[Parker]

How long do the air conditioners put in by The Villages builders on new homes tend to last? Ours is eight years old and doing fine, but I'm wondering when I might expect to have to replace it. Would like to hear from others out there about what you've learned or experienced. Thanks!

[Villages PL]

Originally Posted by Parker

How long do the air conditioners put in by The Villages builders on new homes tend to last? Ours is eight years old and doing fine, but I'm wondering when I might expect to have to replace it. Would like to hear from others out there about what you've learned or experienced. Thanks!

I assume you've had some experience with refrigerators. IMO, it's about the same with air conditioners. Some will break down and some seem to run and run forever with no problems. The first home I lived in in TV was a resale. The air conditioner was already several years old when I bought the place. I lived there for 5 years and never spent a penny on it, except for filters. I never called for yearly servicing. It was care free.

I bought my second home when it was less than one year old. It ran for 8 years with no yearly servicing. At that point I noticed a vibration in the outside unit so I called for servicing. The total bill was $450. But it's like new again and includes a new digital thermostat. The old thermostat was a spring type and not performing very well.

If I had called for yearly servicing, that alone would have cost me about $750.

[jebartle]

a friend had hers for 19 years, it was still running, but they replaced because they knew it was a matter of time....got same A/C (Trane) cost $4200 from Eric Sword Heating and A/C 352-702-3650

[billethkid]

anytime after 13 years it is the luck of the draw. I changed out one at our lake home at 14 years....just because I did not want to deal with any surprises when we got there.

And of course the new units are much more efficient.

My unit here is now 10 years old and I will replace it at the 13 year point as well.

Just a matter of choice and peace of mind.

btk

[patfla06]

We have 2 units here in Tampa - one lasted 9 years and the other
11. They work really hard in this climate!

[Bonnevie]

my house was built in 1973 in St. Pete, Fl. Until 2002 it had the original ac unit--a Chrysler Airtemp. Worked fine until 2002 until a fan broke so I replaced it. It's amazing how things have such short lifespans these days. I had it serviced each year but never had to do anything to it. My Trane has had to have capacitors changed and some other thing and of course, always went our on the weekend.

[REDCART]

Originally Posted by Parker

How long do the air conditioners put in by The Villages builders on new homes tend to last? Ours is eight years old and doing fine, but I'm wondering when I might expect to have to replace it. Would like to hear from others out there about what you've learned or experienced. Thanks!

Our Sun Kool tech estimated average life for AC's in central FL at 12 years. That's probably why they don't write extended warranties beyond 10 years. Older AC units that used copper instead of paper thin aluminum tubing probably lasted longer IMHO. We had older Chrysler Airtemp window units that lasted 25 years. I doubt they sell anything today that could come even close. What also doesn't help in TV is the fact that the AC units meet the minimum cooling requirements. Sun Kool said they would be installing a 3.5 ton unit rather than the original 3 ton when it's time to replace it.

[asianthree]

three years old yearly visit and there is a problem with the unit...have extended...repair would have been more $$ than the warranty

[zcaveman]

Mine lasted twelve years. I run the A/C most of the year and the heat when it gets cold.

I had the extended warranty and was able to get some services done under the warranty.

I like the warranty for peace of mind. It is not that expensive.

Z

[downeaster]

Originally Posted by zcaveman

Mine lasted twelve years. I run the A/C most of the year and the heat when it gets cold.

I had the extended warranty and was able to get some services done under the warranty.

I like the warranty for peace of mind. It is not that expensive.

Z

I agree. There is more to a warranty than getting one's $ worth.

[Topspinmo]

Compressors usually last about 11 years for heat pumps units and more for non-heat pump units due to the compressor is only used during the hot months. ON mew units most compressors are factory warranted for 10 years (they know exactly how long they will last). Compressor it's self not that expensive, but 99% of people have no clue how to change them so the mark up is 3 fold... Just like your refrigerator the compressor is the heart of the system and we all know heart transplants cost big bucks... usually 1/3 of new system or 1/2 of the outside unit replacement...

[Warren Kiefer]

Originally Posted by Parker

How long do the air conditioners put in by The Villages builders on new homes tend to last? Ours is eight years old and doing fine, but I'm wondering when I might expect to have to replace it. Would like to hear from others out there about what you've learned or experienced. Thanks!

Heat pump/airconditioner combinations have a life expectancy of around 10 years. I have lived in the Villages for 16 years and three months ago I had my third AC installed. Someone said in an earlier post that compressors are usually the problem, this is true but his statement that compressors aren"t expensive is not exactly true. My last one cost $1200.

[Warren Kiefer]

Originally Posted by Rc Moser

Compressors usually last about 11 years for heat pumps units and more for non-heat pump units due to the compressor is only used during the hot months. ON mew units most compressors are factory warranted for 10 years (they know exactly how long they will last). Compressor it's self not that expensive, but 99% of people have no clue how to change them so the mark up is 3 fold... Just like your refrigerator the compressor is the heart of the system and we all know heart transplants cost big bucks... usually 1/3 of new system or 1/2 of the outside unit replacement...

Replacing a compressor is not for the novice. Many specalized tools are required. First, the exiting freon must be captured, the old compressor removed, the new one installed and the old freon in addition to some new freon installed. If you have one of the older models, having to add freon can cost up up $500 per pound.

[Parker]

Yikes! Sounds like we should start thinking about what to buy when ours finally dies. Anyone have recommendations as to good reliable brands?

[Ron1Z]

R-22 here in Delaware is $350.00 for a 30lb tank. Not sure what the mark is in Florida. But if my unit went bad I would chage the whole system over to R410.