How Long Should an Air Conditioner Last in Ann Arbor, MI?

In short, a typical air conditioning system in the United States lasts 10 to 15 years. That said, plenty of factors exist that can cause that AC lifespan to be longer or shorter than average, with one of those factors being the state in which you live.

If you’re asking this question because you’re having trouble with your cooling system and need HVAC maintenance in Ann Arbor, MI now, reach out to the experienced professionals at Trusted Heating & Cooling Solutions. You can contact us online or call (810) 355-1669. We’ll provide you with a prompt response and sweet relief.

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Issues With an Impact on an AC System’s Lifespan

Here are five common factors to consider when estimating the lifespan of your cooling system. 

1. Maintaining Your AC System Well?

Regular maintenance plays a key role in keeping your cooling system working well. Plus, this habit can provide peace of mind, as consistent tune-ups help prevent breakdowns and let you keep enjoying cool comfort. 

Our technicians in Washtenaw County recognize the importance of proactive, comprehensive maintenance for your cooling system and provide quality service. 

Benefits of steady AC maintenance include how you can:

• Improve the energy efficiency of your equipment
• Maximize the overall efficiency of AC operations
• Maintain consistent performance for true comfort
• Keep system warranties valid

Plus, regular HVAC maintenance in Ann Arbor, MI can help extend the lifespan of your system. Here’s another benefit. When your cooling system is regularly maintained, small problems can be caught before they can turn into bigger, more expensive ones. Fortunately, if you need some fixes, Trusted is also the expert company for AC repairs in Ann Arbor.

As a bonus, when you choose Trusted for your air conditioning services, we’ll donate a portion of your service to your choice of local charities through our Trusted Cares program, making it a win/win/win.

2. Factoring in Your Michigan Climate?

Although you might think of the South as the region with cooling systems working overtime, Michigan has its own weather-related factors. 

For example:

• Humidity can wear down your heating and cooling equipment more quickly because of the water vapor in the air. Ann Arbor averages a seventy percent humidity rate. 
• Because the city is located along the Huron River, that means more moisture in the air, which can affect the lifespan of your AC in Ann Arbor, MI.
• Michigan also has more dramatic temperature swings, including some that happen quickly. These swings can take a toll on your HVAC equipment over time. 
• As sticks, dry leaves, cottonwood fluff, debris, and more collect around the outside unit of your home’s cooling system, the system works harder and may wear out more quickly. 
• If your home is near a construction site in Ann Arbor, dust and debris from the building could affect your cooling system.

3. Considering Your Usage Patterns?

All other factors being equal, using your system more heavily may shorten your equipment’s lifespan. To mitigate this factor as much as possible, keep up with your AC maintenance, including:

• Change your air filters in between professional tune-up appointments according to manufacturer specifications
• Change your air filters more frequently if long-haired cats and/or big friendly dogs are part of your family
• Keep the area around your outside unit free of debris

4. Taking Installation Quality Into Account?

Your cooling equipment may have been installed before you lived in your home. So, you may not have enough information about how well it was installed. This can be another factor in your unit’s lifespan.

5. Reviewing Any Home Additions?

These can be ones you’ve undertaken yourself or ones that previous owners handled. If the HVAC system wasn’t addressed when the addition occurred, it may be too small to cool your home. This means the equipment will need to work harder, and an earlier breakdown is a real possibility.

Signs of Problems With Your Cooling System

The following are six broad signs and symptoms that signal something isn’t right with your air conditioning equipment.

1. Issues With Cooling Your Home

At the extreme end of the spectrum, sometimes your AC system just stops working. More typically, you’ll first notice weak airflow, warm air blowing, and/or uneven cooling in rooms of your Michigan home before the system actually breaks down.

2. Strange Sounds or Smells Start

Your system should run fairly quietly with a soft hum and no noticeable bad odors. Concerning sounds include hissing, extra clicking, banging, and/or grinding. You may also detect musty, overly sweet, or burning scents.

3. Water Where It Shouldn’t Be

If you spot water around your indoor AC equipment beyond minor condensation, pay attention. Also look for pools of water and signs of mold. Both inside and outside, you may notice frost or ice on the components. 

4. Short Cycling With Your AC System

Excessive on-and-off cycling is called short cycling. The more this happens, the harder your system works, which can shorten its lifespan.

5. Your Energy Bills Increase

If this increase can’t be explained by a bump in your utility rates or higher-than-average usage of the equipment, then problems with your home’s heating and cooling system are the next likely culprit.

6. Your HVAC System is at Least Ten Years Old

If you’re having problems with your air conditioning and your system is a decade old (or older), it’s more likely your AC lifespan in Ann Arbor, MI is nearing its end. Even the best systems have components that wear down over time.

Energy-Efficient AC Replacement in Ann Arbor, MI

With a new AC unit installed, you can benefit in multiple ways, including:

• Greater comfort with more consistent temperatures
• Smoother operation and quieter performance
• Improved energy efficiency and reduced energy bills
• Enhanced humidity control
• Peace of mind

The Trusted team provides clear information to help you make the right choice for your situation.

Contact Trusted for All Your Air Conditioning Needs

When you’re concerned about your AC lifespan in Ann Arbor, MI, reach out to Trusted online or call our experts at (810) 355-1669. Whether you need maintenance, repair, or AC replacement in Ann Arbor, MI, our fully insured and licensed HVAC contractor team has the experience and local expertise to provide you with the optimal solution. 

Trusted Heating & Cooling Solutions also provides strong labor and equipment warranties and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Let’s talk!

Call Now (810) 355-1669