC, or higher utility bills during the cooling season, you may be wondering how many more years your central AC will last.

The short answer is approximately 10-15 years. But the long answer is more complicated, because it depends on many factors. One important factor includes the quality of the AC itself – lower cost models are simply more likely to need replacement sooner than a more expensive, high-end AC unit. A lower cost air conditioner in a hot climate will typically by ready for replacement in as few as 6-8 years.

Professional AC Maintenance Is Key

The good news is that many of the factors that determine how long your central air conditioner will last are under your control. The most important thing you can do is have your air conditioner professionally maintained every single year. This will not only help the unit last longer, it will help it operate more efficiently, saving you money on your utility bill. With regular maintenance you can also expect to have fewer surprise repair bills.

Because most air conditioner parts can be repaired as they wear out, it’s often a good idea to replace parts as wear out. However, with new air conditioners operating at much higher efficiency than units made just a decade ago, replacing the unit may be more cost effective in the long run when compared to the repair costs of keeping a 10-15 year old unit running past its prime.

Have questions about your air conditioner? Give Hickey Plumbing, Air & Electrical a call, we’re here to help.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]