Modern air conditioners can last anywhere from 10 to 20 years, according to the Department of Energy. Most AC units work for 15 to 20 years, so if yours is 15 years old, you have already passed the halfway mark. It's wise to start planning for a replacement before it fails, so you don't find yourself in a sticky situation while waiting for it to be installed. The typical life expectancy of an air conditioner is 10 to 15 years.
With proper maintenance and servicing at least once a year, your unit can keep running smoothly for longer. The average life expectancy of a refrigerant-based air conditioner is 10 to 15 years, and most warranties cover 10 to 12 years. Once an air conditioner is more than 10 years old, it is usually cost-effective to replace it. An air conditioner that is more than 15 years old will almost certainly need to be replaced. Even if it's still functioning, you're much more likely to become an energy waster or experience a catastrophic breakdown next summer and run out of cooling. When it comes time to replace your air conditioner, it's important to consider the size of the unit and the energy efficiency rating.
A unit that is too small won't be able to cool your home properly, while one that is too large will waste energy and cost you more money in the long run. Look for an Energy Star-certified unit with a high SEER rating for maximum efficiency.
