How Long Will a Central Air Conditioner Last?

As the hot, humid weather arrives in the Roanoke area and your air conditioner is running full time to keep your home comfortable you may be wondering how many more years that old air conditioner will last. The short answer is approximately 10-15 years. However, the long answer is more complicated. The answer depends on many factors, including the quality of the furnace itself – lower cost models will likely need replacement before a more expensive, higher end model does. A lower cost air conditioner in a hot climate may be ready for replacement in as little as 6-8 years. 

The good news is that many of the factors that determine how long your central air conditioner will last are under your control. The most important thing you can do is have your air conditioner professionally maintained each year. This will not only make the unit last longer, but it will also help it operate more efficiently saving you money on your utility bill and unexpected repairs. 

Because most air conditioner parts can be replaced as they wear out, it’s usually a good idea to repair parts as wear out. If the cost is not too high, it can make sense to keep an older air conditioner running longer. The exception would be for air conditioners that are more than a decade old. New air conditioners operate at much higher efficiency than units made just a decade ago, so replacing the unit may be more cost-effective in the long run when compared to the repair cost of keeping a 10-15-year-old unit running. 

Have questions about your central air conditioner? Give Ostrom a call, we’re here to help.