If you live in a warm climate, you probably live your life thankful for a central air conditioner. Since you do heavily rely on it for comfort, you may begin to think about the system's longevity. Do you live in Florida and don't know whether it's time to repair/upgrade your central air conditioner system? We have done plenty of research to find you the answer.
You can expect a central air conditioner to last between 10 and 15 years if you live in Florida. Of course, this timeline will depend on how well you maintain your air conditioner and whether it is made well. Overall, you can expect it to last you around a decade.
As we begin, we will cover all things air conditioners and discuss how to keep them running smoothly. Whether you live in Florida currently or want to move there, knowing how to take care of your central A/C unit is essential. With that said, let's dive right into this topic!
What Is The Average Lifespan Of A Central Air Conditioning System?
Typically, a central air conditioning system will last you between 10 and 20 years. Of course, this will depend on how often you use your system and what the weather is like where you live, so lifespans vary.
Especially for hotter, more humid places like Florida, a central air conditioning system won't usually last you more than 10 or 15 years. That said, with regular maintenance, you might get to see your AC system make it past 15 years, so upkeep is important.
How Often Should I Replace My Central AC System?
In general, you want to replace your central air conditioning system once it starts developing serious problems, usually around the ten-year mark. Like we said, every AC system ages differently, so this might not be necessary for your unit, but it's good to have a game plan.
According to Four Seasons Heating & Cooling, the four main signs you should look out for when deciding whether to replace your AC system are:
- A central air conditioning system over ten years old
- Frequent problems or breakdowns with your AC unit
- Increased energy bills related to your air conditioning system
- An air conditioning unit that uses R-22 Freon, which the EPA is phasing out of use
Of course, these are just some of the main signs that you should replace your central air conditioning system, so we recommend contacting a professional if you have any further concerns/questions.
How Long Should An Air Conditioner Last In Florida?
Most times, an air conditioning system will last you around ten years if you live in Florida. That said, it is possible to have your AC unit make it to 15 years old, but this isn't common.
According to Cousins Air, air conditioning units in hot, wet coastal areas like Florida tend to last five to seven years fewer than in other regions due to humidity, usage, salt, and other natural chemicals in the air. So, even a well-built central air conditioning system isn't immune to nature taking its course.
How Much Does It Cost To Replace A Central Air Conditioning Unit In Florida?
Price-wise, you can expect to pay anywhere from $4,000 to well over $8,000 to replace a central AC unit in Florida. Generally, replacing your air conditioner will cost you around $5,500, although this depends on your home's size and where you live.
According to Air Pros USA, replacing a central air conditioning unit in Boca Raton should cost you between $3,500 and $7,000, but again, this depends on the job's complexity.
How Do You Know When Your Central Air Conditioner Needs To Be Replaced?
Like we covered earlier, there are plenty of signs that will tell you that it's time for a new AC system. Most importantly, you want to make sure that your central air conditioning unit isn't older than 10-15 years because this could be why your energy bill is through the roof.
Another easy way to decide if you should replace your air conditioning system is if it has frequent issues, which might be costing you more than it's worth. Regardless, it's always a good idea to have a professional inspect your AC system every few months to ensure everything is in good working order.
Is It Worth Fixing An Old Air Conditioner?
When it comes to being worth it, fixing an old air conditioner doesn't usually do much help. Unless the cost to repair your older AC is less than a few hundred dollars, we would recommend looking into replacing it rather than wasting your money on constant upkeep.
EnergyStar recommends repairing younger AC systems under eight years old, while older units are better off being replaced entirely. Of course, if your air conditioning system is in good shape and only needs a minor repair here and there, we don't think you need to replace it.
What Is The Most Reliable Central Air Conditioning Unit?
For those in the air conditioner market, there are plenty of great brands to choose from. According to a list done by Family Handyman, Goodman, Lennox, and Trane, central AC systems come out on top.
Goodman is the most well-known of the three brands, although Lennox and Trane air conditioners are also known for reliability and durability. Price-wise, these brands all range from $1,500 to $4,000 for a central AC system, with Trane's units costing the most on average.
Goodman 2 Ton Multi Speed Central Air Conditioner System
This multi-speed air conditioner system is corded electric, copper material, comes with an ARUF series air handler, and has a ten-year parts warranty.
Follow this link to view it on Amazon.
How Long Does A Goodman Air Conditioner Last?
Generally, you can expect a Goodman air conditioner to last you around 15 years. With that said, Goodman HVAC systems will usually need a new compressor and coil once they hit ten years old, so that is something to consider.
Especially for anyone living in Florida, you want to purchase a durable air conditioning system that can take a beating like Goodman, so you don't have to replace it every five or six years.
Can I Replace My Central Air Unit Myself?
When it comes to replacing your central air unit yourself, this depends on how well you know your stuff. Generally, we wouldn't recommend doing any HVAC replacements unless you are a professional because doing this can be unsafe for you and your new system.
On top of that, installing an air conditioning unit on your own often voids its warranty, which you don't want to mess with. So unless you are a trained professional or have a friend with you who is, we wouldn't recommend a DIY air conditioner install.
Do You Need A Permit To Replace An Air Conditioner?
Permit-wise, you will usually need to obtain a permit before doing any air conditioner replacements. According to Florida Statute Chapter 489, all licensed HVAC professionals must obtain a permit before replacing, installing, or removing an air conditioning unit.
Most times, your AC installer will already know this, but it's always a good idea to double-check with them beforehand.
Are Older Air Conditioners Dangerous?
Generally, having an older air conditioning unit won't cause you serious harm, but it can lead to health issues long-term. Older AC units are known to escalate chronic illnesses like neuritis, arthritis, bronchitis, asthma, and high blood pressure, which in some cases can be deadly.
That said, if you maintain your air conditioner well and don't notice any rusting or broken parts, you shouldn't need to be concerned. As we mentioned earlier, regular inspections by an HVAC professional are a good way to ensure your AC is working correctly and not causing you any harm.
Do Older AC Units Use More Power?
On top of not always being safe, older air conditioning units also use more energy than younger, healthier systems. Typically, as an air conditioner ages, it becomes less energy efficient, which is not good for your electric bill.
Older AC units also tend to have a more challenging time cooling down homes, making for uncomfortable summers.
To Wrap It Up
Whether you currently live in Florida or plan to move there soon, knowing how long your central air conditioner will last is essential. You can expect your AC system to last between ten and 15 years in Florida, depending on how well you maintain it.
When replacing an air conditioner, keep an eye out for signs of aging, damage, and overall efficiency problems because it might be time for a new AC unit. Price-wise, you can expect to pay anywhere from $4,000 to well over $8,000 to replace a central air conditioning unit, so this isn't a cheap project. Regardless, make sure to have your air conditioner inspected regularly, and don't be afraid to contact an HVAC professional if you notice issues with your AC unit.
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