Answered: 4 FAQS about Aircon Lifespan
Aircons (AC) are considered as wise investments, especially if you live in a tropical country like Singapore. Installing an aircon has many perks, including keeping your house cool throughout the day.
So if your unit has been in use for several years now, you need to know how to make it last longer. Luckily, we laid out the answers to common questions about aircon lifespan for you!
How long is the normal lifespan of an aircon?
Generally, aircons can last for 10 to 20 years. They are typically considered as durable goods, which means that their usable life is long.
Further, older aircons can only last for 10 to 12 years. Meanwhile, newer aircon models can last for 15 to 20 years.
However, you should keep in mind that the total lifespan of your aircon will still depend on various factors such as your usage, the weather, and maintenance.
What are the ways to know the age of your aircon?
By knowing the age of your AC, you’ll be able to determine whether its system is outdated or not. Technically, older aircons are more prone to system failure and frequent breakdowns.
Often, people forget the actual date they purchased their aircon. But just in case you need to know the age of your unit, you can easily get a hint by looking at its serial number.
The serial number contains the manufacturing date and can be found at the rating label on the body of the aircon. On most units, you can see it on a metal template that contains the system’s technical specs.
For split type models, the serial number can be found on either the indoor or outdoor unit. For window-type aircons, it’s located on the side of the unit.
If you’re still having a difficult time identifying the unit’s serial number, you can contact the manufacturer’s customer support hotline to help you determine the aircon’s age.
How can you extend your aircon’s life?
Basically, maintaining your aircon is the most effective way to keep it in its best condition.
As a matter of fact, you can actually stretch the life of your aircon up to 20 years (compared to the usual 10 years) if it’s properly maintained and serviced.
To give you an idea, the table below shows how you can maintain your aircon and how frequent it should be:
For landlords, experts advise that you should maintain your system 3 to 4 times a year, especially if it’s causing disturbance to your tenants.
You can do this by hiring professional aircon servicing to ensure quality work. At the same time, they can check the condition of your unit and troubleshoot any problem right away.
What are the signs you need to change your aircon?
Just like any other electrical appliance at your home, an aircon has a limited lifespan too. By being exposed to extreme temperatures throughout the year, expect its life expectancy to shorten.
You should also keep in mind that the older an aircon gets, the more outdated its mechanical parts become over time. If it doesn’t have the latest thermostat installed, that could lessen the cooling performance of the unit.
To help you out, here are some major signs that you need to change your aircon:
- Emits strange emission like heat and moisture
- Unbearable sound coming from the unit
- Increase in dust and dirt
- Inconsistent cooling temperature
- Unusual rise of indoor humidity
- Frequently breaks down during usage
- Energy bills alarmingly escalate
If your aircon gets repaired regularly and still has recurring issues, then you can also take that as a sign that your aircon needs replacement.
Simply put, if you’re usually spending almost a hundred dollars to get your unit fixed, it might be wise to buy a new aircon instead.