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Appliance lifespan

Central AC Lifespan Calculator: How Long Does an AC Last?

Enter the year yours was installed to see how much life is left in your central air conditioner and when to start budgeting for a replacement. Free, no signup.

Your central air conditioner

Expected life for a central air conditioner: about 15 to 20 years.

Life remaining

- years left
Enter the year it was installed to see where it stands.
Current age -
Expected life 15 to 20 yrs
Life used -

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How long does a central air conditioner last?

A central air conditioner usually lasts 15 to 20 years. Enter the install year and this calculator shows how far through that window your system is and when to start a replacement fund, before a July failure forces an emergency call.

Keeping the outdoor coil clean, changing filters, and getting a yearly service call help an AC last. If yours still uses R-22 refrigerant or repairs are adding up, a new high-efficiency unit will cool better and cost less to run.

These lifespans are typical ranges for a well-maintained unit. Hard water, heavy use, and skipped maintenance shorten them; regular service extends them. Use the estimate to plan a replacement fund, not as a firm expiration date.

Frequently asked questions

How long does a central air conditioner last?
Central AC systems last about 15 to 20 years with regular maintenance. Coastal salt air, heavy use, and skipped service shorten that; annual tune-ups and clean coils extend it.
Should I replace my AC and furnace at the same time?
If both are near the end of their life, replacing them together often saves on install labor and ensures the two are matched for efficiency. If only one is failing, you can replace them separately.

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