The textbook answer is 10–15 years. The Florida answer is: it depends heavily on runtime and maintenance, and our climate pushes systems hard.
Why Florida is different
An air conditioner in Gainesville runs roughly eight months a year, often hard, through brutal summer humidity. That is far more operating hours than the same unit would log in a four-season climate, so "years" understates the wear. Think in runtime, and a Florida system ages faster.
How to reach the high end
Annual maintenance is the single biggest lever. Clean coils, correct refrigerant charge, clear condensate drains, and tight ductwork keep the system from working harder than it should. Homes on lake or heavily wooded lots benefit from twice-a-year service because debris loads the coils faster.
A correctly sized system also lasts longer — an oversized unit short-cycles, which is hard on components and bad for humidity control.
Signs the end is near
Rising bills, frequent repairs, uneven cooling, and a system on R-22 all point toward replacement. If yours is past 12 and showing these signs, it is worth a free estimate to compare repair costs against an efficient new system.
Talk to a local expert
Have a question about your specific system? Bertie Heating & Air has served Gainesville and North Central Florida for 20+ years. Call (352) 331-2005 for honest advice, a fast repair, or a free in-home estimate.