How Long Do AC Units and Heat Pumps Last?

How long do AC units last?

A central air conditioner typically lasts somewhere between 12 and 20 years, depending on whose figure you use: Carrier and Lennox say 15 to 20, while American Standard and Bryant say 12 to 15. Heat pumps run shorter, at 10 to 15 years by Carrier’s, Lennox’s and Bryant’s counts. To see where yours stands, read the build date from the serial number on the outdoor unit.

Why do heat pumps wear out sooner than air conditioners?

Lennox, Carrier and Bryant all put heat pumps at 10 to 15 years, shorter than their air conditioner ranges. American Standard is the exception, giving both 12 to 15 years. The Department of Energy’s averages show the same gap: about 21 years for central air conditioners and 15 for heat pumps.

Does climate change how long an AC lasts?

The Department of Energy’s analysis says so. It estimated an average life of 21 years for central air conditioners nationally, but 18 years in the hot, humid region, where they run more of the year.

When should an air conditioner be checked?

ENERGY STAR suggests having heating and cooling equipment evaluated if it’s more than 10 years old or isn’t keeping the house comfortable. A technician can tell you how yours is doing; age alone doesn’t mean it needs replacing.

How do I find out how old my AC is?

Read the serial number on the rating plate of the outdoor unit. Each manufacturer codes the date differently:

Goodman and Amana: the first four digits are the year and month.
Carrier and Bryant: the first four digits are the week and year.
Lennox: the third and fourth digits are the year, and the letter after them is the month.
Daikin: the first four digits are the year and month.

Sources

Carrier, How Long Do HVAC Systems Last?. Carrier’s lifespan table lists 15 to 20 years for air conditioners and 10 to 15 years for heat pumps.. Checked October 19, 2026.

Lennox, How Long Do Air Conditioners Last?. Most AC units last 15 to 20 years with proper maintenance.. Checked October 19, 2026.

Lennox, How Long Do Heat Pumps Last?. Heat pumps typically last 10 to 15 years with proper care.. Checked October 19, 2026.

American Standard, Repair or Replace. Expected lifespans of 12 to 15 years for air conditioners and 12 to 15 years for heat pumps.. Checked October 19, 2026.

Bryant, How Long Do HVAC Systems Last?. Central air conditioners last 12 to 15 years and heat pumps 10 to 15 years.. Checked October 19, 2026.

U.S. Department of Energy, Energy Conservation Standards for Residential Central Air Conditioners and Heat Pumps (direct final rule, December 2016). Average lifetimes estimated at 21 years for central air conditioners and 15 years for heat pumps, and 18.0 years for air conditioners in the hot-humid region.. Checked October 19, 2026.

ENERGY STAR (U.S. EPA and DOE), Heat & Cool Efficiently. If your HVAC equipment is more than 10 years old or not keeping your house comfortable, have it evaluated.. Checked October 19, 2026.

Get the home systems age report

We’re building a home systems age report: every major system in your home, each with its age, typical life and replacement budget.

How long does a furnace last?

Most manufacturers put a furnace’s typical life at 15 to 20 years: Carrier, Lennox and Trane all use that range, and Bryant says 15 to 25. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates the average life of a gas furnace at 21.5 years. ENERGY STAR suggests having heating equipment evaluated once it’s more than 10 years old. The serial number on the rating plate tells you how old yours is.

How old is my Goodman or Amana air conditioner?

A Goodman or Amana air conditioner or heat pump shows its build date in the first four digits of its 10-digit serial number, year first and then month. A Goodman cooling package unit with serial 1812154656 was built in December 2018. Look for the rating plate on the back of the outdoor unit, just above the refrigerant valves.

How old is my Carrier or Bryant air conditioner?

On a Carrier or Bryant outdoor air conditioner or heat pump, the first four digits of the serial number are the week and year it was built: two digits for the week, then two for the year. A serial that starts 2315 was built in week 23 of 2015, around early June. The serial is on the rating plate on the back of the unit, near the refrigerant line connections.

How old is my Lennox air conditioner or heat pump?

A Lennox air conditioner or heat pump carries its build year in the third and fourth digits of the serial number, followed by a month letter that runs from A for January to M for December with no I. So 1823K means October 2023, at Lennox’s Saltillo cooling plant. The serial is on the white sticker near the service panel of the outdoor unit.

How old is my Daikin air conditioner or heat pump?

On a Daikin central air conditioner, heat pump or air handler, the first four digits of the serial number are the year and month it was built, in that order. Daikin’s own warranty gives the example: a serial that starts 2610 was made in October 2026. Ductless mini-splits are different, so read the manufacture date printed on their label instead.