You’re undoubtedly grateful for central air conditioning if you live in a hot environment. You may begin to wonder about the system’s endurance since you rely on it so much for comfort.

Aren’t you sure about how long do air conditioners last in Florida? We’ve done a lot of research to develop a solution for you. In fact, a decent air conditioner is one of those things you can’t live without. 

How long your air conditioner lasts in Florida is determined by how near you live to the beach and how often you maintain it. When evaluating the life expectancy of your air conditioner, keep the following considerations in mind.

how long do air conditioners last in florida

How Long Do Air Conditioners Last In Florida?

If you reside in Florida, you may anticipate a central air conditioner to last between 10 and 15 years. Of course, how well you maintain your air conditioner and how well it is built will determine how long it lasts. You may estimate it to last around a decade in total.

We’ll start with an overview of air conditioners and how to keep them in good working order. Whether you reside in Florida or wish to relocate there, learning how to maintain your central air conditioning equipment is critical. 

So, without further ado, let’s get started on this issue!

Read more: How Long Does Air Conditioner Need To Deice?

What Is The Average Air Conditioner Lifespan In Florida?

A popular inquiry is, “How old is my air conditioner?” or, How long will my air conditioner last? Home inspectors in Florida try their best to offer answers, but there are certain things you may do to extend the life of your property.

The following are the typical air conditioner lifespans in Florida:

Air conditioners have a lifespan of around ten years. Fifteen years if you live in the middle of the state and maintain your unit appropriately.

Trane air conditioners have a 12-year warranty. Seventeen years if you live in the middle of the state and keep your unit in good working order.

Because the ac unit is not exposed to saltwater in homes closest to the coast, it may last longer if you live in the middle of the state.

The average life expectancies discovered by house inspectors in Florida are presented above. Air conditioners with the Trane brand are projected to last around two years longer than air conditioners with other brands. The cost of a trading system is often substantially higher.

This is an average lifetime. as a result, your device may need to be replaced sooner rather than later.

Factors Affecting The Air Conditioner’s Lifespan

The lifespan of air conditioners and HVAC systems varies greatly depending on various factors.

They include: 

  • Frequency Of Use: Because constant wear and tear on an air conditioner takes its toll, it stands to reason that the more it is used, the shorter its lifespan will be. 

In moderate climates like new England, where the system isn’t working 24 hours a day, seven days a week, AC systems can endure for decades. Unfortunately for Floridians, an air conditioner will not last nearly as long due to regular use.

  • Your Residence’s Location: Internal parts might deteriorate quicker than planned when exposed to natural factors such as storms, high heat, salinity, or environmental contaminants.
  • Size Of Units Vs. Cooling Load: An undersized air conditioner will work more to cool your house and, as a result, will begin to wear out sooner.

On the other hand, oversized air conditioners will short-cycle (turn on and off quickly) and cause the compressor to wear out prematurely. As a result, making sure your unit is the right size for your home is critical to extending its longevity.

  • Regular Maintenance: Investing in semi-annual maintenance inspections is crucial for best performance. It is, without a doubt, the most effective way to extend the life of your air conditioner. 

In reality, many manufacturers’ warranties demand frequent, thorough maintenance – “Comprehensive,” meaning more than just a visual check – so it’s not always optional.

 A professional and experienced ac technician should test all critical components, including the compressor, condenser, fan, blower, ducts, and so on.

The Florida Weather Harms The Unit

Your air conditioner’s estimated lifespan is reduced when you live near the beach. Salty air floats in from the beach and interferes with your air conditioner’s inner workings. 

Humidity in the air might also impede the air conditioner from working correctly. Make sure your air conditioner can endure the elements if you want to enjoy that ocean view every morning.

Because of their location, homeowners in Tampa, FL, must maintain their air conditioners far more regularly than those who live closer to the state’s centre. When it appears like spending money is futile, no one looks forward to doing so. 

On the other hand, regular maintenance ensures that your AC unit will last the typical AC life in Florida. When it comes to air conditioners, you may save a lot by spending a little.

In Florida, How Long Should An Air Conditioner Last?

If you reside in Florida, an air conditioning system will usually last you ten years. It is conceivable for your air conditioner to last 15 years, although this is not usual.

Due to humidity, use, salt, and other natural substances in the air, air conditioning units in hot, rainy coastal places like Florida tend to survive five to seven years less than in other regions, according to cousinsair.com 

As a result, even the best-built central air conditioning system isn’t impervious to nature’s whims.

Whether Or Not Your Air Conditioner Has Been Appropriately Serviced

The most crucial aspect in determining how long your air conditioner lasts is whether or not it has been properly cared for and maintained.

You should engage in regular maintenance with a professional to maintain your air conditioner in good working order for as long as feasible. 

This is the most effective approach to guarantee that all of your AC’s components are in good operating order, that no parts are broken, and that your ac is not overworked.

An HVAC technician will inspect all of the components of your air conditioner during an annual maintenance visit and propose any necessary repairs or replacements so that your system does not break down before its time.

Additional ways to keep your ac healthy include.

  • Changing Your Air Filter Regularly- Replace your air filter every 1-3 months throughout the summer.

Dirty air filters restrict your air conditioner from drawing in enough air, causing damage to your system’s internal components and preventing your air conditioner from adequately cooling your house.

  • Keeping Your Outside Unit Clean- Your air conditioning system cools your house by extracting heat from the air inside and depositing it outdoors.

However, if your exterior unit is covered in dust and dirt, your air conditioner won’t be able to discharge as much heat as it needs to, overworking your system.

Maintain any trees, shrubs, or impediments at least 2 feet away from your ac system and keep your outside unit clean throughout the summer to avoid this.

Whether Or Not Your Air Conditioner Was Properly Sized

If your air conditioner is either tiny or too big for your home, it won’t last more than 10-15 years. Why?

If your air conditioner is too tiny for your home, it will never be able to keep up with demand. If your air conditioner is too small for your home, it will run continuously yet never chill your home correctly. 

Continuously running your air conditioner might cause internal components to fail sooner than they should.

An air conditioner that is too big for your home will swiftly chill it down and then turn it off. This frequent ‘on-again-off-again’ cycling can cause the ac system’s internal components to wear out faster than they should, reducing its lifespan.

So, how can you figure out what size air conditioner you’ll need for your home?

A load assessment should have been performed before your air conditioner was installed. A load calculation is an evaluation that ensures the AC you buy is appropriately suited to your home’s cooling demands, as many factors affect what size AC is needed in each home.

The conclusion here is that you should always ask for a load calculation from the person installing your air conditioner. Some experts cut corners and merely measure an air conditioner based on the square footage of your home (Often over the phone). 

Still, a reasonable load calculation takes longer and considers several other parameters that affect correct ac sizing.

Read more: Do You Have To Add Water To A Portable Air Conditioner?

The Amount Of Time Your Air Conditioner Is Exposed To The Elements

Because Florida is a wet coastal state, the humidity and salt in the air can shorten the life of your air conditioning unit.

There are two ways to safeguard your air conditioning system from the elements:

  • Install a dehumidifier in your home.

Your air conditioner’s primary function is to keep your home cool. However, your air conditioner’s secondary process is to dehumidify your house.

The duty of thoroughly dehumidifying your house season after summer in Florida, where it’s exceptionally humid, may take a significant toll on the health of your system. 

A whole-house dehumidifier can also help the air conditioner run more efficiently (Which means lower monthly utility bills).

  • take precautions to avoid salt damage.

You’ll generally only notice salt damage if you live right on the beach, but slight salt damage can occur up to 5 miles away. You can avoid salt corrosion by doing the following:

  1. Keep your outside unit clean by wiping it down regularly.
  1. Your exterior device should be treated with an anti-corrosion coat.
  1. Installing an air conditioning system that can survive salt and other natural factors is a good idea.
  1. Installing your air conditioner in a covered place away from any direct sea wind is a good idea.

Whether Or Not Your Thermostat Is In Good Working Order

The temperature you select on your thermostat dramatically influences how long your air conditioner lasts.

Your air conditioner works hard all summer to keep your home cool, and if you leave it on full blast all the time, it will wear out sooner rather than later.

To extend the life of your air conditioner, we recommend turning it up to 8-10 degrees for around eight hours each day. This is usually done by homeowners when they are away from their house. for example, if you work for 8 hours a day, you may raise the temperature of your workplace while you’re there). 

This allows your air conditioner to take a vacation from working so hard all summer and may help some internal components survive longer.

If you have a heat pump and utilize it the same way in the winter, your air conditioner will likely last longer than if you run it at full blast all the time.

When Should I Replace My Central Air Conditioning System?

In general, if your central air conditioning system begins to develop significant issues, generally around the ten-year mark, you should replace it. As previously said, every AC system ages differently, so this may or may not be essential for your unit, but it’s always a good idea to prepare ahead.

The four key symptoms you should look out for while determining whether or not to replace your ac system are:

  • A ten-year-old central air conditioning system
  • Problems or malfunctions with your air conditioner regularly
  • Increased energy expenses as a result of your air conditioner
  • An air conditioner that utilizes r-22 freon is being phased out by the EPA.

Of course, these are just a few of the key indicators that it’s time to replace your central air conditioning system, so we recommend speaking with an expert if you have any other worries or issues.

In Florida, How Much Does It Cost To Replace A Central Air Conditioner?

In Florida, replacing a central air conditioner can cost anywhere from $4,000 to over $8,000. In general, replacing your air conditioner costs roughly $5,500. However, this varies depending on the size of your home and where you reside.

According to air pros USA, replacing a central air conditioning unit in Boca Raton should cost between $3,500 and $7,000, although this depends on the job’s intricacy.

Is It Safe To Use Older Air Conditioners?

In most cases, owning an outdated air conditioner won’t damage you, but it might cause health problems in the long run. Older air conditioners have been linked to worsening chronic conditions such as neuritis, arthritis, bronchitis, asthma, and high blood pressure, which can be fatal in rare situations.

However, you shouldn’t be concerned if you keep your air conditioner in good working order and don’t detect any rusting or damaged parts. 

Regular inspections by an HVAC expert, as previously noted, are an excellent method to guarantee that your air conditioner is running correctly and is not causing you any harm.

Not only are older air conditioning equipment not often safe, but they also use more energy than newer, healthier systems. Air conditioners often become less energy efficient as they age, which is bad for your power cost. 

Older air conditioners also have a more challenging time cooling off houses, creating sweltering summers.

Is It Worth It To Repair A Broken/Old Air Conditioner?

When it comes to being worthwhile, repairing an outdated air conditioner is rarely the case. Unless the cost of repairing your older air conditioner is less than a few hundred dollars, we recommend replacing it rather than wasting money on ongoing maintenance.

Younger AC systems (under eight years old) should be repaired, while older ones should be replaced totally. Of course, if your air conditioning system is in good working order and requires minor repairs, we don’t believe you should replace it.

Impact Of Fail To Service

Have you liked to save $100? great, now your air conditioning will go down while everyone is at your house for Christmas or thanksgiving.

In The realm of home inspectors, this occurs all the time. What happens if we examine and document that the AC unit has to be serviced but isn’t completed? The air conditioner has stopped functioning!

So, not only will you have to pay for an AC technician to come out on thanksgiving and suffer through the heat, but you will also be charged extra since it is a holiday.

However, there is another consequence.

Your air conditioner’s lifespan will be shortened if not serviced regularly. IIn the end, you’ll have to spend $4,000 or more sooner rather than waiting 2-5 years if the unit was maintained correctly.

Conclusion 

Knowing how long your central air conditioner will endure is critical whether you reside in Florida now or intend to relocate there soon. 

Keep a lookout for symptoms of aging, damage, and general efficiency issues when replacing an air conditioner since it may be time for a new unit. Replacement of a central air conditioning unit can cost anywhere from $4,000 to well over $8,000, so this isn’t a cheap undertaking. 

Regardless, get your air conditioner tested regularly, and don’t hesitate to contact an HVAC specialist if you detect any problems. With all this, I hope you have the answer to “How long do air conditioners last in Florida?”

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