Before deciding whether to repair or replace your air conditioner, it is essential to consider its age. Often, you find that the air conditioner needs only minor repairs and servicing to keep running. However, occasionally, putting your money into repairs might not be worth it.

Air conditioning units typically last 10-15 years, whereas HVAC systems endure 15-20 years. If you have a ten-year-old or older air conditioning unit, repairing it isn’t worth a dime unless it’s just a clogged condenser unit. Nonetheless, make sure you consult a licensed HVAC technician to repair or replace your AC whenever you suspect that the air ducts or system filters are failing.

Learn more about deciding if you should repair or replace your air conditioner from the experts at Superstition Cooling, Apache Junction (Phoenix East Valley).

How Long Do Air Conditioners (and Parts) Last?

Whether you are considering maintaining your present air conditioner or investing in a new one, you’ve probably wondered, “How long do air conditioners last?” It can be heartbreaking to discover that your summer comfort partner has a finite lifespan and will not last forever. When an air conditioner reaches the end of its useful life, it will break down more frequently and consume more energy than necessary.

Air conditioners have an average lifespan of 10-15 years. However, regular maintenance and other practices can help your air conditioner last longer. When properly maintained, even the best HVAC systems will eventually run their course.

To understand this better, let’s look into the AC parts and how long each lasts:

1. The compressor

The compressor is the “heart” of the AC, the main component that raises the pressure and temperature of the vapor refrigerant in the system. This component works to create the pressure differential that causes the refrigerant to travel around the system; the compressor increases the pressure of the refrigerant gas. If you purchase a ClimateCare air conditioner, your compressor should last the whole lifespan of your air conditioner, which should be roughly twelve years or more.

2. The evaporator/ indoor coil

The evaporator coil in your air conditioning system collects heat from the air within your home. It’s normally attached to your furnace or housed inside your air handler and collaborates with a condenser coil to complete the heat exchange process, which results in cool air. If adequate maintenance is conducted regularly, the evaporator coils should last 10 to 15 years, which is the ideal lifespan for an evaporator coil and comparable to an AC unit’s lifespan.

3. The condenser/ outdoor coil

The condenser coil, also known as an outdoor coil, is a component of a split-system air conditioner that works hand in hand with the compressor to convert refrigerant from a gas to a liquid, and the coil transmits heat carried by the refrigerant to the outside. The outdoor coil has a lifespan of at least 10-15 years, but if the system is inefficient, wear and tear will be hastened. Dirty condenser coils make your unit work harder, putting stress on interior components.

Repairing vs. replacing your home AC system

In every ventilation, air conditioning, and heating system, regular maintenance will be necessary to some point in its lifespan. Summer heat in Phoenix, AZ, can be frustrating, especially if your AC system is faulty. If you are not sure about your best choice between repairing or replacing your AC system, you should consider the following variables:

1. The AC unit’s age

A normal air conditioner has a lifespan of 10 to 15 years. Your unit’s performance can be extended if it is well-maintained. If your air conditioner is less than ten years old, well-maintained, and has not encountered a severe malfunction, it may be preferable to get it repaired.

2. The cost of the repair

If you have a relatively new AC unit, replacing it rarely makes financial sense unless the cost of maintenance is in the hundreds of dollars. Many HCAV professionals follow the “5,000 rule” as a general guideline. In this case, you multiply the unit’s age by the repair cost, and if the total surpasses $5,000, it may be best to replace the unit. If it’s less, fix it.

3. Refrigerant environmental impact and availability

Many older air conditioning units use R-22 Freon refrigerant. As of 2020, producing this in the United States is illegal. As a result, any leftover supplies are far more expensive than the easily accessible R-410a refrigerant utilized in newer systems. Not only will any required refrigerant repairs be far more expensive and perhaps difficult to do, but the product also hurts the environment.

4. The cost of your energy bills

Inadequately sized units, insufficient refrigerant, or aging electrical components can all reduce energy efficiency. If you see the cost of your energy bills rising, investing in a new, more efficient unit may be a worthwhile long-term investment.

5. How long do you plan to continue living in your home?

Even if you have an older unit, replacing it may not be a sensible investment if you plan to move in the next few years unless there has been a catastrophic failure or maintenance is expensive. However, if the AC unit is outdated or poorly maintained when you come to sell, a buyer may request a decrease in the home sale price to account for this. If you don’t plan on selling anytime soon, the piece of mind that a new unit and an extended warranty will provide may be enough encouragement to replace it.

Professional air conditioning repair in Apache junction

Superstition Cooling is the leading AC repair and tune-up service source in Apache Junction, Phoenix East Valley. At Superstition Cooling, we’re here to help with our top-quality air conditioning and heating services.

Our additional services include:

New AC Unit Installation
Air Conditioning Maintenance and Tune-ups
Air Conditioning Repair
Air Conditioning Replacement
Heating and Heat Pump Repair
Ductwork Repair

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