It's very unlikely that your unit will last 30 years before it needs to be replaced; however, if you follow a regular preventive maintenance routine and operate it properly, your chances of keeping the same unit for about 15 years increase dramatically. Air conditioners can last 10 to 15 years, depending on several factors, while air conditioning systems can last up to 30 years before they need to be replaced. However, more expensive items tend to last much longer. How long do air conditioners last? Central air units will last 12 to 17 years with average use and good maintenance.
They tend to fail before components that produce heat because moisture passes through the system and is exhausted. The chemicals used in the system to cool and dehumidify the air, as well as the chemicals that pass through the system from the house's building materials, are corrosive to the copper elements in the condenser, which can cause them to erode and decay. The size of the unit doesn't affect the lifespan of the air conditioner, unless it's the right size for your home. For example, if you have a small 1.5-ton air conditioner trying to cool a house that actually needs a 5-ton air conditioner, the unit will break down much faster from overuse than an appropriately sized (but more expensive) unit.
The evaporator and condenser air conditioning coils last approximately the life of the air conditioning unit when properly maintained. Usually, the furnace is replaced when the heat exchanger starts to leak, as it is one of the most critical and expensive components. In general, most air conditioning systems last between 15 and 25 years, but depending on the type of system and other contributing factors, that estimate can be very variable. Homeowners can handle some maintenance tasks, such as repairing the home's air conditioner or servicing furnaces, without charges for service calls or expensive parts.
Poorly maintained or questionable quality systems can last as little as 10 years, while oil furnaces typically only last 10 to 15 years due to maintenance issues caused by inefficient fuel. If you haven't already done so, contact an air conditioning technician and have them establish a maintenance routine, preferably just before the start of the summer season, in order to identify any faults or problems in a timely manner. And you're right, replacing heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems can be expensive, so it's a good idea to plan and save before air conditioning units or furnaces need to be replaced immediately. While a homeowner is a fact that a system can break down at any time, evaluating the age and condition of your current HVAC system can give you an idea of how long you have left to replace it.
Even with regular HVAC maintenance and repairs, over time, even today's best boilers, furnaces, heat pumps and air conditioners will run their course. It is best to repair air conditioners in early spring; it is best to take care of furnaces in early autumn, before it starts to get cold.
However, that is not unreasonable considering that, in fact, it is a super-efficient and first-line heating and air conditioning system in a single appliance.
A smart thermostat or air conditioner controller can control the use of the air conditioner and let you know when it's time to clean the air filter. Depending on where you live, central air conditioning can last between 5 and 7 years, so it's a good idea to consult with a home performance contractor or HVAC professional about what type is best for your local climate.Usually, you'll have to pay a fee just to have the technician come to your door and then you'll pay more for the replacement parts and the labor needed to install them. You might not think about the average lifespan of an air conditioning unit at the time of installation, but it can significantly affect its lifespan. If your air conditioning system shuts off and on at short intervals, known as short cycles, without making your home more comfortable, that shouldn't be the case.
