How many years should an AC unit last?

Author: Flossie Connelly  |  Last update: Saturday, May 3, 2025

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.

How do I know if my AC unit needs replacing?

10 Signs Your Air Conditioner Needs Repair or Replacement
  1. Air Conditioning System is Blowing Warm Air. ...
  2. AC Thermostat is Not Working. ...
  3. Little Air Blows Out of Vents. ...
  4. Loud Noise Inside of the AC Unit. ...
  5. Strange Odors When AC Turned On. ...
  6. Not Enough Humidity Removed By the AC. ...
  7. Problems with the AC Are Occurring More Often.

Can an AC unit last 20 years?

It's important to be aware of how long air conditioners last, so you don't get the unwelcome surprise of a broken air conditioner in the peak of the summer heat. In general, air conditioners that are properly maintained can last 15 to 20 years.

How often do AC units need to be replaced?

If you kept your air conditioner in good condition over its lifetime, expect to need a replacement in about 10-15 years. Keep in mind that as your A/C grows older, its mechanical parts can become unavailable or obsolete over time. If you aren't able to replace a broken part, you will need to purchase new unit.

How much should it cost to replace an AC unit?

The average homeowner spends around $5,955 to install new air conditioning, but costs range from $3,906 to $8,016, depending on the unit's size and type. The key to beating the heat this summer is running a good AC. You can expect to pay an average of $5,955 for AC replacement costs.

How Long Should My Air Conditioning System Last?

Can I just replace my outside AC unit?

Your Warranty Might Be Voided

This could mean the difference of your manufacturer covering the cost of replacement or repair down the road versus you footing the entire bill. To summarize so far, the answer to “can you replace just the outside AC unit” is: not unless you want major issues.

Does home insurance cover an AC unit?

A standard homeowners insurance policy provides coverage for heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems if they're damaged by a fire, for example. But if your AC unit stops working due to an accident or normal wear and tear, your insurance company probably won't pay your claim.

Which AC brand lasts the longest?

Which HVAC Brands Last the Longest?
  • Mitsubishi Electric: Superior Efficiency and Durability. ...
  • Goodman Air Conditioning and Heating: Affordable and Long-Lasting. ...
  • Rheem: Reliable Performance for Decades. ...
  • Honeywell: Smart Home Integration and Durability. ...
  • Lennox: High-End Performance for the Long Haul.

What is the standard life of an AC unit?

A/C unit age

The general rule in the industry is that once an A/C unit reaches 10-15 years, replacing the unit is usually a much better investment than putting money into an older system. If your system is at that threshold, it's usually wise to begin expecting, not wondering, when the system will fail.

How much cheaper are new AC units to run than 20-year-old units?

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.

Is it worth fixing a 20-year-old air conditioner?

Air conditioner is over 15 years old

The typical lifespan of an air conditioner is around 15 years, at which time it must be changed. Some air conditioners may work well beyond their designed lifespan, but they become less efficient with time.

Is it worth replacing the condenser on an AC unit?

Benefits of Replacing Your AC Condenser

Improved energy efficiency: A new condenser unit can reduce your energy bills and save you money over time. Increased comfort: A new system can cool your home more effectively, providing you with greater comfort during hot weather.

How much does an air conditioner cost for a 2000 sq ft home?

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.

How do I know if my AC unit is dying?

Here are 9 major signs your AC is at the end of its service life:
  1. It's long in the tooth. ...
  2. It breaks down frequently. ...
  3. The electric bills are unusually high. ...
  4. It's running constantly. ...
  5. The circuit breaker is tripping constantly. ...
  6. The compressor has failed.

Why is AC not blowing cold air?

First, check your filters and coils for dirt and debris that may be impeding airflow. Once you've cleaned the filters and coils, run the air conditioner with just the fan so that the ice accumulation can melt off. If the AC still doesn't blow cold air, it could be that refrigerant levels are too low.

What time of year is the cheapest to replace HVAC?

During spring and fall, most people aren't running their HVAC systems as often which, in turn, means HVAC companies are not as busy and are not selling as many new units. This drop in demand enables them to offer deals on their services and equipment.

Is it cheaper to replace AC and furnace together?

The cost of a new HVAC system together costs $7,500 on average, usually somewhere between $5,000 to $12,500. This can end up being cheaper than replacing your AC and Furnace separately over time. The cost to replace a furnace and air conditioning at once is $7,500 on average but could range from $2,500 to $15,000.

Can an AC unit last 30 years?

Central air conditioning systems can last anywhere between 10 to 30 years, with most averaging around 10 to 15 years total (1). Keep in mind, the lifespan of your air conditioner depends on how much you use it, your local climate, what type of AC it is, and if your house is well insulated and air sealed.

Which AC unit has the longest warranty?

Daikin offers the longest warranty in the industry! They offer up to 12-year limited warranties on most of their products. All you need to do is register online on the Daikin website. The 12-year warranty in particular is a game changer – no other manufacturer in the industry offers it.

Will insurance pay for a new HVAC?

HVAC and home insurance

A homeowners policy may cover your HVAC in two ways: either through the dwelling coverage or the personal property coverage on your policy. Dwelling coverage may help pay to repair or replace a built-in unit since it's considered part of the home's structure.

How much does it cost to replace an AC compressor?

On average, AC compressor costs range from $800 to $2,300, with most folks paying $1,200 for a new one. However, your price will vary depending on factors like the size and brand of your compressor. Before you schedule your replacement, read on to learn about all AC compressor cost factors.

How long should a residential HVAC system last?

A heating or cooling system is a significant investment, and it only makes sense to get as much use out of it as possible. In general, most HVAC systems will last 15 to 25 years, but depending on the type of system and other contributing factors, that estimate can be highly variable.

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