Some air conditioners seem to go on forever, but they do retire eventually. Window air conditioners are an affordable way to cool your home and are ideal for smaller spaces, such as apartments. Although they do not require a large upfront expense, homeowners still want to make sure they get the most out of the air conditioner they buy. Most window air conditioners have similar service lives, but their longevity depends on use, maintenance and proper storage. Average Lifespan Most window air conditioners have a service life of about 10 years, but this can vary depending on how often the unit is used and whether or not it is properly maintained. Air conditioners that are only used for a couple of months each year typically have a longer service life than those used several months each year. Most manufacturers include a warranty with their window air conditioners which indicates the expected life of the units. Some offer a 5 year warranty on all parts, while others offer longer warranties.

A Dirty Unit Dies Young Regular maintenance of your window air conditioner ensures it runs efficiently and can prolong its service life. Dirty filters prevent proper air flow, which means your air conditioner has to work harder to provide cool air to your home. And if the air flow is blocked, the air that bypasses the filter may bring dirt into the evaporator coil, which reduces its ability to absorb heat. Window air conditioners typically have a filter inside the grill. Some filters are reusable, but others must be replaced. Check your window air conditioner manual to determine the type of filter yours uses. The evaporator and condenser coils can also collect dirt over time, so clean these every year and clean the drain tubes as well. Many window air conditioners have a drain pan where a tube carries condensation from the unit. If this tube is plugged, your air conditioner won’t run as efficiently, and this can shorten its service life. Run a stiff wire through the drain tubes to clear buildup and scale.

Location and Sizing Can Extend Life Window air conditioner life can be prolonged if the window it’s installed in is out of direct sunlight. A north wall or a wall that is shaded is usually ideal because heating of the air conditioner from the sun is minimized in these locations. Before you install, check the heating and cooling capacity for your air conditioner. If it is too small, it won’t be able to handle the cooling load during hot spells. Most air conditioner manufacturers include capacity on the label. The required capacity for the room depends on the size of the room. Window air conditioners range in capacity from 5,500 Btu (British thermal units) per hour to 14,000 Btu per hour. Your unit may be sized by “ton,” which is 12,000 Btu per hour. Typically a window air conditioner needs 20 Btu for every square foot of space. Proper Storage If window air conditioners are not stored properly when not in use, they may become damaged or dirty, and this can limit the service life.

Remove your air conditioner when it’s no longer in use and place it in a dry location. Cover the air conditioner to prevent dust and debris from falling inside and keep it in a location where it will not be kicked or bumped. american standard ac unit ratingsDo not store a window air conditioner on a high shelf where it might fall. heat pump hvac costReferences Natural Resources Canada: Room Air ConditionersSunland Home Inspection: Component Life Expectancy and Component Replacement CostsU.S. air handling unit standDepartment of Energy: Maintaining Your Air ConditionerThis Old House: How Long Stuff LastsU.S. Department of Energy: Room Air Conditioners Photo Credits Thinkstock/Comstock/Getty Images Suggest a CorrectionThe Average Life of Window Air Conditioners

Air conditioning provides welcome relief from the summer heat. Many homes and apartment buildings have central air conditioning. However, people without central A/C can still get relief with a window unit. Keeping a window unit well maintained is the key to its longevity. The average lifespan of a window air conditioner is 10 years. However, how the air condition is maintained will significantly affect its longevity. The lifespan of a window air conditioner depends on how much it is used. Running the unit all day every day will result in a significantly shorter lifespan than occasional use. Check the filter on your window air conditioner once each month. The filter on window units an be accessed from the front of the air conditioner and it is often washable/reusable. Keeping the filter clean will help ensure longevity. Check your the hoses on your air conditioner for leaks. This often involves minor disassembly of the unit, so it is best to have the air conditioner inspected by a qualified A/C repair person.

Keep the air conditioner clean. Cover the unit during the winter, and make sure that the air intake vents on the back of the unit remain clean during the summer. This reduces stress on the compressor (the heart an A/C unit) and will lengthen its life. All air conditioners are not the same. The quality of the manufacturing significantly effects longevity. Only purchase a window A/C unit from a reputable company that is known for producing quality appliances. How Long Should The Components And Systems In Your House Last The Life Expectancy of Central Air Conditioners. The Average Life of Window Air Conditioners. How to Extend the Life of an... In hot and muggy months, your air conditioner can be a life saver but only if it is functioning properly. Home air conditioners should last for up to 30 years, though improper installation can reduce the lifespan of a unit. The Average Life of AC Units. Air conditioning represents one of the biggest contributors to a homeowner's electric bill.