How Long Do AC Units Last?

Air conditioner lifespan can be impacted by a number of factors, both in and out of the homeowner’s control. Two of the biggest factors that impact air conditioner lifespan go hand in hand – outdoor climate and rate of use. For example, if you live in a climate that has milder, shorter summer weather, like the Northeast, you probably use your air conditioner less than someone who lives in an outdoor climate that is warm for most of the year, like the South. That means, the average life of an AC unit in Florida or the average life of an AC unit in Texas might be less than in other parts of the country. If you put more service hours on your air conditioner in a short period of time, it might reach the end of its lifespan quicker.

In addition to outdoor climate impacting rate of use, the outdoor climate can also cause general wear and tear on your outdoor unit, which might also impact lifespan. Homeowners who live near the ocean might find the salty sea air erodes their outdoor unit’s coils at a quicker rate, while those in a snowy climate might find frequent frost build-up on their unit. 

Level of upkeep is another factor that impacts air conditioner lifespan. We’ll discuss more about AC maintenance in a bit, but for now it’s important to note that regular maintenance performed by both homeowners and HVAC professionals can help extend air conditioner age. Maintenance is important for all types of air conditioners, so if you’re wondering, how long do mini splits last versus how long should a central air unit last, the answer is that all types of air conditioners have around the same average lifespan which can be extended by proper maintenance.

Becoming aware of the signs that might indicate your air conditioner is at the end of its useful life is extremely important for homeowners, so you can prepare to repair or replace your system before it's too late and you’re stuck without air conditioning. These are a few of the most common signs that might indicate AC failure is near:

• Your air conditioner is over 15 years old.
• Your energy or utility bills have inexplicably skyrocketed.
• Your air conditioner needs repairs or part replacements multiple times a year.
• Your air conditioner is making strange noises or has a bad smell.
• Your air conditioner uses R-22, an outdated and now banned refrigerant, instead of R-410a.
• Very little or no cold air is blowing out of your air conditioner. 

If you notice any of these signs and fear your AC is nearing the end of its useful life, contact an HVAC professional to help determine if air conditioner repair or replacement is the right choice for you. In some cases, your system might have a few more years in it after a repair, while in other situations, replacement might be the only option.

Using an old AC might not provide you the temperature control you desire and could even be dangerous. If your air conditioner is near the end of its lifespan, it has likely been run down over the years from all its use, which means it will be running less efficiently. Not only will a less efficient air conditioner not be able to cool as well, but it can also increase your utility costs, as it has to work harder and longer to cool your home.

If your air conditioner was manufactured before 2010, it likely still uses R22, an old AC refrigerant that the EPA has since banned due to its harmful impact on the ozone layer.

There are two main ways to extend the life of your air conditioner: AC maintenance and AC troubleshooting. You can think of maintenance as preventative measures to help extend the life of your air conditioner. AC maintenance involves things such as regularly changing your filters and ensuring the outdoor portion of your air conditioner is clear of any debris and on level ground. AC maintenance also involves scheduling an HVAC professional to come to your home twice a year to perform tasks like maintaining coils, checking refrigerant levels, and cleaning the blower. All of this maintenance will help your air conditioner run as efficiently as possible and prevent future issues from occurring.

The second way to extend the life of your air conditioner is AC troubleshooting. While maintenance helps prevent future problems, troubleshooting helps catch current problems in their early stages, before they turn into issues that could compromise your system. Air conditioner troubleshooting should always be done by an HVAC professional, so if you notice any problem with your system – from strange smells and noises, to a system that isn’t blowing cold air – contact an HVAC professional for help immediately. With a combination of AC maintenance to prevent problems and AC troubleshooting to catch them early, you can help your air conditioner extend its lifespan for many years.