A central air conditioning unit has a similar lifespan of 15 or 20 years, though some models can last as long as 30 years with diligent maintenance and regular service. However, there may be a point when older models may need parts or refrigerants that are no longer made.
While every unit is different, and every homeowner has a different understanding of when their central air conditioner is broken beyond repair, it's fair to say that, with proper maintenance and care, you can expect a good 15 to 20 years of cooling from a new high efficiency air conditioning system.
Some experts recommend using the $5,000 rule to consider whether you should replace the unit. Just multiply the age of the cooling device with the repair cost. If the amount is more than $5,000, you should consider replacing the unit. Otherwise, it's better to repair the unit.
Here's how long some of the most common types of AC last:
Portable AC — 5-10 years. Residential single whole-home AC unit — 15 years. Central air-source heat pumps — 15 years (and up to 20–25 years if well-maintained and in a well insulated home)
But higher-SEER systems can get the job done more efficiently, which can save you money. If your current air conditioner or heat pump is below 13 SEER, you could see even more savings. I've seen 20- to 35-year-old air conditioners that were likely 6 SEER when they were installed.
However, if you have taken proper care of your equipment over the years, it may have plenty of life left. 14 to 20 years old: This is the average life span of well-maintained HVAC equipment. A breakdown at this age may warrant a replacement.
How long should ductwork last? You should replace your ductwork every 15 years because the materials deteriorate over time, impacting HVAC performance and indoor air quality.
According to HomeGuide.com, the average cost to replace the HVAC units is $5,000 to $11,000; to replace the units with ductwork runs between $7,000 and $16,000 in total.
Central air conditioning units:12 to 17 years. Heat pumps: 10 to 16 years. Furnaces and boilers: 15 to 20 years. Geothermal heat pumps: 25 to 30 years; ground loops will last upwards of 50 years.
Average New AC Unit Costs
The average cost of installing a new central air conditioner in 2024, including equipment and labor costs, is $5,750 for a 3-ton unit in a 2,000-square-foot home. On average, a new AC unit cost will fall between $3,300 and $7,800.
Better pricing: Since there's less demand for HVAC system replacement in spring and fall, your HVAC contractor might even offer their own savings incentives.
On average, you can only expect about 15 years of reliable service from a central AC system. And that's only if you maintain your system well. So, if your home has an AC that's 20 years old or older, it's likely living on borrowed time. Here are all the reasons to replace your home's 20-year-old air conditioner.
How much will a new AC unit save me? How much you can save with a new AC unit will depend on your old unit, the replacement model, how much you use your air conditioning, and the cost of electricity where you live. Estimates vary from 10% to 50% savings on your air conditioning costs per year.
The $5,000 rule is an industry-accepted rule for determining whether to repair or replace an HVAC system. Multiply the age of your equipment by its estimated repair cost. If the outcome is under $5,000, you should probably repair it. If over $5,000, you should replace it.
Homeowners insurance covers HVAC systems when the damage is a result of a covered disaster or peril, including high winds, fallen trees, theft, hail or even a fire. So if lightning strikes your unit and damages its electrical components, your homeowners insurance policy would probably cover it.
HVAC Pro Cost
Most people pay $500 to $2,500 in labor for AC replacement.
Carrier's variable-speed technology too guarantees steady comfort by altering cooling and warming yield to match your needs. Trane, on the other hand, offers systems with Seer ratings up to 22. While slightly lower than Carrier, Trane units are famous for their robust performance and reliability.
The global No. 1 air conditioning manufacturer with over 27 billion U.S. dollars in total net sales. Daikin at a Glance | Daikin Global.
Air ducts, like any other HVAC system, require regular cleaning to ensure maximum efficiency. The National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) recommends air duct cleaning every three to five years.
Old ductwork will hinder the AC unit's performance if it doesn't correlate with the air conditioner's operation requirements. If your air ducts are ten years older than your air conditioner, consider replacing them when installing your new unit.
But if you notice a bad odor once you turn on the system, there might be a problem with your ductwork. Similarly, a lot of dust in your house indicates that your ductwork is damaged and dirty. Broken ductwork plays a major role in restricting clean air from flowing throughout your home.