Around the world, people depend on air conditioners to keep them cool in summer and warm during the winter. But how long does a window air conditioner last and what is the average lifespan of a window AC unit? These are great questions to ask and it’s important to know the answer, so you’re not caught without an AC.
Need to know how long will a window AC last? A good quality window air conditioner should last between 10-20 years. Most do come with a warranty, so if it stops working before the warranty expires, you’ll be able to get it repaired. If you need a new unit, go for the highly rated and durable FRIGIDAIRE Window-Mounted Compact Air Conditioner or the Whirlpool Energy Star Window-Mounted Air Conditioner.
How Long Does A Window AC Last
The window air conditioner life expectancy depends on the quality of the unit itself. Obviously, if you buy a cheap air conditioner from a cheap manufacturer, it probably won’t last as long as if you spend a bit more money to buy from a reputable seller.
Typically if you buy a good quality air conditioner, it should last between 10-20 years. Now that doesn’t mean it won’t break down during that time, in fact, it probably will. However, most of these units come with great warranties, to ensure you can get them fixed.
There are ways to reduce the likelihood of your air conditioner breaking down. Regularly removing the filter and cleaning it, increases the life of the air conditioner and its efficiency. It is also recommended to have the unit serviced by a professional, once a year.
These things help to increase the life of the air conditioner and reduce the possibility of it breaking down, though if this happens, it is generally fairly easy to have them repaired, especially if they’re still in warranty.
How To Know When There’s No Life Left In Your Window Air Conditioner And It’s Time To Get A New Unit
Before your air conditioner completely dies, there are signs to look for, that will tell you if it is on its way out. Here are some of the things to look out for:
1. The Age Of The Window Air Conditioner
If you’ve had the unit for more than 15-20 years, it is a good idea to replace it with a new one, otherwise, you’ll be spending money paying for a unit that isn’t properly cooling your home.
2. Your Energy Bill Is Increasing
Dying air conditioners will increase the amount you pay for your electric bill since they draw more power in order to cool as they age.
3. Your Window AC Unit Needs Frequent Repairs
If you’re looking for a new unit, take a look at these ones.
The best window air conditioning units on the market in 2024 are the FRIGIDAIRE Window-Mounted Compact Air Conditioner, the Whirlpool Energy Star Window-Mounted Air Conditioner, the GE Smart Window-Mounted Air Conditioner, and the KeystoneWindow Mounted Air Conditioner.
4. The Unit Is No Longer Dehumidyifing Your home
This is a big factor of an air conditioner reaching the end of its life. In addition to cooling your home, an AC is meant to dehumidify the air as well. So if your house is feeling more humid than it ordinarily does, this is an indication that the air conditioner is probably dying.
5. The Noise Level Is Increasing
One of the best indications of an AC dying is the increase in noise as it runs. This can be caused by loose parts or a build-up of dirt and debris. If either of these is the case, you need to have a professional take a look at your unit.
Average Lifespan Of Window AC FAQ
Do Window Ac Units Go Bad?
Yes, window air conditioners can go bad. This happens more often when they age, though faulty units can go bad quicker. Firstly you should know how long a window air conditioner will last, which is typically 10-20 years.
If your window AC is breaking down before 10 years, there could be a few reasons for this, some of which are, low refrigerant, frozen evaporator coils, dirty condenser coils, fan problems, leaking ducts, thermostat problems, and clogged drains.
All these problems are avoidable and can be avoided by having your air conditioner regularly serviced by a professional and of course regularly cleaning the AC filter. This is an important one as dirty filters will prevent the air conditioner from working properly.
If your air conditioner has broken down after 15-20 years, this is a sign to replace it with a new unit. To know if your window air conditioner is on the way out, pay attention to the signs it may be telling you.
If your energy bill is increasing, you’re having to regularly repair the unit or it stops dehumidifying your home, these are all great indicators that the unit is reaching the end of its life. If this is the case for your unit, it’s time to buy a new one.
The best window-mounted air conditioners currently on the market are the FRIGIDAIRE Window-Mounted Compact Air Conditioner, the Whirlpool Energy Star Window-Mounted Air Conditioner, the GE Smart Window-Mounted Air Conditioner, and the KeystoneWindow Mounted Air Conditioner.
Final Words About How Long Does A Window Air Conditioner Last
Window-mounted air conditioners are a great appliance to have at home and help keep you cool during summer and warm during winter.
But knowing how long does a window air conditioner last is sometimes not common knowledge.
The average lifespan of a window AC unit is 10-20 years, especially if they are regularly serviced and cleaned. However, if it is time to buy a new one, you can’t go wrong with the FRIGIDAIRE Window-Mounted Compact Air Conditioner or the Whirlpool Energy Star Window-Mounted Air Conditioner.