Some air conditioners seem to go on forever, but they do retire eventually. Window air conditioners are an affordable way to cool your home and are ideal for smaller spaces, such as apartments. Although they do not require a large upfront expense, homeowners still want to make sure they get the most out of the air conditioner they buy. Most window air conditioners have similar service lives, but their longevity depends on use, maintenance and proper storage. Average Lifespan Most window air conditioners have a service life of about 10 years, but this can vary depending on how often the unit is used and whether or not it is properly maintained. Air conditioners that are only used for a couple of months each year typically have a longer service life than those used several months each year. Most manufacturers include a warranty with their window air conditioners which indicates the expected life of the units. Some offer a 5 year warranty on all parts, while others offer longer warranties.

A Dirty Unit Dies Young Regular maintenance of your window air conditioner ensures it runs efficiently and can prolong its service life. Dirty filters prevent proper air flow, which means your air conditioner has to work harder to provide cool air to your home. And if the air flow is blocked, the air that bypasses the filter may bring dirt into the evaporator coil, which reduces its ability to absorb heat. Window air conditioners typically have a filter inside the grill. Some filters are reusable, but others must be replaced. Check your window air conditioner manual to determine the type of filter yours uses. The evaporator and condenser coils can also collect dirt over time, so clean these every year and clean the drain tubes as well. Many window air conditioners have a drain pan where a tube carries condensation from the unit. If this tube is plugged, your air conditioner won’t run as efficiently, and this can shorten its service life. Run a stiff wire through the drain tubes to clear buildup and scale.

Location and Sizing Can Extend Life Window air conditioner life can be prolonged if the window it’s installed in is out of direct sunlight. A north wall or a wall that is shaded is usually ideal because heating of the air conditioner from the sun is minimized in these locations. Before you install, check the heating and cooling capacity for your air conditioner. If it is too small, it won’t be able to handle the cooling load during hot spells. Most air conditioner manufacturers include capacity on the label. The required capacity for the room depends on the size of the room. Window air conditioners range in capacity from 5,500 Btu (British thermal units) per hour to 14,000 Btu per hour. Your unit may be sized by “ton,” which is 12,000 Btu per hour. Typically a window air conditioner needs 20 Btu for every square foot of space. Proper Storage If window air conditioners are not stored properly when not in use, they may become damaged or dirty, and this can limit the service life.

Remove your air conditioner when it’s no longer in use and place it in a dry location. Cover the air conditioner to prevent dust and debris from falling inside and keep it in a location where it will not be kicked or bumped. Do not store a window air conditioner on a high shelf where it might fall. References Natural Resources Canada: Room Air ConditionersSunland Home Inspection: Component Life Expectancy and Component Replacement CostsU.S. Department of Energy: Maintaining Your Air ConditionerThis Old House: How Long Stuff LastsU.S. outdoor ac unit not coming onDepartment of Energy: Room Air Conditioners Photo Credits Thinkstock/Comstock/Getty Images Suggest a Correctionhow to install ac package unit Replace your old window air conditioner and save money.how much can i get for my old ac unit

Get a $25 rebate from Austin Energy to buy a new ENERGY STAR®-qualified window air conditioner. ENERGY STAR window air conditioners use up to 15% less energy than conventional models. Timers on the unit let you adjust temperature settings for comfort and savings. As part of Austin Energy’s Appliance Efficiency Program (AEP), buy an ENERGY STAR-qualified window air conditioner and receive a $25 rebate from Austin Energy. Be sure you choose the right size based on the cooling area square footage. For example, a unit that is too large for your room will make your air conditioned space damp and uncomfortable. The benefits of getting a right-sized unit include: Getting the best value Enjoying optimal operation cost Window Air Conditioner Sizing Chart Other Energy Efficiency Incentives We also offer rebates for the following AEP incentives that will improve energy efficiency in your home: Ground Source Heat Pumps Heat Pump Water Heaters

If your home is 10 years or older, consider whole home energy efficiency improvements through Home Performance with ENERGY STAR®. Our Registered Contractors will perform an energy analysis to determine potential energy-saving improvements to your home. Austin Energy provides a $25 rebate on an ENERGY STAR-qualified window air conditioner. You must receive electricity from Austin Energy. You must purchase a qualifying ENERGY STAR window air conditioning unit. You must submit your application within 60 days of installation. Buy a Qualified Window Air Conditioner Buy a new ENERGY STAR window air conditioning unit. ENERGY STAR has a list of qualified window air conditioners. Apply for Your Rebate Online All rebate applications are online. You must submit your rebate application within 60 days of purchase. The following information is required for your online rebate application: Active Austin Energy Customer Account Number Tax Assessor Property ID

Sq ft of area to be cooled Tips for Applying Online Before you submit the application, you will need to have all required information on hand. You will need to complete and submit the application in a single session. You cannot save your information and start again later. Active sessions time out after one hour of inactivity. If your application requires supporting documentation, such as invoices or sales receipts, you will need to scan or photograph these documents and upload into the application system. The system will accept any of the following file formats: Adobe Acrobat PDF (.pdf) Microsoft Word Document (.doc or .docx) Check your rebate status using the confirmation (enrollment) number you receive after the application submission. You will also need your City of Austin utility account number. Check your rebate status online. Email Austin Energy Customer Energy Solutions or call 512-482-5346. Call Austin Energy Customer Energy Solutions at 512-482-5346 if you have questions or need help.