According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, 88% of U.S. households use some form of air conditioning, while 96% of households in Florida do. This makes sense, given that the state’s climate is among the hottest and most humid in the nation, with the longest warm season, which can last up to eight to 10 months.
These extended periods of heat and humidity also suggest that Florida AC units have the heaviest workload among the nation’s air conditioning units. This heavy workload must inevitably take a toll on an AC system’s longevity, which begs the question, “How long do AC units last in Florida?”
The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) experts at Air Control Heating and Cooling will tell you that Tallahassee-area homeowners and businesses should know the answer to this question, as the inconvenience and discomfort that arise when the AC stops working can be significant. Thus, they’ve put together this primer on everything you need to know about the longevity of your AC system in Florida.
So, How Long Do AC Units Last in Florida?
We’ll cut to the chase with the answer of “10 to 15” years, with AC longevity in Florida highly dependent on numerous variables. How long your AC system lasts in the Tallahassee area primarily depends on the following factors:
- Usage: The more you use your AC system, the faster its components wear out.
- Climate: The high humidity in our area affects AC components, promoting mold growth and wear on internal parts. Those living on or near Florida’s coast face additional AC degradation over time due to the corrosive effects of the salt air.
- Proper AC System Sizing: Undersized or oversized AC units inherently experience more strain, affecting their lifespan.
- Airflow and Air Filter Changes: Impediments to an AC system’s air flows strain the system. Thus, you should replace or clean air filters at least every few months and ensure nothing else is blocking the system’s airflow.
- Quality of Installation: Proper HVAC installation is crucial to operational efficiency and longevity of AC systems. When installing a new air conditioning system in Tallahassee, it is recommended to hire AC installation experts like those at Air Control Heating and Cooling.
- Manufacturer/Brand Quality: The quality of AC systems varies significantly among brands and manufacturers, largely due to the quality of components, engineering, manufacturing, and testing.
- Maintenance: A properly maintained AC system helps maximize its lifespan, whereas poorly maintained units tend to experience more breakdowns and premature total system degradation or failure.
Signs Your AC Might Be Nearing the End
If your AC system is nearing age 10 years or older, you might wonder whether you should look for any signs indicating it’s reaching the end of its lifespan. The following signs may indicate the impending failure of your HVAC system or, at the very least, suggest that you should contact an AC specialist for repairs.
- Inconsistent cooling or humidity issues: A warning sign of age-related degradation in an older system, but often a component repair issue in younger ones.
- Strange noises or smells: These should always be checked out by an AC service tech, and they become more likely to arise as an AC system’s operational efficiency wanes.
- Rising energy bills Could signal system degradation if there is no change in usage or energy rates.
- Frequent AC breakdowns: At some point, the cost of replacing an old AC system with frequent breakdowns makes more sense than constantly paying for repairs.
How to Extend the Life of Your AC
Proper regular maintenance is one of the most effective ways to ensure the longevity of your AC system in Florida. Given the state’s extensive AC usage, biannual HVAC maintenance services are the best way to ensure AC operation throughout the year and the longest lifespan possible. Air Control Heating and Cooling offers Tallahassee-area residents a convenient multi-tiered maintenance plan, the Air Control Club, that ensures optimal operational efficiency and lifespan of your AC system. Other steps you can take to extend the life of your AC system include:
- Monthly air filter replacement or cleaning.
- Diligence in clearing debris around outdoor units is necessary to ensure precise airflow.
- Using a smart thermostat can help ease the strain on your AC system.
When to Repair vs. Replace Your AC
HVAC professionals recommend using the “$5,000 rule” when deciding whether to repair or replace an aging air conditioning system. Under this formula, you simply multiply the estimated cost of the repairs by the age of your system. If the amount is greater than $5,000, it’s generally more economical to replace the system than repair it. For example, suppose you’ve been told it will cost $740 to repair an eight-year-old air conditioning unit. In that case, the $5,920 calculation suggests that replacement is the more economical option, as you will undoubtedly face new repairs and the eventual need to replace it soon. Repairing the older, inefficient AC unit may lead to higher long-term costs than replacing it with a new energy-efficient unit that will likely experience fewer major issues for at least half a half-decade or more.
Choosing the Right Replacement
Suppose you’re facing the end of your AC system’s lifespan. In that case, we recommend consulting with HVAC installation specialists to help choose a system that will most effectively condition your indoor air spaces for years to come. Your HVAC professional can help you choose an AC system that meets Florida’s SEER standards of 14 or higher for AC units and will operate efficiently to conserve energy and help reduce your monthly energy costs without compromising indoor air comfort. They can also help you choose a system with the highest engineering and manufacturing standards to ensure your record’s long-lasting, trouble-free operation. Air Control believes that Carrier® manufactures America’s highest-quality, high-efficiency air conditioning systems.
Replace Your Aging AC System in Tallahassee with Air Control Heating and Cooling
If you’re concerned about the operational efficiency of your aging AC system in Tallahassee, or it’s been experiencing frequent breakdowns, consult with Air Control Heating and Cooling to help determine whether it’s time to replace your system. Our expert HVAC technicians can help decide whether you can cost-effectively squeeze another year or two of operational efficiency out of your AC system or whether it’s time for an upgrade.
For all your HVAC installation, repair, or maintenance service needs in Tallahassee, Havana, Quincy, Monticello, and Crawfordville, contact us at (850) 562-1234.