How long do window air conditioners last?
Most window air conditioners last 8 to 12 years. Window units are commonly given about 8 to 12 years. Manufacturers and utility guides cite similar ranges.
Window and portable units are cheaper and shorter-lived than central systems. A clean filter and a good seal in the window do more than anything else.
Typical lifespan: 8 to 12 years
Window units are commonly given about 8 to 12 years. Manufacturers and utility guides cite similar ranges.
Window air conditioner maintenance checklist by season
Spring
Before installing, inspect the cabinet and coils for damage from storage. Wash the filter and fins, and straighten bent fins with a fin comb. Check the power cord.
Summer
Clean the filter every few weeks, and make sure the unit tilts slightly to the outside so condensate drains out. Do not use an extension cord unless the manual allows it.
Fall
Remove the unit before the cold season or cover it, per the manual. Drain any standing water, clean the coils and let it dry fully before storing.
Winter
Store it upright in a dry place. If it must stay in the window, use an insulated outside cover and seal gaps to stop drafts.
Signs your window air conditioner needs replacing
- It runs but does not cool, or cools only briefly.
- Ice forms on the coil, or water drips inside.
- A loud rattle or a compressor that does not start.
- The cost of repair is more than half the price of a new unit.
Typical window air conditioner warranty
A limited one-year warranty on parts is common, sometimes with a longer sealed-system or compressor term of up to five years. Terms vary by brand.
An appliance warranty tracker keeps your window air conditioner's coverage dates and receipt in one place.
What to keep for a window air conditioner
- The receipt
- Model and serial number, usually on a label on the side or the front panel behind the filter
- The manual with the BTU rating and the circuit requirements
- The filter size
Common questions
How long do window air conditioners last?
Most window air conditioners last 8 to 12 years. Window units are commonly given about 8 to 12 years. Manufacturers and utility guides cite similar ranges.
Why does my window AC drip inside?
It usually sits level or tilted the wrong way. It should tilt slightly outward so condensate drains out. A blocked drain or dirty coil can also cause drips.
Is it worth repairing a window air conditioner?
Rarely, unless the fix is cheap, like a capacitor or a cord. A failed compressor generally costs about as much as a new unit.
How do I maintain a window air conditioner?
Follow your manual first. Each season: spring, before installing, inspect the cabinet and coils for damage from storage. Wash the filter and fins, and straighten bent fins with a fin comb. Check the power cord. Fall, remove the unit before the cold season or cover it, per the manual. Drain any standing water, clean the coils and let it dry fully before storing.