Economic Life of a Central Air Conditioner

Initial Costs

• The initial cost of a central air conditioner starts at around $3,000 at the time of publication. Some larger homes may require more than one unit. Installation of the unit is complex and requires the services of a trained technician. Rates for installation vary widely depending on the contractor.

Precautions

• Some central air conditioners are doomed to early failure because of poor selection and installation, according to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). Some homeowners, perhaps purchasing based on price, may select units that are too small for the home. That could cause the unit to fail because of excessive use as it struggles to cool the living quarters. Purchasing a unit that is too large is also an issue. Oversized units may fail sooner than normal because the system may keep switching on and off to regulate temperatures. The DOE reports that poor equipment selection and installation can increase operating costs by more than 25 percent each year.

Tune-ups

• Regular maintenance each spring by a technician extends the life of the central air conditioner. Costs vary, but the service usually costs around $100 at the time of publication. During the service call, the technician should lubricate all moving parts in the central air conditioner, check the operation of the thermostat and tighten all electrical connections. The technician should also clean parts of the unit and check the refrigerant. Operating the central air conditioner with improper levels of refrigerant can cause early failure.

Self-maintenance

• Although the regular checkup should be made by a technician, it is possible for you to change or clean the air filter each month. It’s a simple procedure that a technician can explain during a service call. Dirty filters reduce the lifespan of the central air conditioner and can make the system more expensive to operate overall.

Replacement

• The initial cost and yearly maintenance are the only expenses for the central air conditioner itself. Utility bills are a separate cost and vary depending on the size of the home and the climate.