Your air conditioning system is aging. “It really depends on how well it's been installed and how well it's cared for,” Hughes said. The Department of Energy recommends replacing your HVAC system after 10 years for maximum efficiency. Some newer units can last up to 15 years, so be sure to check when yours was installed and ask a professional how long it should last.
However, more expensive items tend to last much more. 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 building materials of the house, are corrosive to the copper elements of the condenser and can cause them to erode and decay.
The size of the unit does not affect the lifespan of the air conditioner, unless it is not the suitable 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 a suitably sized (but more expensive) unit. Beyond safety considerations, HVAC professionals can purchase units directly from manufacturers and quickly install them following appropriate protocols. If your HVAC system is more than 10 years old, it's time to plan for major HVAC repairs or replacements.
HVAC technology has come a long way, and your home's energy efficiency is affected simply by keeping older HVAC technology. In addition to making costly repairs in the future for faulty or poorly installed equipment, your HVAC system can filter carbon monoxide or other toxins that expire in your home. Depending on where you live, you can install a completely new air conditioning system with Sealed at no upfront cost. What most homeowners don't know is that they don't even have a newer, more energy efficient HVAC system.
If your home isn't properly insulated or professionally sealed, the lifespan of your air conditioning system is automatically shortened. For this reason, HVAC units must comply with building codes and professionals must comply with strict installation guidelines. The only way to know for sure if your heating, ventilation and air conditioning system is underperforming or if it's overworked is through a professional energy audit or inspection by an HVAC technician. Many utility companies offer discounts on heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems when you're ready to upgrade your air conditioning system to a model that saves energy.