Lifetime of a.....air conditioner?

[NeighbrGrlsPets]

Odd topic, yes I know. I've seen a few people now saying that their air conditioners have went out. So thought that this might make some people think about the summer months that are here (and to come).

In your opinion how long will an air conditioners lifespan be?

I'm talking about air conditioners that are purchased new, installed correctly, cleaned regularly, adequate size for the room, and used for a 8-12 hours a day, about 7 days a week (4 months outta the year) - which is I think the standard usage in most areas.

I know that where people live, the temperatures will vary, so it would be nice if you give us all a short description of temps/usage/what not.

And how much do you think one should have on hand to replace an A/C?

[bear]

well it's been a scorcher in chicago, so the window a/c has been running pretty much 24/7 except for a few cool nights.

i have an extra a/c already (it came with the apartment) but will definitely pick up another if i move... the stores sell out in a hurry at the first sign of a hot day!

[Spoof]

Depends on the quality of the a/c. We had a really expensive one (no choice, it was the only one left) - $250 for a 200sq ft coverage - but it was digital had timers.. etc. It lasted 4 years at 5mo/year ~24/7 and was still going strong when my friend left it at their old place.

Many of the old giant systems around here are 10-15 years old and still going strong.

Some of the new el cheapos I've heard barely make it through the year, so it really depends. Look at the warranty, if they guarantee five years, I would be satisfied. If they only guarantee two I would keep looking.

[JBBinTex]

I guess I have been lucky...knock on wood. The one in our bedroom I have owned for seven years. It just went out last week. It has been moved three times. I did have to take it apart two years ago as it stopped blowing. The hubby almost had a heart attack. The little compressor thingie (technical term) says do not take apart. Kind of sounded like a challenge. Plus, this is Texas and I was hot as **** (middle of July). Stripped some wires and tada...air. The one in the living room is the same age and is still running great...yet another knock on wood. I really wouldn't expect a cheepo brand to last to long though. You get what pay for in my opinion. Keep in mind we have to run them all the time here in Texas.

[cuddlycuddles]

As already said, it really depends on the quality of a given AC (like any other equipment). If cleaned regularly and serviced once a year, they can last longer than 5 years.

Cheers,

[Chewy]

My husband is an HVAC business owner and he says they should last 15 years *some last a little longer* if serviced and cleaned as they should be. As far as how much money one should have on hand really depends on the unit you're purchasing and the business you're buying it from. Just make sure you have a good chunk of change b/c you never know how much the contractors will charge to install it and if it goes out after hours it's usually much more expensive!

As already said, it really depends on the quality of a given AC (like any other equipment). If cleaned regularly and serviced once a year, they can last longer than 5 years.

Are you talking about a window unit? I was just wondering b/c you said they can last longer than 5 years. Condensing units as well as window units will last about 15 years. I can't imagine spending that kind of money every 5 years!!! :laugh:

[heidi55529]

I have a portable Maytag AC unit that I use in the chinnie room, and the other day I thought it died on me. It wouldn't turn on and just kept flashing a red exclamation mark. Luckily I have a back up unit, but i don't like to use it cause it's a lot bigger and heavier. I was pretty upset, considering I spent around 500 bucks on the unit alone and only had it for a little over a year. Well, I dragged it outside today and gave it a good cleaning to see if that was the problem and it still didn't work. And then duh!! I felt so stupid, all I needed to do was drain the water from it because it was full. LOL, boy did I feel stupid.

[ForCHINate Chins]

I bought a big one used (probably 8 or 10 year old when I bought it, but it really good)about 6 years ago and have ran it 24/7 every summer since and have never had a problem with it. I have 2 back ups just in case (this one cools the whole 1st floor of my house with no problem, so it would take 2 to replace it!! after all this is said I knock on wood!!!!!!!