How to Extend the Life of Your Air Conditioning System

Let’s face it—no one wants to replace their air conditioning system before they have to. It’s a big investment, and the longer you can keep your current unit running efficiently, the better. The good news? With just a bit of regular attention and care, your AC system can keep your home cool and comfortable for many years.

At Penning Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric, we believe in helping homeowners protect their investments. That’s why we’re sharing expert-backed strategies to extend the life of your air conditioner, avoid costly repairs, and make sure your home stays cool season after season.

Know Your System’s Average Lifespan

Before diving into tips, it helps to know what kind of lifespan you can reasonably expect from your air conditioning unit. On average:

Central air conditioners last between 12 to 17 years
Ductless mini-splits can last up to 20 years with proper care
Window units typically last 8 to 10 years

But these are just averages. With consistent maintenance and smart usage habits, many homeowners are able to get even more life out of their systems.

Schedule Professional Maintenance Every Year

This is hands down the most important step you can take.

Annual maintenance isn’t just about checking a box—it’s about keeping your system clean, efficient, and reliable. When you schedule a tune-up with a licensed technician (like our team here at Penning), they’ll inspect critical components, clean the coils and blower, check refrigerant levels, tighten electrical connections, test the thermostat, and catch any early signs of wear.

Neglecting professional maintenance is one of the fastest ways to shorten your AC’s lifespan. Small problems can go unnoticed and gradually develop into major issues that could have been prevented with a simple check-up.

Pro Tip: Schedule your AC tune-up in the spring—before the first heatwave hits. That way, your system is ready to go when you need it most.

Change Your Air Filter Regularly

Your AC system relies on proper airflow to run efficiently. When the air filter gets clogged with dust, dirt, and pet hair, it restricts airflow, forcing your system to work harder. That extra strain can lead to overheating, frozen coils, and in some cases, full system failure.

Most homes should have the filter changed every 30 to 90 days, depending on usage, the type of filter, and whether you have pets or allergies. Some high-efficiency filters can last longer, but it’s always best to check monthly, especially during high-use seasons.

If you’re not sure where your filter is located or what type to use, your technician can walk you through it during your next service visit.

Keep the Outdoor Unit Clear

Your outdoor condenser unit plays a major role in removing heat from your home. But it can’t do its job if it’s buried under leaves, blocked by overgrown shrubs, or caked with dirt.

To keep your outdoor unit in peak condition:

Trim back plants, bushes, and grass at least 2–3 feet around the unit
Clean off leaves and debris that collect on the top or sides
Make sure it’s sitting level and has good airflow on all sides
Hose off the coils gently at the start of the cooling season (unless your tech already did during maintenance)

It’s a small task that goes a long way in preventing overheating and improving efficiency.

Don’t Overwork the System

Your air conditioner isn’t a superhero—it needs realistic expectations and a little help from you to run efficiently. That means:

Set a reasonable thermostat temperature. Aiming for 68°F on a 90-degree day is asking a lot. Try to keep the difference between outdoor and indoor temps to about 20 degrees.
Use ceiling fans to circulate air. Fans don’t lower the temperature, but they help you feel cooler—allowing you to set the thermostat a few degrees higher without sacrificing comfort.
Keep windows and doors closed when the AC is on. Even minor air leaks can make your system work harder than necessary.
Close curtains or blinds during peak sun hours. Reducing heat gain through your windows can give your AC a well-deserved break.

These small changes help reduce wear and tear on the system, which adds up to a longer lifespan.

Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat

Smart thermostats do more than look good on the wall. They help optimize your system’s performance by learning your schedule, adjusting automatically when you’re not home, and avoiding unnecessary run times.

Some models even offer energy reports, service reminders, and integration with your smartphone so you can control your home’s temperature from anywhere.

Less frequent cycling and smarter scheduling means less strain on your system over time—and real savings on your energy bills.

Address Repairs Promptly

It can be tempting to ignore a strange noise or reduced cooling power, especially if the unit mostly seems to be working. But those signs often point to underlying issues that will only get worse (and more expensive) with time.

A minor issue like a loose component, dirty coil, or small refrigerant leak can escalate into a major system failure if left unaddressed. The longer you wait, the more damage it can do—and the shorter your system’s lifespan will be.

If something doesn’t seem right, don’t hesitate to call your technician. A quick fix today might save you a full replacement tomorrow.

Don’t Ignore Your Ductwork

Your AC might be in perfect condition, but if your ductwork is dirty, leaky, or poorly insulated, it’s going to have to work harder to cool your home. That puts unnecessary strain on the system and shortens its life over time.

Consider having your ducts inspected every few years, especially if:

You notice uneven cooling from room to room
Your energy bills are climbing for no clear reason
You see dust buildup around vents or smell musty air

Sealing and insulating your ductwork can also improve system efficiency and reduce cooling costs—an all-around win.

Consider a Maintenance Plan

If you’re worried about forgetting filter changes, tune-ups, or catching small problems in time, a maintenance plan can help.

At Penning, we offer service agreements that include regular checkups, priority service, and discounted repairs. It’s a convenient way to protect your system year after year and ensure you’re always getting the most out of your AC investment.

Plus, it saves you the headache of trying to schedule emergency service in the middle of a heatwave.

How Long Should My AC Last?

With all of the above in place—regular maintenance, prompt repairs, smart usage, and proper cleaning—most air conditioners can easily reach (and even surpass) their expected 12–17 year lifespan.

That said, age isn’t everything. If your system is breaking down frequently, struggling to cool your home, or costing you more than it should to run, it might be time to talk about replacement options. A newer, energy-efficient model may offer better long-term savings and performance.

And of course, we’re here to help you weigh the pros and cons based on your specific needs.

Keep Your Cool for Years to Come

Taking care of your air conditioning system doesn’t have to be complicated—but it does take consistency. A little attention today can mean a lot fewer headaches (and expenses) down the road.

If it’s been a while since your last tune-up, or you’re ready to start fresh with a maintenance plan, Penning Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric is just a call away.

Published at April 25, 2025
Category: HVAC