---
title: "How long does a air conditioner last?"
description: "An air conditioner lasts 8–20 yr. How that compares to other things, and where the number comes from."
url: https://atoneplace.net/how-long/air-conditioner/
site: "At One Place"
---

# How long does a air conditioner last?

**Typical lifespan: 8–20 yr**

A refrigeration circuit that moves heat out of a room, in a window box, a split system or ducted central plant.

> Typical service life before replacement.

## How that compares

*Air conditioner against things of a similar time.*

- Air conditioner: 8–20 yr
- Car: 8–20 yr
- Leopard: 10–21 yr
- Jaguar: 11–22 yr
- Snow leopard: 10–21 yr
- Labrador retriever: 10–14 yr
- Propane tank: 10–12 yr
- Mute swan: 10–30 yr

## What that means over time

*Assuming the typical lifespan above and immediate replacement.*

| Period | How many you would buy |
| --- | --- |
| Per year | 0.0833 replacements |
| Over 10 years | 1 of them |
| Over a 30-year mortgage | 2.5 of them |

> Lifespans are medians under ordinary use, not guarantees. Maintenance, how hard it is used, and build quality move individual examples a long way in both directions — which is why the range above is as wide as it is.

## More about an air conditioner

- [How much does a air conditioner weigh?](https://atoneplace.net/weight/air-conditioner/) — 15–60 kg
- [How much does a air conditioner cost?](https://atoneplace.net/cost/air-conditioner/) — 180–1,200 $
- [How loud is a air conditioner?](https://atoneplace.net/loud/air-conditioner/) — 50–70 dB
- [Air conditioner vs Dishwasher](https://atoneplace.net/vs/air-conditioner-vs-dishwasher/) — Side by side
- [Air conditioner vs Washing machine](https://atoneplace.net/vs/air-conditioner-vs-washing-machine/) — Side by side
- [Air conditioner vs Dehumidifier](https://atoneplace.net/vs/air-conditioner-vs-dehumidifier/) — Side by side
- [Air conditioner vs Oven](https://atoneplace.net/vs/air-conditioner-vs-oven/) — Side by side
- [Air conditioner vs Refrigerator](https://atoneplace.net/vs/air-conditioner-vs-refrigerator/) — Side by side

## Common questions

### How long does an air conditioner last?

An air conditioner lasts 8–20 yr. Typical service life before replacement.

## Related pages

- [How much does a air conditioner weigh?](https://atoneplace.net/weight/air-conditioner/)
- [How much does a air conditioner cost?](https://atoneplace.net/cost/air-conditioner/)
- [How loud is a air conditioner?](https://atoneplace.net/loud/air-conditioner/)
- [How long does a refrigerator last?](https://atoneplace.net/how-long/refrigerator/)
- [How long does a washing machine last?](https://atoneplace.net/how-long/washing-machine/)
- [How long does a microwave oven last?](https://atoneplace.net/how-long/microwave/)
- [How long does a dishwasher last?](https://atoneplace.net/how-long/dishwasher/)
- [How long does a oven last?](https://atoneplace.net/how-long/oven/)
- [How long does a vacuum cleaner last?](https://atoneplace.net/how-long/vacuum-cleaner/)
- [How long does a clothes dryer last?](https://atoneplace.net/how-long/clothes-dryer/)
- [How long does a water heater last?](https://atoneplace.net/how-long/water-heater/)
- [How long does a freezer last?](https://atoneplace.net/how-long/freezer/)
- [How long does a coffee machine last?](https://atoneplace.net/how-long/coffee-machine/)
- [Air conditioner vs Dishwasher](https://atoneplace.net/vs/air-conditioner-vs-dishwasher/)
- [Air conditioner vs Washing machine](https://atoneplace.net/vs/air-conditioner-vs-washing-machine/)
- [Air conditioner vs Dehumidifier](https://atoneplace.net/vs/air-conditioner-vs-dehumidifier/)
- [Air conditioner vs Oven](https://atoneplace.net/vs/air-conditioner-vs-oven/)
- [Air conditioner vs Refrigerator](https://atoneplace.net/vs/air-conditioner-vs-refrigerator/)

## Sources

- Typical range compiled from manufacturer specifications — At One Place (/about/)