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How long can I expect my Rheem heat pump/air conditioner to last for my home?

This is a two-part question: 1) I don't know the first thing about air conditioning units, but a friend of mine told me residential air conditioners only last a maximum of 10-12 years. This seems like a pretty short lifespan for such an expensive piece of equipment. Is he correct? 2) Also, is the heat pump a separate unit from the air conditioner?

Public Comments

1. 1. 10-12 years is a low end estimate. AC equipment has an average lifespan of 10-20 years. The lower end equipment will have a shorter lifespan than the better stuff. I've seen heat pumps go out after 8 years and last as long as 18. It really depends on a regular schedule of maintenance, placement of the equipment, and overall usage patterns. There's no set lifespan but you should be looking at anywhere from 10-15 years average. 2. It really depends on the system. There are heat pumps that are all one unit (package unit), and there are what is called a "split-system" heat pump. In these, the heat pump is located outside with a coil attached to the indoor furnace. When you change over to a heat pump though, I highly recommend replacing your old furnace as well. They can match up what you need to maximize the efficiency of your system to save you money in the long run.
2. Central air conditioners normally outlast the furnaces. Most a/c are used approximately 45 days per season in the mid-west( it will vary depending on your location and climate temperatures) while furnaces begin working in October and run daily until April. In the mid-west air conditoners are ormally used for resdintial comfort when the humidity is high, on lower humidity days the central a/c are not used. Therefore their lifespan is longer. Heat pumps can heat & cool your house while air conditoners can only cool.
3. I work in the a/c business, though not a tech so I can pretty much tell you that the newer units are somewhat cheap & not lasting as long as some older models. Every day I get calls on 2 yr old units & up (usually under 7 yrs old) not working right. On the flip side of that we service 30 & 40 yr old units, but the secret to their longevity is yearly maintenance as well as being made in a different time. Everything now is seems like it is disposable & not meant to last - it's called repeat business I guess. We don't make them here, just service & install them. Although the units are designed to withstand the elements, they do collect dust, cobwebs & anything else that is blowing in the wind & just as you would regularly change the oil in your car, so too you should regularly have the air conditioner & furnace tuned up & cleaned once a year. I recommend a spring tune up for a/c & a fall tune up for the furnace. Be picky as to who you have out & let work on your unit (call BBB) - if it is still under warranty, check with those who installed it - they may do tune ups & you do not want to void your warranty.
4. I had a Rheem central air unit last 25 years.