With nearly 30% of all home energy costs spend on air conditioning in Florida, residents put a lot of pressure on their air conditioning systems.
By keeping them running constantly, they won’t last as long as they would in other climates. With the right kind of maintenance, you won’t have to worry about how long AC units last in Florida.
With regular maintenance, your A/C unit should last for several years. However, if your unit is more than 10 years old, it might not be working as efficiently as it used to. If you’re finding it’s running longer without giving you the results that you expect, it might be time for a replacement.
To make your unit last a little longer, you’ll need to care for it. If you’re wondering “how long do air conditioners last” in Florida, the answer is that it will vary based on these 3 steps.
Table Of Contents
1. Change Your Filters
Every air conditioning unit has some kind of filtration device attached. This keeps your home from being filled with dust, mold, or insects that make it through the passageways.
If your filter is blocked, air can’t move through. Your air conditioning unit will struggle to force air through the blockage. It needs to be cleared before you can get the temperature you’re looking for.
When the struggle continues, call an expert for ac repair.
2. Keep Ducts Clear
If you have your air conditioning unit blocked in the rear by anything, you’ll have a tough time getting air through the machine. The side of the unit that sticks out of the window needs to be able to get access to lots of air.
If you have an HVAC system, ensure that your ducts are always clear. If rodents build a home in your ducts, not only are you subject to getting ill, but your unit could struggle to force air out to you.
3. Listen To The Motor
Listen to the sounds your unit is making. If you hear any kind of rattling or metal scraping, the fans could be broken or loose. Pull the plug immediately.
Even if you don’t hear anything too harsh, a motor that’s working too hard will be louder than a properly working unit. If you haven’t cleaned out the fans or the interior of the unit, dust and debris could be weighing down the fans.
Just a little bit of resistance can slow down your unit and do a number on its efficiency. As it works harder, it’s more likely to burn out the motor, requiring you to buy a replacement.
If you think insects are getting into your unit and wreaking havoc, check out our guide to stop them.
How Long Should An Air Conditioner Last In Florida?
There’s no single answer to this question. Depending on how you take care of your unit, it could last for a decade. The same unit, without any maintenance, could fall apart in just a couple of years. Stop wondering how long should an air conditioner last and have an expert check out your unit to see if it needs to be replaced.
If it’s time to replace your unit, make sure you choose units that can increase curb appeal.
