How Long Should an Air Conditioner Compressor Last?

If your air conditioner is making it difficult to keep cool, call Fast Air Repair at 352-290-7968.

How long should an air conditioner compressor last? That depends on a few things. This post reviews what contributes to compressor damage, how to extend the life of your unit, and when to call a professional. 

Fast Air Repair is the place to call for the most reliable AC maintenance in Ocala, FL. We offer a free quote and 24-hour emergency HVAC service.

The Lifespan of an Air Conditioner Compressor

Many factors contribute to the lifespan of your air compressor. Typically, an air conditioner compressor lasts about ten years. Since an air conditioning unit will last much longer, it is not unusual to replace the compressor before you need to replace the whole unit. 

Even though an air conditioner compressor can last up to ten years, a few things can shorten the life of the compressor and the unit itself. 

Inappropriate Size

The size of your space determines what size air conditioner you need. If you install an air conditioner that is either too large or too small, you will quickly face repair costs. 

If a unit is too large, it will short-cycle. During that process, your air conditioner turns on, cools the space, and turns off. When the space it needs to cool is small, the short-cycling process continues repeatedly, day and night. 

Short cycling puts added strain on the air conditioner, causing it to wear out faster than it should.

If a unit is too small, it has to work overtime to cool the space. Running constantly wears out a small air conditioner quickly.

When your home has the correct size air conditioner, it works optimally. It can cool your space efficiently and without putting strain on the unit, avoiding premature compressor replacement.

Underusing Your Unit

You already know that overusing your air conditioner can cause it to wear quickly. Not using it enough can cause damage as well. 

You may think you’re saving some money by turning off your air conditioner unless you absolutely need to use it. That may be true, but you could end up with a repair bill.

Irregular use can damage your air compressor. When the unit sits unused for an extended amount of time, the parts can freeze and fail to work properly, shortening the life of the unit.

Low Coolant Level

Under normal circumstances, you don’t have to think about the coolant level within your air conditioning unit. Coolant cycles through the condenser unit, removing heat from the air and keeping you cool. 

However, a coolant leak may develop over time. If your air conditioner does not cool as well as it used to, take a look at the condenser coil. When the compressor does not have enough coolant at all times, it can quickly become damaged.

 If you see any dripping or signs of refrigerant leaks, call a professional. Only a professional HVAC technician should attempt coolant leak repair.

Lack of Maintenance

It’s easy to forget about air conditioner maintenance until you experience an interruption in function. When you avoid regular air conditioner maintenance, you run the risk of a small, fixable problem turning into a big, expensive problem. 

How long should an air conditioner compressor last? A professional can tell you. The best way to extend the life of your air compressor is by scheduling routine service by a professional HVAC technician. 

During the inspection, a professional will check for electrical problems, signs of wear, and parts that need replacement. The replacement cost of a faulty air compressor is far less than the cost of replacing your entire unit.

Extending the Life of Your Compressor

Fortunately, you can take a few steps to extend the life of your compressor and help it operate efficiently. An efficient air conditioning unit last longer and lowers your monthly energy bill, so it's worth trying the following steps.

Replace the Air Filter

Replacing the air filter is the easiest thing you can do for your air conditioning unit. Check the manual for how often the filter on your unit needs replacement. Some units require a clean filter every two weeks.

A clean filter helps air flow easily throughout the unit and into your home. Clean air means fewer allergens and increased air quality. If you experience seasonal allergies, try replacing the air filter to lessen the effects indoors.

Remove Debris

Check the condenser unit outside your home. It faces constant exposure to the elements, including rain and wind, which can cause debris to build up around the unit.

Leaves, trash, and other debris can prevent your unit from running optimally. Ensure the area is free from obstruction so the unit does not become strained.

Check Insulation

Your condenser unit is well-insulated to help it maintain your desired temperature. If your condenser unit is in a sunny area, harsh sun exposure can cause the insulation to break down over time. When this happens, your unit has to work harder to cool the air, resulting in a shortened lifespan.

When you perform a visual inspection of your unit, notice any insulation breakdown. If the insulation is not in optimal shape, call a professional HVAC technician to restore the insulation.

Clean the Coils

Look inside your air conditioning unit. Condenser coils are dust magnets. Without regular cleaning, dust, and dirt will build up on the coils, causing damage. 

Carefully wipe away the dust. Check the condenser coils twice per month to prevent dirt buildup. Clean coils use less energy to cool the air.

Air Conditioner Compressor Repair

How long should an air conditioner compressor last? With regular maintenance, it should last a lot longer than a neglected air compressor. Your home is an investment, and your air conditioner is an investment in keeping your home comfortable.

There are several key signs your AC needs repair. Now that you know how to identify the signs, you know when to call a professional. Call our Fast Air Repair team in Ocala, FL, at 352-290-7968 to schedule service.