How Long Can an Aircon Last
A typical modern air conditioning unit has a lifespan of 15 to 20 years, especially if it is well maintained, while older models can last for up to 10 to 12 years. An inverter air conditioner of comparable size and capacity ordinarily lasts longer than its traditional aircon counterpart since inverter aircons are generally more durable. There are lots of factors that impact the lifespan of an AC, but the most notable among them is the climate of the place where it is installed. The harsher the climate, the more strain it puts in the air conditioning system and the shorter the overall life expectancy.
How To Extend the Life Expectancy of Your Aircon
You can’t control the weather, but there are three things you can do and are within your control to effectively lengthen the lifespan of your air conditioning unit.
- Pay for the air conditioning unit to be correctly installed by an aircon service professional. To insist on DIY-ing this part might cost you in the long run. Aircon placement, including the installation of the cable wiring and piping system, has underlying complexities that are best left to a professional aircon installer. The Singapore Civil Defence Force published a set of safety guidelines for laying out AC pipework, which you can also use as a guide.
- Ensure your HDB flat is optimized in aid of your cooling needs. Extend the lifespan of your air conditioner by not routinely overworking it. Take advantage of the timer settings to pre-set the timings of your AC. Use heavy curtains to prevent sunlight from entering your home. Unplug all appliances, even small electronic gadgets, when not in use since they still generate heat which can add up and overwork your air conditioner. And if possible, organize the layout of your room with the air flow in mind while using strategically placed fans to circulate the cold air from the AC throughout your home.
- Maintain your air conditioner regularly. Do regular tune-ups as well as clean the air filters and the rest of the indoor fan coil unit at least once a month. All this effort contributes meaningfully over time to extend the lifespan of your air conditioning unit.
What Are the Signs of an Aircon that Needs Replacement
The average life expectancy of 10 to 15 years is an industry standard. You might be advised to simply replace your air conditioner when it begins to show maintenance issues after 10 to 15 years of operation. Because past that point, it may not be cost effective to repair the individual parts of an air conditioning unit. Here are the signs of an air conditioning unit in need of replacement because repairing it is no longer practical.
- Problems occur like clockwork. A bad odor is coming out of the AC with regularity even when it is freshly cleaned. Leaks and clogs in the drainage pipe clogs have been happening regularly. There are also strange noises coming out of it nonstop. If your old air conditioner gets one issue after another every month or so, consider retiring it for good. You will end up spending more to fix its various issues in the long run.
- It consistently gives off a weak or warm air flow. An air conditioner that’s nearing the end of its operational lifespan will show signs of poor cooling performance. The most obvious sign is weak or warm air from the vents.
- Your utility bills have been steadily increasing. A failing air conditioning unit is working harder than usual to cool a room, if it’s still able to reach the desired temperature setting. Its energy efficiency isn’t up to par, as well. All these translate to a skyrocketing demand for more power and therefore higher energy consumption.
All in all, a hopelessly failing and obsolete-model air conditioner is best replaced with a newer one with better energy efficiency capabilities. Repeatedly repairing an old AC is just pouring money down the drain. And month after month, it also presents a major burden to you because of its overall higher electricity costs.
