Austin Heating And Air

How Long Do AC Units Last in Texas?

How Long Do AC Units Last in Texas?

When you live in Texas, having a reliable household air conditioner is crucial. The Texas weather tends to be scorching during the summer months, and if your AC unit is struggling to do its job, it’s going to be difficult to keep your home comfortable and efficient. One key to keeping your air conditioner running smoothly is knowing when it’s time to replace the appliance with a new unit. So, how long do AC units last in Texas households? Here, we’ll take a look at the variables to consider when you’re thinking about replacing the air conditioner in your Texas household.

When you need reliable air conditioner installation in Georgetown, TX, or the surrounding area, you can always depend on our skilled HVAC professionals at Grande Air Solutions.

What Is the Average Lifespan of an AC Unit in Texas?

As a Texas homeowner, it’s important to know how long you can typically expect an air conditioner to last on average. Although many factors can impact the life expectancy of an AC unit, an air conditioner that’s properly taken care of will typically remain productive and healthy for between 15 and 20 years. Generally, this timeframe is a good baseline when estimating how long you’ll be able to depend on an AC unit in your Texas household.

Variable #1 - AC Maintenance and Upkeep

One variable that will have a huge impact on the lifespan of your air conditioner is how well you’ve kept up with preventative maintenance and regular upkeep. Typically, a household AC unit should be professionally serviced by HVAC technicians at least once per year. In a hot climate like Texas, many homeowners even choose to schedule professional maintenance twice every year. Keeping up with professional AC maintenance not only keeps your cooling system running smoothly and efficiently but also helps reduce AC repair costs and wear and tear on the equipment. Additionally, preventative maintenance greatly reduces the likelihood of your air conditioner encountering serious mechanical problems—problems that could potentially shorten its life expectancy.

In addition to professional maintenance, it’s important to consistently take good care of your AC unit. For example, you should avoid overworking it, regularly change its air filters, and act quickly whenever you notice that something’s wrong. Keeping up with other household tasks, such as having your ductwork cleaned and installing quality attic insulation, can also help to extend your air conditioner’s productive life.

If you’ve consistently done a good job of servicing and caring for your cooling unit, there’s a good chance it will last for 15 or more years before it needs to be replaced. However, if you’ve neglected these important tasks, you may find that your AC unit is in decline significantly sooner than that.

Variable #2 - Amount of AC Usage

Another important factor in the longevity of your air conditioner is how frequently the appliance is used in your Texas household. Many Texas families have the AC in their homes cranked up constantly to counteract the intense heat, which can last from spring through autumn in some areas. While this is understandable, it’s a surefire way to shorten the overall life expectancy of the AC unit. Like just about any piece of equipment, an air conditioner can only accumulate so much wear and tear before it starts to deteriorate. So, if you want your cooling system to last for as long as possible, you should make a point to give the appliance rest as often as you can.

There are several effective ways to ensure that your household air conditioner is not being overworked:

  • Purchase a programmable thermostat
  • Turn off the AC every night when you go to bed
  • Close curtains on windows directly facing the sun on hot days
  • Regularly inspect your home for air leaks
  • Invest in one or more fans for the house

If you don’t mind replacing your home’s AC unit slightly more often, then there’s nothing wrong with relying heavily on it when the Texas weather becomes unpleasantly hot. However, if you want to get 15 to 20 years out of the appliance, you’ll need to use the air conditioning a bit more sparingly.

Variable #3 - Quality of AC Installation

Did you know that the installation of your air conditioner can directly impact the unit’s performance, efficiency, and health in the long run? If your air conditioner is installed by unqualified contractors, there’s a good chance that they will make mistakes during the process. If the unit is set up incorrectly, it will be much more likely to encounter mechanical issues, which will shorten its life expectancy. For this reason, it’s imperative to select qualified technicians for your air conditioner installation in Georgetown, TX. Our skilled team at Grande Air Solutions will approach the installation project with precision and attention to detail, ensuring that your home’s AC unit is equipped to run smoothly and efficiently for many years to come.

How to Tell When Your AC Unit Needs to Be Replaced

When the air conditioner in your Texas household starts to decline, it’s important that you don’t wait too long to have it replaced. An AC unit nearing the end of its life will typically lose efficiency, struggle to circulate cool air, and encounter more equipment problems. As soon as you start to notice warning signs that your aging cooling unit is nearing the end of the line, you should give us a call and schedule an appointment with our AC replacement technicians. Listed below are the most common indicators that your Texas AC unit needs to be replaced:

  • Weak airflow
  • Uneven household temperatures
  • Rising monthly cooling costs
  • Frequent mechanical problems
  • Poor indoor air quality
  • Increased household humidity
  • Strange noises or odors
  • Trouble starting up
  • Short-cycling or frequent cycling

Your Trusted Local AC Professionals

If you believe that it may be time to replace your household air conditioner in the greater Georgetown area, don’t hesitate to give us a call at Grande Air Solutions. Our NATE-certified technicians offer expert AC installation and AC repair in Georgetown, TX and the surrounding areas. Our team will closely inspect your air conditioner to help you determine whether it needs to be replaced. Then, they’ll help you select a quality new system that will satisfy your home’s cooling needs. Before you know it, your brand-new air conditioner will be properly installed and ready to go. If you’d like to learn more or schedule an appointment, simply give us a call today!

Author
George Arlen

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