How long does a window air conditioner or heat pump last?

The average lifespan of a window unit air conditioner or heat pump is 5 to 8 years, with an average of 7 years. Air conditioning contractors like to call them “window shakers.” They are noisy and inefficient compared to permanently installed systems, but being inexpensive to buy and easy to install makes window units popular—especially in parts of the country that only briefly need air conditioning each year. 

    Many people refer to both an air conditioner ("straight cool” or “cooling”) and a heat pump as simply an “air conditioner,” but most window air conditioners require an electric resistance heat coil for heating. Only a few models are heat pumps that can reverse the flow of refrigerant to heat the home.

    Here’s our comparison chart with the average life expectancies of different types of air conditioners, along with other appliances that provide heating and ventialation for a home.

    Also, see our blog posts How energy efficient are window air conditioners compared to a split system whole-house air conditioner? and What are the most common problems with wall/window air conditioners? and Can I run a window air conditioner on a portable generator?

    Go to our blog post What is the average lifespan of the parts of a house? for rating of other house components. 

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Field Guide for Home Inspectors, a quick reference for finding the age of 154 brands of HVAC systems, water heaters, and electrical panels, plus 210 code standards for site-built and manufactured homes, and the life expectancy rating of 195 home components. Available at amazon.com for $19.95.
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  To learn more about heating and air conditioning systems, see these other blog posts:

• How can I find out the SEER of my air conditioner? 

• My air conditioner won't turn on. What's wrong? 

• How can I find out the size of my air conditioner? 

• How can I find out the age of my air conditioner or furnace?

• How can I tell whether the condenser (outdoor unit) is an air conditioner or heat pump? 

• Where is the air filter for my central air conditioner and furnace? I can’t find it? 

• Does an old air conditioner use more electricity as it ages? 

• How did homes stay cool in Florida before air conditioning?

• How can I find out the size of my air conditioner? 

• How can I find out the age of my air conditioner or furnace? 

• What is wrong with an air conditioner when the air flow out of the vents is low?

• Why has the thermostat screen gone blank? 

• Why does it take so long to cool a house when an air conditioner has been off for a while? 

• Why is my air conditioner not cooling enough? 

• What are the most common problems with wall/window air conditioners?  

• Will closing doors reduce my heating and cooling costs? 

    Visit our HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING and LIFE EXPECTANCY pages for other related blog posts on this subject, or go to the INDEX for a complete listing of all our articles. 

NOTE: These life expectancies are based on data provided by InterNACHI, NAHB, FannieMade, and our own professional experience. Because of the numerous variables that can affect a lifespan, they should be used as rough guidelines only, and not relied upon as a warranty or guarantee of future performance.