The air conditioner has become an essential part of our everyday lives. Especially in hot climates, we can physically feel a decrease in our quality of life when the AC performance starts to drop.
With performance issues, we start thinking of replacements. It is more common with frequent repairs.
Staying informed about your system’s lifespan helps you stay alert from sudden breakdowns and make informed decisions in case of emergencies. This guide will explore how long do ac units last, what are the signs of an AC that has expired its lifespan, and when you should replace or repair your air conditioning unit.
How Long Do AC Units Last? (General Lifespan)
A well-maintained air conditioner can typically last between 10 to 15 years.
This lifespan of AC varies from one air conditioner type to another.
For example, You can expect up to 20 years of use from a quality mini-split system with proper maintenance. On the other hand, a cheap portable AC that is not properly maintained can malfunction within 5 years.
Lifespan of Different Types of Air Conditioning Units
| Air Conditioner Type | Lifespan |
| Central Air Conditioners | 15-20 years |
| Window Units | 8-10 years |
| Ductless Mini-Split Systems | 15-20 years |
| Portable Air Conditioners | 5-10 years |
Factors Affecting Air Conditioner Lifespan
Besides the type, there are also many other variables that can significantly impact the air conditioner’s lifespan. They are:
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Usage Patterns
How frequently you use the AC has one of the highest impacts on how long your AC will last.
In hot climates like Dallas, the air conditioner has to run constantly. It causes faster wear out of the air conditioner. Moderate or seasonal uses cause low wear and thus longer lifespan.
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Maintenance
This is the second most crucial factor and the most significant one you can impact.
AC Maintenance includes regular cleaning, servicing, and timely repairs. Tune-ups in the maintenance checks make sure every part is functioning optimally. If every component is in good and healthy condition, the system can run for a longer duration.
Neglecting maintenance causes inefficient operation and a shorter lifespan.
Read Also: 4 Reasons to Get a Maintenance Plan for Your New HVAC System
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Climate
Outside air conditions put direct pressure on the AC.
Extreme weather conditions like high heat, and humidity require extra work to condition the air. Areas near the ocean has high salty sea air that can also speed up the corrosion of outdoor AC unit coils.
The excessive strain speeds up wear.
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Quality of Installation
Your AC’s performance can highly vary depending on how it was installed.
A properly installed AC has good energy efficiency and thus higher longevity. On the other hand, a poorly installed AC faces different issues like reduced airflow, refrigerant leaks, etc. that can shorten the lifespan.
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Brand and Model
Higher-quality units from reputed brands like Goodman, Carrier or Trane always tend to last longer. These units are built with more durable components and better engineering. So, the system can wear less, withstand more wear, and last longer.
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Size of the Unit
Although it is tied to the proper installation, a wrong-sized AC with good installation will still be inefficient.
An oversized AC wastes too much energy while frequently cycling on and off. An undersized AC struggles to maintain its cooling needs. In both cases, there is either energy wastage or overworking of the system.
Both cases cause inefficiencies and inefficiencies lead to faster damage and shorter lifespan of air conditioners.
Is Your Air Conditioner Nearing the End of Its Lifespan?
Being aware of the general lifespan is a good guideline for how long your AC should last. It is equally important to be aware of the signs that a near-breakdown air conditioner shows. If you’re dealing with a broken air conditioner or noticing frequent issues, it might be a sign that your unit is reaching the end of its lifespan.
Here are some signs your air conditioner is nearing the end of its lifespan:
- Frequent breakdowns and repairs
- Rising energy bills despite regular use
- Inconsistent cooling or uneven temperatures
- Strange noises or odors coming from the unit
- Age of the unit
When Should You Consider Replacing?
Purchasing a new air conditioning unit is a big investment but offers improved efficiency, comfort, and reliability. The builds are also more environmentally friendly with lower utility costs. However, the upfront cost is always an issue.
If the signs are showing for the near-end lifespan of an AC system, it is always a good time to consider the replacement.
On the other hand, it would always be cost-efficient to go for repairs of the old AC unit if:
- The problem is relatively minor
- The unit is relatively new
- AC is under warranty coverage
There’s a “$5,000 rule” in the HVAC industry that works as the benchmark for this debate.
The rule suggests that if multiplying the repair cost with the age yields a higher number than 5000, replacing is more beneficial in the long run.
Still, every scenario is different. Always consult with an HVAC professional about your issue to get clear and personalized info on your situation. He should provide you with the best solution for your specific case if you are confused.
How to Extend the Lifespan of Your Air Conditioner
Since a new air conditioner is a sizeable investment, we all look to optimize the performance and runtime of the air conditioner. The goal is to minimize wear and tear on the unit as much as possible. Regular AC troubleshooting can help identify and resolve minor issues before they escalate into major problems.
Here are some ways you can extend the life of an air conditioning unit:
- Regular Maintenance: Schedule professional tune-ups at least annually to keep your system in check.
- Clean or Replace Filters: Replace dirty filters so that they can’t cause strain from inefficient airflow.
- Keep Outdoor Unit Clean: A clean area around the outdoor unit will result in less debris and contaminants inside the unit.
- Use Programmable Thermostat: Setting up optimal temperature settings reduces unnecessary strains on the system.
- Address Repairs Promptly: Fix small issues before they can cause even more issues and inefficiencies later.
- Upgrade Insulation: Better insulation doesn’t let cold air escape and reduces the workload of the AC which causes less wear and tear.
Maintaining good air quality is essential for both the health of your AC system and the comfort of your home.
Conclusion
Generally, air conditioners last between 10 to 15 years depending on usage and maintenance. The lifespan varies on the type of AC, its quality, the outdoor climate, and how you maintain it. There are subtle signs of whether or not the unit is expiring its limit and about to break down. Be aware of these signs before attempting a repair. An AC that has expired its lifespan won’t provide much value later down the line even with a good repair service.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is It Viable to Use a Cooling System Up to 30 Years & How Long Does Central A/C Last?
As I mentioned, central air conditioners usually last about 20 to 25 years. However, it’s not viable to use a central air conditioner for up to 30 years. Because after 20 years, you’ll notice that your cooling system has started performing poorly. As time pass by, you’ll see other signs such as your AC isn’t cooling, humidity problem, etc. That’s why you should replace your air conditioner when it crosses the average lifespan.
How Long Does a Central A/C Unit Last & What is the Average Lifespan?
The average lifespan of an AC will vary from one type to another. If you have a portable AC unit, it’ll last only 5 to 10 years. On the other hand, if you have a window AC unit, its average lifespan is about 10 years.
Again, if you opt for an expensive AC unit such as mini-split air conditioners or a central air conditioning system, the average lifespan will be 15 and 20 years, respectively.
What is the Trane Heat Pump Life Expectancy?
Trane heat pumps are one of the best in the market, and their life expectancy is more than 15 years. As long as you maintain your Trane heat pump, you can increase this lifespan to 20 years.
How Long Do Carrier Air Conditioners Last?
You can expect your Carrier air conditioning unit to last about 10 years. However, it completely depends on how you maintain your Carrier AC unit.
How Long Does a Trane Furnace Last?
All the Trane products in the market are top-notch. Like the Trane heat pump, the average lifespan of the Trane furnace is 10 to 15 years.
Air Conditioner Lifespan Explained [Infographic]
