How Long Can an Air Conditioner Last in Sacramento?

From refrigerators and stoves to home heating and cooling systems, few of us would willingly go without the simple but essential comforts of home. We’re also well aware that none of them will last forever, and their replacement costs can leave us feeling like we have a sword of Damocles hanging over our heads by a thread. If you’ve ever wondered, “How long does an air conditioner last?” The answer isn’t an exact science, but figuring out the life of your system lets you know when it’s time for air conditioning replacement in Sacramento. That, in turn, lets you know it’s time to call Ace Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning.

Time For Air Conditioner Replacement?

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What’s the Average Air Conditioner Lifespan?

This is a subject of some debate. The typical central air conditioner installation carries a warranty of about ten years, give or take a year or two. Your unit shouldn’t simply give up the ghost on the first day after its warranty expires, so how long can you expect?

Ten years is the low end of this equation. The high end varies; we’ve seen estimates as low as ten years, or as many as 25 years (!). For a heat pump installation, which is more efficient but not quite as long-lasting, the typical range is about 12 to 15 years, with some capable of going longer. As we’re about to see, however, those more generous estimates aren’t necessarily a good guide.

Signs It’s Time for an Air Conditioner Replacement

How can you tell your air conditioner has reached the end of its service life?

Elapsed Time

Just because your air conditioner can run for its 19th consecutive summer doesn’t mean that it should. Systems lose efficiency over time even when they’re otherwise working properly, leading to a higher-than-normal energy spend. Changes in design and construction ensure that modern units are much more cost-effective.

Incompatible Coolant

Part of maintaining your air conditioner is periodically charging or replacing its refrigerant. Some older systems use a refrigerant called R-22, commercially known as Freon. Freon has been phased out in favor of less environmentally-damaging refrigerants, which often won’t work in older systems.

Major AC Component Failure

Air conditioner maintenance is designed to ensure that your system — from its major components down to its smallest parts — works as intended. If you neglect maintenance and a component fails out of warranty, its replacement cost in parts and labor can be high enough that replacement is a more cost-effective approach.

• Evaporative coils can cost almost four thousand dollars to replace
• Compressor replacements can cost nearly $3,000
• Even replacing a condenser fan motor can cost $1,500

Frequent Repairs

Sometimes your decision won’t be made by a single catastrophic air conditioner repair. Instead, it’s the dawning realization that many smaller repairs and issues are adding up over time, and slowly eating you out of house and home. We suggest checking the repair history of major items like your heating, air, water heater, and other appliances so you know when to cut your losses.

Renovations and Additions

Rather than pulling up stakes, many homeowners prefer to add to their homes as their lives change or their families grow. Not all homeowners, unfortunately, think about replacing their HVAC system. A system that isn’t sized properly won’t work properly, so if you’ve added to your home — or you’re about to — it’s best to call a Sacramento HVAC company to make sure everything is optimally sized for your new digs.

How Can You Ensure Your AC Lasts Longer?

One word: maintenance. Every air conditioning unit, of every kind, without exception, needs to be maintained to last its longest and work its best. We suggest that home and business owners change filters regularly, while also keeping the unit’s indoor and outdoor components clean and unobstructed. We also suggest having your AC system maintained annually at a minimum, and if you suspect there’s a problem between visits, never wait to call us for Sacramento AC repair.

AC Replacement Cost in Sacramento

There are numerous variables in play that make it impossible to give you a quote here. However, when you call Ace Plumbing, we’ll evaluate your home, properly size a system, suggest replacement units, and then provide you with a written quote customized to your needs. With the electrical and ductwork already in place, replacement is much less expensive than the initial installation. Don’t hesitate to get in touch today for all your home and business HVAC needs!