As an HVAC expert, I have been asked countless times: do AC units last 30 years? The answer is not a simple yes or no. There are several factors that can affect the lifespan of an air conditioning unit, and it's important for homeowners to understand these factors in order to get the most out of their investment. First and foremost, it's important to note that air conditioners and air conditioning systems are not the same thing. While air conditioners typically last 10 to 15 years, air conditioning systems can last up to 30 years with proper maintenance and care. This is a significant difference, as a replacement can be very expensive for your pocket. One of the main factors that can affect the lifespan of an air conditioner is the level of maintenance it receives.
With average use and good maintenance, central air units can last between 12 and 17 years. However, 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 those that pass through from the building materials of the house, can be corrosive to the copper elements in the condenser, causing them to erode and decay. It's also important to note that the size of the unit does not necessarily affect its lifespan, unless it is not the correct 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 unit, it will break down much faster from overuse.
This is why it's important to ensure that your unit is properly sized for your home. In California, there is a minimum requirement of 14 SEER for air conditioning units. This means that if your unit is over 15 years old, it is likely to have a score between 6 and 8 SEER lower than the current standard. Even a well-maintained air conditioning unit can only work to a certain extent, and if it is overcharged or operated improperly, its lifespan can be significantly reduced. Each component of an air conditioning system is complex, and what may seem like a total failure at first glance may actually just require the replacement or repair of a single part. While this may seem like a hassle, it actually helps to spread out the cost of replacements so that you don't have to replace everything at once. Another important factor to consider is the cleanliness of your air filter.
A dirty air filter not only reduces the efficiency of your unit, but it also means that dirty air is circulating throughout your home, which can be harmful to your health and the health of your loved ones. When it comes to extending the lifespan of your air conditioning unit, there are a few things you can do. First, make sure that your home is properly insulated and sealed. This will not only help to keep your home at a more comfortable temperature, but it will also reduce energy waste and ultimately save you money on your energy bills. Now, let's address the question that brought you here: do AC units last 30 years? While it's true that some units may last this long with proper maintenance and care, it's important to note that this is not the norm. In fact, your HVAC system may last even less time if it has been overloaded due to insufficient insulation and unwanted airflow from unsealed air leaks. According to the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), heat pumps typically last around 15 years.
However, each unit is different and each homeowner may have a different idea of when their central air conditioner breaks down irreparably. With proper maintenance and care, you can expect 15 to 20 years of cooling from a new high-efficiency air conditioning system.While the cost of replacing an air conditioning unit may seem daunting, it's important to plan and save for this expense before it becomes an immediate need. Some of the less expensive components, such as ventilation hoses, temperature regulators, and thermostats, can be replaced as part of routine maintenance. However, if you have old insulation that needs improvement or if you have gaps, cracks, and air leaks in your home, your heating and air conditioning systems are likely already overloaded. It's also important to note that certain environmental factors can affect the lifespan of your air conditioning unit.
For example, if you live near the coast where there is salty sea air, this can affect the condensing coil of your outdoor unit.
