Air conditioners last 15-30 years. There's more questions to be asked like: How much longer will my air conditioner last? Should I repair or replace my air conditioner? How much does a new AC unit cost?
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.
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)
Still, if yours is nearing the high end of the ranges below, it might be time to start thinking about a replacement: Central air conditioning units:12 to 17 years. Heat pumps: 10 to 16 years. Furnaces and boilers: 15 to 20 years.
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.
A 20 SEER AC unit is 43 percent more energy efficient than a 14 SEER system, making it very eco-friendly. However, the cost difference for a 20 SEER unit vs a 14 SEER system is significant so make sure you do the math for your situation.
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.
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.
Different types of HVAC equipment are known to have longer lifespans than others. For example, geothermal systems can last anywhere from 25 to 50 years, while remaining extremely energy efficient. Both heat pumps and furnaces can remain operational for 15 to 20 years with proper maintenance.
An undersized air conditioning system most commonly manifests as an air conditioner that never stops running. When this occurs, cooling coil pressure will start to drop before freezing over, which could damage your AC's compressor.
Your air conditioner compressor should last the whole lifespan of your air conditioner, about twelve years or more if you choose a ClimateCare air conditioner. However, it might not last that long if your air conditioner is too small for the space it's cooling, or if you don't keep your air conditioner well-maintained.
There are three primary types of furnaces: Gas furnaces have the shortest lifespan, at 15 to 20 years. Electric furnaces last 20 and 25 years on average. Boilers last 15 to 25 years, depending on the type and radiator equipment.
HVAC systems can last anywhere from 10 years to 50 years. It all comes down to the type of system and how well it's maintained. If you remember to do things like replace the air filter every few months, clean the condenser coils, and seek repairs promptly when needed, your system will last for years to come.
Less than 50% of the replacement cost: If your HVAC equipment is under 10 years old and the repair bill is less than half of the cost to replace it, a repair is most likely the right choice.
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 global No. 1 air conditioning manufacturer with over 27 billion U.S. dollars in total net sales. Daikin at a Glance | Daikin Global.
Older units are less efficient, less reliable, and may pose safety and environmental risks. Upgrading to a newer unit can provide better performance, lower energy costs, and improved comfort. If you choose to keep using your old unit, regular maintenance is essential to ensure its safe and efficient operation.
The standards have to keep evolving as the technology does or else we'd be stuck in the figurative stone age with our heating and cooling solutions. That's why the United States Department of Energy or DOE has decided to discontinue production of air conditioners with a SEER rating of 14.
What SEER rating qualifies for tax credit 2024? Split ducted heat pumps and packaged heat pumps must meet a SEER2 rating of 15.2 or above. Non-ducted heat pumps must meet a SEER2 rating of 16 or above.