Because there are so many variables—including your local climate, your home’s size and design, how the system is installed, and construction of the ductwork—Consumer Reports doesn’t test central air conditioning systems. Instead, we estimate the reliability of major brands on the market by asking our members about their experiences with the AC systems they purchased and had installed.
Historically, members have expected their central air systems to last a median of 15 years. Our 2022 findings are based on central air conditioning systems that are in use for a median of five months a year.
“Choosing a brand with higher predicted reliability and better owner satisfaction will boost your chances of getting an air conditioning system that you can depend on,” says Adam Troy, who led CR’s air conditioner reliability survey.
Our latest survey includes reliability and satisfaction data on two brands of ductless mini-split ACs, in addition to 23 brands of conventional central air systems.
In addition to those findings, CR members let us know which parts broke and what it cost to fix their central AC system if repairs were needed. We also asked them how likely they are to recommend their system to friends and family, which is how we calculate owner satisfaction ratings.
