How Long Does an AC Unit Last in Boulder, CO?

Thirty years ago, Boulder, Colorado, only experienced five days a year when temperatures reached 90º to 100º Fahrenheit. That has since increased to 15 days.

Because high temperatures can be dangerous, using air conditioners at home has become even more crucial. After all, they make indoor spaces more comfortable by extracting heat and moisture from the air and then cooling it.

But air conditioners can be a hefty expense, so you’d want yours to last as long as possible.

So, how long does an AC unit last anyway? Is there anything you can do to prolong their life?

This guide explores the answers to those questions, so read on.

How Long Does an AC Unit Last?

It depends on the type of air conditioner, such as whether it’s a window unit or a central AC system.

Window air conditioners can last 5 to 7 years on average. Central AC units, on the other hand, can last 7 to 15 years.

How to You Extend AC Unit’s Lifespan

Yes!

Many factors influence the longevity of air conditioners, most of which are modifiable. Let’s examine these and see what you can do to make your AC last longer.

Sizing and Installation

Undersizing and oversizing are installation mistakes Boulder homeowners should avoid at all costs.

Undersizing involves installing units too small for the space they intend to cool. Oversizing is getting a too-big unit, thinking it can cool a home faster and better.

Undersizing an AC

A too-small air conditioner will not efficiently cool a home. Instead, it will keep running to meet your desired temperature settings, likely to no avail.

A continuously running AC uses more energy and increases electricity bills. This prolonged operation also puts heavier strain on its components, resulting in early wear, tear, and degradation. So, it’s more likely to break down sooner.

Oversizing an AC

An oversized system isn’t any better, as it will continuously turn on and off, a process called “short cycling.”

Short cycling occurs when a system cools a home too quickly, shuts down immediately, and then powers back on when the indoor temperature goes back up. That constant cycling can cause early system wear and tear and higher energy bills.

The Fix: Proper Sizing With Custom Installation

The best way to prevent sizing issues is to work with experienced AC companies that provide custom air conditioner installation services. They’ll ensure proper sizing and installation by considering not just the size of the cooling space but also the following:

• Ceiling height
• Number and condition of windows
• Your home’s orientation
• If you have a well-insulated home

Those features of your home can influence an AC’s cooling efficiency. For example, if you have higher ceilings, your AC would need to cool more air. So, it needs to be bigger than a unit you’d otherwise install in a house with standard-height ceilings.

Another is if your home faces south or west. If so, it gets more sun exposure, so your AC needs more energy to cool it down. Therefore, it would need to be bigger than an air conditioner installed in a home that faces north.

Regular Maintenance

If you’re a car owner, you likely take your ride to the dealership or mechanic for its recommended maintenance schedules. You know it can help your vehicle last longer while maintaining its performance and efficiency.

The same applies to air conditioner maintenance. By maintaining your AC, you can keep all its components, including its coils, filters, fan, gears, and motor, running smoothly and efficiently. It also minimizes the risk of minor issues turning into more severe problems.

Some AC maintenance tasks are easy enough to do yourself, while others require the expertise of a pro.

Change or Wash AC Filters

An AC filter’s primary job is to prevent air pollutants like dust, dander, mold, and particles from contaminating the unit’s interior components.

For instance, a clean filter protects the evaporator coils from residue build-up that can hinder its cooling ability. Dirty coils inefficiently extract heat and moisture from the air, forcing the unit to work harder. That places unnecessary strain on them while also raising energy bills.

Since the filter helps “clean” the air that your AC will cool, it also helps maintain optimal indoor air quality. Besides, replacing a dirty AC filter with a clean one can help cut your cooling system’s energy use by 5 to 15%.

At the very least, replace or wash your AC filters once every three months. But if you have pets or live near a busy road, do it once a month.

Clean the Outdoor Unit

Central or packaged AC systems have two primary parts: the indoor unit and the outdoor unit. The outdoor unit, being outside, is at the mercy of the elements and, unfortunately, Boulder’s elevated pollution levels.

So, regularly inspect your outdoor unit and remove debris, such as leaves, twigs, and small pieces of trash. All of its sides should have a two-foot clearance, too.

Schedule Professional AC Maintenance Once a Year

Investing in professional air conditioner maintenance once yearly can make your central AC unit last 15 years (or more!). During one, a highly experienced HVAC technician will:

• Inspect your entire AC system
• Clean the indoor and outdoor units
• Replace the AC filters
• Check for symptoms of an air conditioner leaking refrigerant
• Tighten electrical connections
• Calibrate the thermostat

During the inspection, the HVAC technician will note any problems warranting repairs (e.g., an AC pan leaking water). The pro will discuss all their findings, recommend solutions, and provide an AC repair (free) estimate. Consider having the expert perform the repairs promptly to prevent minor issues from becoming costly headaches.

Extend Your AC Unit’s Lifespan With AC Maintenance in Longmont, CO by Contacting DNI Heating

Now you know the answer to the question, “How long does an AC unit last?” is between 5 to 7 years for wall ACs and 7 to 15 years for central AC systems. You also learned that your AC can reach those higher numbers with proper system sizing, installation, and maintenance.

DNI Heating, Cooling, Refrigeration, & Plumbing, Inc. specializes in providing all those services and has been doing so for over 27 years. You can also rest assured that our NATE (North American Technician Excellence) certified technicians are ready to help 24/7.

So, if you’re ready to make the air conditioner in your Boulder home last for many years, call us today to schedule your service!