How Long Do Air Conditioners Last?

If you have an aging central air conditioning system or are in the market for a new one, you may wonder how long an air conditioner should last. In general, a central air conditioner will last about 15 years. However, how long an air conditioner lasts will depend on 3 main factors.

Investing in a quality, durable central air conditioner from a trusted manufacturer like Trane will generally mean it will last longer than a bargain brand. Look for a brand that offers industry-leading warranties as well. That means you’re protected if certain parts need to be replaced.

For example, some of our dealers have had repeat customers who replaced their Trane air conditioner after 20 years of reliable service! As the saying goes “It’s hard to stop a Trane.” Our HVAC units undergo weeks of demanding testing before they become available to you, the homeowner.

If you’re considering replacing your central air conditioner, in addition to the brand, efficiency metrics, and cooling stages, it’s important to hire the right company.  You want to make sure that your new AC unit is properly sized for your home, and that the installation goes flawlessly. Trane Comfort Specialists are independent dealers dedicated to the highest quality of installation, service, and maintenance.

Improper sizing and faulty installation will lead to decreased comfort and repair headaches. Learn how to choose the best HVAC contractor for the job.

A better question might be “How long do AC units last in Florida” or “How long can an air conditioner last in Minnesota”. Here’s why.

If you live in Florida or the desert southwest and run your AC long and hard year after year, it may wear out before the average life expectancy. It may also wear out earlier if you’re accustomed to keeping your house at a frosty 68 degrees in the summer.

In contrast, if you live in a northern state and only run your air conditioner for a few weeks each summer, your air conditioner may last longer than average.

You can help your central AC unit last longer by using a smart thermostat to raise the temperature while you’re away from home. Raising the temperature during the day to something still comfortable but higher than 68 degrees will help the AC unit keep up better and not run so hard. It will also save you money.

Read our blog on ways to reduce your energy costs in the summer while keeping your cool.

The biggest thing you can do to prolong the life of your central AC system is to take care of it. That brings us to factor #3.

Even if you run your air conditioner nearly year-round, regular maintenance can help it last longer than average. Think about how you take care of your car – getting regular oil changes, tire rotations, brake checks, etc.

Your central air conditioner needs the same kind of TLC. The biggest thing you as a homeowner can do yourself is to change the air filter regularly- generally every 1-3 months. Read our HVAC air filter maintenance guide for some tips.

You also need to schedule professional air conditioner maintenance with your local HVAC company. The best time for an AC tune-up is in the early spring before you turn the AC on. The technician will clean the condenser coil and evaporator coil, test the system, check for refrigerant leaks, and much more.

We go over this in more detail in our blog Top 4 Signs It’s Time for AC Replacement, but in a nutshell, old age, increasing number and cost of AC repairs, decreased comfort, and higher cooling bills are the big indicators it’s time to start shopping for a new central air conditioner.

Check out our Repair or Replace Guide to help you make a smart decision.

Anne Fonda, Content Writer at Trane Technologies

A Content Writer with Trane Technologies, Anne Fonda researches topics and writes for Trane® and associated residential HVAC brands. She works in collaboration with Trane Technologies subject matter experts, offering easy-to-understand, informative content on complex topics. Her goal is to help consumers make informed decisions on the products and services they need.

She has written for HVAC and other service provider websites for over 16 years. Before transitioning to web content writing, Anne had a 14-year stint as an award-winning journalist. She graduated cum laude from the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Journalism. When she’s not working, Anne enjoys playing word games, reading, gardening, spending time with family, and visiting gardens and museums.

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