How Long Do AC Units Last? Lifespan & Maintenance

Be it a commercial space or a residential property, knowing the air conditioner’s lifespan is mandatory to plan your future investment, efficiency, and comfort. Buying an AC unit is a crucial investment for residential as well as commercial properties. Hence, selecting the right option is mandatory. You can have a water-cooled AC unit or a traditional one. Irrespective of the system chosen, it will have a direct impact on the long-term costs and other aspects. In case you are looking for a standard lifespan, factors affecting the same, and more, read this comprehensive guide.

What is the Usual Lifespan of an Air Conditioning Unit?

Whether it is a commercial setting or a residential space, the normal life of an AC unit varies. It majorly depends on the unit or system type chosen. Below is a quick overview of the same. Take a look:

• Spilt or Centralised AC units: In general, these systems can easily last up to 15-20 years. These are commonly used in residential settings, but commercial spaces also use them.
• Window or Portable AC units: Speaking of these popular AC units, they have a lifespan of around 8-12 years. You will mainly find these units in residential spaces where lower capacity is needed and the area size is limited.
• Water-cooled AC units: Highly preferred for commercial properties, these can function effortlessly for up to 15-25 years. In case your home has limited external space, you can use these units, too. However, water-cooled AC systems are mainly used in urban commercial settings to offer more cooling.

What Factors Affect the Air Conditioner’s Lifespan?

Apart from the unit chosen, the answer to questions such as how long AC units last will also be influenced by the level of usage, climatic conditions, and maintenance. Here is the detailed description:

Regular and Proper Maintenance

Residential as well as commercial AC units require regular maintenance. It is the key to ensuring longevity. While maintaining, you will need to change the filters, do refrigerant checks, and clean the coil. Since these areas can cause expensive HVAC repairs, you should not overlook them.

For a water-cooled AC unit, you are advised to check if the water that is used in the cooling is properly treated or not. This is specifically important to prevent corrosion and scaling. Since these issues can affect longevity and efficiency, you must keep a check of the same.

Speaking about the Commercial settings where AC units are continuously used, they will need regular and frequent checks. Thus, you must schedule thorough checks for your residential and commercial air conditioning systems to ensure long-lasting performance.

Patterns for the Usage

This is yet another critical aspect that affects the air conditioner’s lifespan. When it comes to commercial spaces such as offices, restaurants, etc., AC systems usually run continuously or for most of the working hours. This will put extra strain on your AC unit. As a result, it will wear and tear more frequently, and it will affect the lifespan.

Similarly, air conditioning units installed in a residential setting can work for a longer duration without any hassle. Although the usage patterns are inconsistent in homes, you will still need to schedule an in-depth check to make sure there is no wear and tear.

Operational and Climatic Conditions

Interestingly, the environment where you have installed the AC system can affect the operations and lifespan, of course. For example, if you are in a humid or coastal region in the UK, the moist and salty air will cause more corrosion in the outdoor units. As a result, the life of your air conditioner will be reduced. For such climates, you can opt for a portable or indoor water-cooled AC.

If a residential space has a limited area, you can opt for the same options that do not require the installation of outdoor units. Similarly, if you do not want to spoil the land uses or aesthetic appeal of a space, you can try discreet units such as water-cooled ones. They are not just unobtrusive but can be used in different climates easily, ensuring a better life for the system.

Quality of the Installation

How long AC units last will also depend on installation quality. Yes, you are reading it right. It is believed that an AC system that is not installed properly can cause frequent breakdowns and inefficiencies. When this happens, life will automatically be affected. Proper HVAC installation ensures optimal performance, longevity, and reduced maintenance issues.

To make sure your AC system will last longer and work without frequent breakdowns, you are advised to opt for professional installation services. When you do this, they will ensure that your AC unit is correctly installed and optimised as per the space and its specific needs for maximum cooling.

Water Quality in the Water-Cooled AC Units

This aspect is particularly important for the water-cooled AC systems. If the water is untreated or hard, it will contain a higher level of minerals that will cause scaling within the pipes of the air conditioning systems. This will further reduce the efficiency and the lifespan of the unit.

When you are using water-cooled air conditioners in a commercial building, it is a good idea to invest in a system that can treat water. This will not only mitigate the harmful substances but also maintain the longevity and performance of the system.

Lifespan Comparison of Commercial and Residential AC Units

Due to different usage patterns and other factors, the lifespan of the AC systems will vary for commercial and residential units.

Closing Remarks

To decide whether the air conditioner’s lifespan is affected, you should focus on certain factors. Some signs include frequent breakdowns, higher bills, odd sounds/noises, reduced cooling, water leaks, etc. If you notice any of these issues, you can immediately connect with Hamilton Aircon for professional servicing.