Air Conditioner Have an Expiration Date? Here’s When You Should Consider Replacing Your AC

The heat is increasing and in such a situation, air conditioner (AC) is the only option to cool the house. However, consumers often do not know that AC has a limited efficiency and there comes a time when it needs to be replaced.

When should you replace your AC?

Although technically an AC does not have an "expiration date", its efficiency starts to decline over time. An AC that initially provides great cooling can become sluggish, noisy, and require frequent repairs after a few years.

With proper maintenance, a split or window type AC can run smoothly for 10 to 15 years. However, after 8-10 years, its cooling capacity gradually decreases. The reasons behind this are old compressor, gas leakage or damage to the fan motor. Apart from this, older models run on R22 (Freon) gas, which has now been phased out for environmental reasons. Newer technologies use environmentally friendly gases like R32 or R410A.

If, in addition to annual AC servicing, you have to do a lot of repairs, have to refill gas frequently, or if it is difficult to get spare parts, then it is more beneficial to replace such an AC.