The answer to 'how long does AC last' is that a typical central air conditioning system lasts 15-20 years with proper maintenance. The lifespan can vary depending on factors like the quality of the equipment, how often it's used, and how well it's maintained. Properly maintaining your AC system through regular tune-ups and replacing air filters as recommended can help extend its lifespan.
Most AC systems start to lose efficiency and require more frequent repairs after about 10-15 years. At that point, it may be more cost-effective to replace the entire system rather than continuing to repair it. Newer, energy-efficient models can also provide significant utility cost savings over an older system.