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If you’re looking for the best air conditioner, you’re probably expecting excellent quality. However, even the mightiest machines can fail. The best thing you can do is prepare by learning more about your AC. So, how long should an air conditioner compressor last?
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
The AC compressor generally lasts as long as the AC unit does. On average, you shouldn’t have to deal with a dead compressor for 8-10 years. However, this is dependent on a few factors.
There are a few signs that indicate a faulty AC compressor:
Knowing how to fix an air conditioner can save you a lot of money when it comes to repairing air conditioning systems. But you should be aware of a couple of things that can severely impact the average lifespan of your AC compressor.
Insider Tip
Routine service for your air conditioner will keep it in tip-top condition for far longer.
You should be performing routine maintenance on air conditioning systems as directed by the manufacturer. If you’re not, this will shorten your compressor’s lifespan. Preventative maintenance will help ensure that you don’t have to deal with problems like electrical issues, high energy consumption, leaking refrigerant lines, and more.
As such, knowing how often to service your air conditioner is non-negotiable.
A key component of keeping your air conditioning compressor in working order is ensuring that you aren’t overworking your AC. Your air conditioning compressor can fail earlier than usual if you try to cool a space with a unit that’s too small for the job.
Always install a correctly sized air conditioning unit into your living spaces to avoid this.
Warning
Keep an eye out for telltale signs of damage, such as leaking liquid refrigerant.
We have a great article covering how to fix an air conditioner compressor. However, it’s usually better to just replace the air conditioning unit altogether. Typically, compressor repair just isn’t worth it when you look at the cost versus just purchasing a new unit.
Of course, you can do several things to extend the average life expectancy of your AC and avoid compressor failure. For example, learning about basics is a great place to start, such as how long does an air conditioner need to de-ice.
STAT: Over the past decade, the mean annual household expenditure on window air conditioners by homeowners in the United States has remained relatively low, between 3 and 5 U.S. dollars. (source)
You can use several methods to offset cooling costs and lower your energy bills. Try a few of these methods for keeping energy bills low:
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