In the past, the minimum efficiency requirements were 10 SEER. SEER stands for the Season Energy Efficiency Ratio, and it’s a number used to measure how much cooling an HVAC system can put out for every 1 unit of energy it consumes. SEER RatingĪnother factor in AC life expectancy is your unit’s SEER rating. New central air conditioner standards went into effect on January 1, 2015, so you may want to review them and be sure that your existing system meets these requirements. Even if your air conditioner is 10 years old, keep in mind that today’s best air conditioners use 20 percent to 40 percent less energy for the same level of cooling. If you have an older air conditioner, you might want to replace the outdoor compressor with something more efficient – if not the whole system. Orlando: (407) 501-6275 | Tampa: (813) 314-7261 Factors to Consider When Replacing Your AC Age When Was the Last Time You Scheduled an AC Tune-Up? What if you’re diligent about doing all 4 of these maintenance items regularly? Your AC could last as long as 20 to 25 years! If you do 2-3 of these items regularly, then your AC’s lifespan will be on the higher end of the range – between 18 to 20 years. How many of these items you perform and how regularly you perform them makes an impact on the lifespan of your air conditioner.ĭo you do no maintenance what so ever? Expect your AC’s lifespan to be on the low end, 15-18 years. – Checking on and replacing refrigerant insulation as necessary – Removing debris from and cleaning the casing of the outside unit – Getting AC tune-ups/servicing seasonally – Changing filter regularly (every 1-3 months) You can expect your average AC to last between 15 to 20 years, but a good preventive AC maintenance routine can keep your air conditioner working its best longer. But there are a few factors to consider when deciding whether or not you need to replace your HVAC system. You might be wondering what is the average life of an air conditioner? Should I replace mine? Is it even time?Īccording to the US Department of Energy, the average lifespan of an air conditioning unit is about 15 to 20 years. Whether or not to get a new HVAC system is a big decision.