How Long Does an AC Last in Los Angeles?

As summer temperatures gradually increase yearly, a healthy air conditioner is key to keeping your home cool. Although it would be great to have a central cooling system that never gives out and keeps your home cool forever, that’s not possible. So, how long does an AC really last? 

Questions about the lifespan of air conditioners aren’t entirely new. At Monkey Wrench, we’ve helped address these questions to homeowners all over Los Angeles and the surrounding areas. After nearly two decades of servicing central ACs and receiving specialized training from the top AC manufacturers, we’ve seen which factors impact the air conditioner’s lifespan the most.

On average, an air conditioner can last between 12 to 20 years. Some ACs can last up to 10 years, while others may operate for over 20 years. Central cooling systems have no set year of expiration because the following factors impact each one.

• How often is it maintained?
• What type of AC is it?
• How often is the AC used?
• What elements is the AC exposed to?
• How well was the AC installed?

In this article, we’ll examine each of the questions above to determine how long your AC can last or how many years it has left. By the end, you’ll better understand your AC’s lifespan to ensure it keeps your home cool.

What Affects the Lifespan of an AC?

Routine AC Maintenance

Routine maintenance is one of the most significant factors affecting your air conditioner’s lifespan. A combination of professional AC and DIY maintenance a few times a year helps ensure your central AC maintains its cooling efficiency and catches any minor issues before they become major repairs. 

Even a simple service, such as replacing your air filter every 1 to 3 months, can protect your AC from early breakdowns caused by a buildup of dust and debris on the internal parts. Other commonly seen services included in AC maintenance are. 

• Testing your AC’s cooling ability 
• Cleaning the outdoor unit
• Checking refrigerant levels
• Tighten any loose connections and screws
• Inspecting the condition of the wiring 
• Applying lubricant to the bearings inside the AC
• Inspecting the condition of the ductwork

Skipping out on any maintenance can lead to many problems, from loud noises to a lack of cool air. Neglected air conditioners will require more repairs throughout the years and can break down well before 10 years.

Even if you stay on top of your AC maintenance, the type of AC system you have can also determine how long it can last. 

Type of Air Conditioning System Used

The type and energy efficiency rating of your air conditioner significantly affects its lifespan. Variable-stage, energy-efficient air conditioners are likelier to last longer than single-stage air conditioners with low energy efficiency ratings. 

All AC brands are categorized by their Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio 2 (SEER2) ratings, whether Goodman or Lennox. Split AC systems have a minimum SEER2 rating of 13.8, and packaged units have a minimum SEER2 rating of 13.4. 

The higher the rating, the more energy-efficient your AC is. In addition to saving you money on your energy bills, highly rated air conditioners are more likely to have a longer lifespan than ACs with low SEER2 ratings. 

Even if your AC has a high SEER2 rating, the number of times you use it can contribute to wear and tear and affect its lifespan.

Rate of Use for Air Conditioner

How often you run your AC can impact how long it can last. Running your air conditioner longer throughout the day and more often throughout the summer can cause more wear and tear over time than an AC running less frequently.

Even an AC’s temperature settings can affect its lifespan. An AC running at the lowest temperature may not last as long as an air conditioner running at a more ambient setting.

Air conditioners have internal parts designed to last a long time. Yet, running an AC nonstop can stress these parts and cause them to break down faster. 

Many air conditioners have settings that allow them to cycle on and off once a home reaches a specific temperature. By shutting off in intervals, internal AC parts work less hard and have a better chance of a longer lifespan.

Running an AC all day can be tempting when temperatures in Los Angeles go over 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Luckily, there are a few tips to keep your usage low and your energy bills from getting out of control during the summer.

Another factor that affects your air conditioner’s lifespan is its exposure to the natural elements, which we will cover in the following section. 

AC Exposure to the Elements

An air conditioner’s exposure to the outdoor elements can contribute to how long it can last. Although outdoor AC units are designed to withstand all weather conditions, the weather can still affect their internal parts.

High winds can trap debris, such as leaves, trash, and dirt, inside the AC. If all of the physical objects stuck inside aren’t cleared through maintenance, it’ll lead to frequent repairs that can negatively impact an air conditioner’s lifespan. 

In the coastal beach cities of Los Angeles, sand and moisture can slowly affect the condensing coil located inside the AC and lead to quicker wear and tear. Salty sea air can also corrode other parts of an air conditioner and cause it not to last long. 

Some homes have Kool Kap, a protective cover for their cooling systems that lowers the amount of debris blown toward them. Other residences have a tarp above their AC to protect them from the elements.

Even if your AC is maintained and runs efficiently, it can have a low lifespan if it isn’t installed correctly.

Quality of AC Installation

One last factor that affects your air conditioner’s lifespan is how well it was installed. A poorly installed or incorrectly sized air conditioner can experience more repairs and a shorter lifespan. 

Central air conditioning systems have intricate electrical connections, and a poorly installed AC is much more likely to experience electrical problems that impact its lifespan. If your air conditioner isn’t mounted right, it can vibrate too much. This can cause loud noises and a shorter lifespan due to quicker wear and tear. 

The condition of the ductwork plays a role in how efficiently an AC can cool. Inadequate ductwork has air leaks that cause your air conditioner to cool more and wear down faster.

Extending Your Air Conditioner’s Lifespan

By understanding how different factors affect your air conditioner’s lifespan, you can take the correct measures to ensure it lasts as long as possible. Every air conditioner’s lifespan differs from unit to unit, but as long as you maintain annual maintenance, your AC will keep your home cool.

Since 2007, we’ve helped homeowners in Los Angeles and the nearby regions with issues related to their home air conditioners. We’ve seen how various factors can impact an AC’s lifespan, whether it is bad weather conditions or negligent upkeep.

If you’d like someone to come out and check the condition of your AC, you can book an appointment using one of the buttons below. You can also directly book an appointment through our online HVAC scheduler. 

An air conditioning system can experience various issues throughout its lifespan. Learn more about some of the most common AC problems.