Air conditioning lifespan: how long does it last?
Air conditioning: 12 to 18 years on average, so around 15 years in normal household use. Regular maintenance routinely pushes past the top of that range.
A fixed split air conditioner lasts 12 to 18 years on average. Air-to-air heat pumps, built on the same technology, sit in the same range.
Filter cleaning is decisive: clogged filters cut efficiency, raise consumption and strain the compressor, the most expensive part of the installation.
Signs it is reaching the end
- Cooling or heating becomes noticeably less effective
- The outdoor unit becomes noisy or vibrates
- Ice forms on the pipework
- Unpleasant smells come from the indoor unit
- Electricity use rises with no change in habits
The maintenance that extends its life
Clean the indoor unit filters
How often: every 1 to 3 months in season
Dust the outdoor unit and clear around it
How often: every 6 months
Professional check (leak test, refrigerant pressure)
How often: every 2 years
Check the condensate drain
How often: once a year
Repair or replace?
A refrigerant recharge or a control-board replacement stays worthwhile on an installation under 12 years old. A compressor failure past 15 years generally justifies replacing the whole system, current models being markedly more efficient.
Having an out-of-warranty air conditioner repaired by a QualiRépar-certified repairer in France entitles you to 25€ taken straight off the invoice. No paperwork, nothing to pay up front: the repairer deducts it from the total.
How to claim the repair bonus →Frequently asked questions
How long does air conditioning last?
Twelve to eighteen years for a fixed split system, provided you clean the filters regularly and have the installation checked by a professional every two years.
How often should air conditioning filters be cleaned?
Every 1 to 3 months during the season you use it. Clogged filters cut efficiency, raise electricity use and make the compressor work for nothing.