We all rely on our air conditioners to keep us cool and comfortable in the seasonally high temperatures that hit Newcastle.
That’s why it’s important to know how long your AC will last. On average, if it’s well-maintained and regularly tuned up, your AC could last between 10 and 30 years. But this can vary depending on a lot of factors, including:
- Do you live in a part of Australia with harsher climates? This includes hot, dry, and arid areas that experience constant rain, ice, humidity, or saltwater which will wear out your system sooner.
- Is your air conditioner a name brand? These tend to last much longer than generic non-brand ACs.
- Does your AC unit have enough space to breathe? Your unit needs at least 12-18 inches on all sides.
- How often do you use your air conditioner? To make sure it lasts its full lifetime, you should only use your AC when it’s completely necessary.
So with a life span of 10-30 years, how do you know when your system needs replacing? Here at Breeze Air Conditioning, we have put together a list of warning signs.
The 5 Most Common Signs That Indicate An Air Conditioner Needs To Be Replaced
1. How Does It Look?
If your AC unit looks old and worn down, maybe even burnt out and covered in rust, it’s probably time to consider a replacement. There may be physical damage wrought by weather and wildlife, too. It’s important to regularly do a full examination of your AC unit to make sure that it’s all in working order.
2. How Often Does It Break Down?
Usually, if you’re needing to have your air conditioner repaired more than twice a year, this is a sign that it’s failing and needs replacing soon. With each year after this, breakdowns will only become more frequent.
The cost of constant repairs could quickly make a dent in your pocket. By replacing it or even upgrading to a more modern model, you could be saving money in the long run.
3. Have Your Energy Bills Gone Up?
Unless there’s a sudden change in your general energy use as a household, your energy bills should stay around the same amount each month. If they suddenly spike for no discernible reason, it could be a sign that your AC is either malfunctioning or losing efficiency.
4. Is your AC giving off loud, ear-piercing noises?
Most ACs make noise and this is normal. But if your AC has started to make sounds that are more like grinding, clunking, or squealing, this could be cause for concern. Often these noises indicate a problem with the fans, blowers, or motors.
5. Is your AC over 10 years old?
Of course, the average lifespan of an AC can extend until its 30s, but that doesn’t mean you’ll still be getting the most out of your AC. Each individual part of your unit has different life spans: the filter needs replacing every 3 months, for example.
For all of your air conditioning questions and needs, get in touch with our team today on 02 4948 5309.
