How Long Do Air Conditioners Last?

You're buying or renovating your home and must decide what to do about the air conditioner. The existing AC system unit seems fine, but you notice a few worrying signs as you inspect it. You question if it's worth the expense of upgrading the AC or whether you can extend the lifespan of the current unit.

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How Long Do Air Conditioners Last?

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a properly maintained central air conditioning system should last 15 to 20 years. Factors that affect your air conditioner's life expectancy include keeping up with regular maintenance and how hard the unit works. Top AC manufacturers say regular AC units, including ductless mini splits, will last for 10 to 15 years, and a life of up to 20 years is feasible.

What Are Some Signs That an AC Unit Is at the End of Its Life?

Regular AC maintenance is a key factor to consider when figuring out how long air conditioners last. If you're buying a new home or have an existing AC, here are symptoms that indicate an air conditioner replacement is necessary.

Frequent AC Repairs

The need for frequent repairs is a sure sign your AC is near the end of its life. High repair costs also indicate it's time to replace the unit. Speaking to an HVAC technician can help, as they can give an opinion on the condition of the system and whether further expensive repairs are required.

Unusual Noises

Apart from the typical noises you hear when the compressor starts and stops, you should never hear unusual sounds from the HVAC system. Noises to be concerned about include scraping, screeching and grinding sounds. These noises indicate there's excessive wear or failed bearings on the compressor, fan or condenser coil supports.

Poor Cooling

If the AC unit can't cool your home properly, it may suggest the cooling system is faulty. Over time, key components, such as the compressor and expansion valves, wear out, resulting in reduced cooling performance. Another possibility to consider is that climate changes where you live may mean the unit is now too small to cool the home.

High Energy Bills

With increased electricity costs, your energy bills for cooling may be getting out of hand. If the AC is older than 10 years, it has a lower energy efficiency than that of a modern unit. You can reduce energy bills by 15% to 20% by replacing your air conditioner with a unit that has a higher seasonal energy efficiency rating (SEER).

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How Can You Extend the Lifespan of Your Air Conditioning Unit?

When contemplating how long air conditioners last, it's useful to know there are several ways to extend their lifespan. These include carrying out regular maintenance and inspections, improving the insulation in your home and protecting the outdoor unit during winter.

Regular AC Maintenance

Clean or change the AC filter regularly. The filter traps dust, lint and other particles to keep the air clean. If it's not serviced, the filter becomes progressively blocked, reducing the airflow and making the compressor work harder. Remember to clean the area around the outside unit and remove leaves and debris.

Annual or Biannual Inspection

AC manufacturers recommend you get an HVAC professional to inspect the air conditioning system at least once a year. During the inspection, the technician opens and inspects the unit. They check the unit's overall condition and its operation and top up refrigerant levels if necessary. They also remove dirt from around the condenser, evaporator and blower.

Home Upgrades

You can increase the life expectancy of the AC by improving home insulation to prevent heat loss. Look for doors and windows that don't seal properly, and seal gaps in the walls around service pipes. Upgrade old windows with double glazing.

Protect the Outside Air Conditioning Unit

Using a removable cover protects the outside unit in winter when you're not using the AC. The cover keeps the unit dry, prevents corrosion and keeps snow from settling inside the AC unit.