10 to 15 Years

The biggest issue with rental properties is undoubtedly the A/C. This is a persistent problem that brokers can never fully eliminate.

And just to prove a point: currently, we are overseeing four A/C problems from different properties.

A/C units can become problematic for various reasons such as factory defects, they’re underpowered, and non-maintenance. However, the most common reason is their limited useful life, which is typically 10-15 years according to multiple sources.

Manufacturers like Carrier claim that “you can expect a good 15 to 20 years of cooling from a new high-efficiency air conditioning system.” However, it’s important to note that this lifespan applies to inverter A/Cs. Therefore, a 10-15-year lifespan is more realistic for non-inverter units.

Takeaways:

For landlords: Consider replacing A/C units that are over 15 years old to keep your tenants happy. Satisfied tenants lead to fewer turnovers, fewer vacancies, and higher profits.

For tenants: When choosing a rental, always check the condition of the A/C units. Avoid renting units with yellowish or visibly old A/C units.