How Long Does an Air Conditioner Last in Melbourne?

Given the climate in Melbourne, it’s always good to know if your air conditioning is going to make it through the next gruelling summer or harsh winter.

Especially if your air conditioner is old and showing signs of wear and tear.

It’s easy to forget about the health of your air con, but here’s your reminder to show some love and care to your system before it’s too late.

In this guide you’ll finally learn how long an air conditioner lasts specific to Melbourne residents.

We’ll discuss the signs that it’s time to replace your air conditioner and when it’s best to repair it.

Stick around for some extra tips to extend the life of your air conditioner.

The Average Lifespan of Air Conditioners in Australia

The average lifespan of an air conditioner in Melbourne is 15-20 years with good maintenance.

This means that you must take care of your system each year with professional air conditioning servicing.

New air conditioners have been known to fail after several years of no service.

However, it also depends on the type of system that you have – as some are more durable than others.

 

Typical lifespan by system type

Each air conditioning system has its pros and cons, and some generally last longer than others due to their built-in features.

 

Split System

A split system can last up to 15 years with proper yearly servicing. With a simple setup, powerful heating and cooling, you can batter these systems for a long time before they eventually call it quits for good. Oftentimes these systems get used and abused without service and last roughly 10-15 years.

Evaporative Cooling

Typically you’re going to get about 15 years of quality operation from these units before they start needing replacement. However, a well maintained system can last 20 years, especially if the cooling pads are replaced before more problems occur. Learn the pros and cons of evaporative cooling Melbourne.

Ducted Air Conditioning

Ducted Air Conditioning is a very resilient air conditioning system, however, it hinges on correct installation and regular maintenance. You’ll get roughly 15-20 years of honourable use from these powerful air conditioners.

Window Air Conditioner

A window air conditioner can last up to 10 years. Without the proper care we’ve seen these systems last only 5.

How Melbourne’s climate affects lifespan

Living in Melbourne, your system might be exposed to conditions that shorten the life of your air conditioner.

Factors such as severe weather seasons can cause heavy use in all seasons.

It’s not uncommon to have an extremely hot summer blasting the air con, then a month into autumn it’s still hot.

Or lingering cold spells at the start of spring increasing your yearly use.

All of this adds up, so it’s recommended to get your unit serviced to ensure efficiency, and the optimal operation of your air conditioner.

 

Which Air Conditioner Brands Last The Longest

Everyone is aware that there are better AC brands than others, but why?

Well, one of the biggest reasons is the longevity that the best brands enjoy.

Air conditioning installers in Melbourne almost unanimously recommend Daikin, Mitsubishi Electric, and Fujitsu to their clients.

This is because they are extremely reliable and their air conditioners regularly last over 15 years when the proper maintenance is done.

You will notice the difference with these top brands, not just with longevity, but efficiency, and quality.

Investing in the best brands is going to lead to better performance and value for money.

 

7 Clear Signs It Might Be Time to Replace Your Air Conditioner

These are the top 7 signs that your air conditioner is on its way out, and may need replacing soon.

Our air conditioning repair professionals have seen every problem that leads to major breakdown, and eventually replacement and these are the most common.

 

Inconsistent cooling or airflow

If some rooms are cool while others feel like a sauna, your air conditioner’s struggling. 

Weak or uneven airflow usually means the motor, compressor, or ductwork is wearing out. 

Once this starts, the system has to work much harder to keep up, and that extra strain leads to bigger problems down the line.

 

Rising power bills

You might not notice performance issues right away, but you’ll feel them in your wallet.

When an air conditioner gets old or inefficient, it draws more power to produce the same level of cooling.

If your energy bills have crept up even though your usage hasn’t changed, your AC is probably losing its efficiency and could be ready for retirement.

 

Leaking or moisture

Any water pooling around your indoor or outdoor unit is a red flag.

It could be a blocked drain line, a refrigerant leak, or even corrosion inside the system.

Moisture build-up not only damages your home but can also lead to mould and unhealthy air.

If the leak keeps returning, the system is likely too worn to repair properly.

 

Loud rattles or smells

Air conditioners shouldn’t sound like a toolbox.

If you hear grinding, rattling, buzzing, or notice a burning or musty smell, it’s a clear sign something internal is breaking down.

Bearings, belts, and motors all wear out with age, and persistent noises or smells usually mean the unit’s reaching the end of its life.

 

Frequent callouts or short-cycling

When you’re calling for repairs every few months, you’re basically renting your old air conditioner instead of owning it.

Constant short-cycling, when the unit turns on and off repeatedly, wears out components fast. 

At that point, replacing the system is often cheaper and far less stressful than another repair bill.

 

Old age (10+ years)

This might sound obvious, but just having an old system is a sign you need to replace it.

Regardless of how serviced a system is, it will never have the performance or energy efficiency that it once did.

If this is important to you then it’s time to start considering a replacement.

Once your air conditioner ages past 10 years it’s going to be harder to repair as parts become scarce and costs go up.

Think about how old your air conditioner is, and whether it’s time to upgrade to a modern air conditioner.

 

Poor air quality

If the air inside feels heavy, dusty, or triggers allergies, your air conditioner could be part of the problem. 

Dirty filters, mouldy coils, or worn-out ductwork stop trapping pollutants properly.

Here’s what usually causes it:

• Clogged filters sending dust and pollen back into the room.
• Mould growth in damp coils or ducts creating that musty smell.
• Excess humidity or leaks allowing bacteria to thrive.
• Poor ventilation from ageing motors limiting fresh air flow.

When that stale, humid feeling won’t go away even after cleaning, your system’s past its best. A new unit can instantly improve comfort and air quality in your home

 

Repair or Replace? How to Decide

Knowing when to replace an air conditioner instead of repairing can save you thousands of dollars.

This is because a failing system can lead to countless repairs back to back, whereas a fresh system will save you money.

Like with a car, when parts stop working over a short amount of time, it’s an indication that that car is going to break down soon.

Same goes with an air conditioner.

This is why it’s so important to have air conditioning repair specialists that will give you an honest evaluation of your system, and guide you down the correct path.

As a guide you can check out the diagram below which takes you through common questions to self evaluate whether you need a repair or replacement.

How to Extend the Life of Your Air Conditioner

Now everyone talks about DIY steps you can take to extend the life of your air conditioner, but will they actually work?

Yes and no.

If your system has reached old age – past 10-15 years, there’s not much you can do.

So here’s practically what you should do if you’re concerned about how many years left your air conditioner has.

 

Annual servicing

Annual servicing is still top dog when it comes to extending the life of your air conditioner.

No amount of DIY tasks can replace professional air conditioning servicing.

They conduct an in-depth assessment of all major and minor parts, ensuring that everything is working smoothly, and no parts are failing.

When servicing is neglected or done improperly, your air conditioners performance declines,  parts start to wear out, leading to breakdown.

Getting a yearly service often mitigates repair costs and extends the life of your system.

 

Cleaning filters

Anyone can clean and/or replace their filters.

In our split system maintenance tips we breakdown exactly how to do this.

Cleaning your filters allows the system to work efficiently, without extra stress.

Blocked/clogged filters may cause the system to overheat or use more power than necessary putting parts at risk of failure.

Inspect your filters every month to see if they are accumulating dust and debris, this will take less than a minute.

 

Outdoor unit clearance

A tip that often goes missed amongst Melbourne locals is having enough clearance between your outdoor unit and other objects.

If your outdoor unit is blocked with plant matter or other features you may not get the right airflow.

When there’s insufficient clearance, the heat exchange is disturbed and overheating and freezing can occur.

When this happens frequently parts become compromised, and you have to fork out the big bucks on repairs.

Ensure you’ve cut the grass around the unit and moved objects away so it can work to the best of its ability.

 

Thermostat calibration

Thermostats can cause annoying issues such as cycling the system on and off frequently.

This means your system will be working harder than normal as well as increasing your energy bill.

We don’t want any premature breakdowns due to the unnecessary workload, so have a certified technician check out your thermostat for any faults.

 

When To Get A New Air Conditioner

If this all sounds too familiar for you, it might be time to get in touch with a certified air conditioning technician to properly assess your air conditioning.

It’s a chance for a new beginning, putting your old, energy-sucking air con in the dumpster for a fresh new air conditioning installation.

As summer draws near, don’t be afraid of your next energy bill by replacing it with an energy-efficient modern system. 

We offer split systems, evaporative cooling, and ducted air conditioning and any system that suits your needs, budget, and home.

If you’re certain that your air conditioning has some years left, then book a professional air conditioning service in St Kilda, Carnegie, or anywhere in Melbourne for a thorough service.

Our team can help you decide what you need without the hassle.