How Long Do Mini Splits Last? (My Experiences)

Mini splits are relatively new to some people. They are compact and lightweight yet, full of features and controls. This makes people wonder if mini splits can last long. So, I’ll share a little bit of my experience and what are some of the important parts to take care of if you want to have a long-lasting mini split.

Generally, a mini split can last up to 15 years depending on the built quality, installation workmanship and how well you maintain it. Ideally, a mini split should operate within its design conditions and be free from strains for maximum life expectancy.

Personally, I have 3 experiences related to the lifespan of mini split system. Each experience has a unique perspective to it. I hope my sharing can give you valuable insights.

Experience 1: YORK Non-Inverter Mini Split (11 Years)

As far as my memory recalls, my father put on a York 9000 BTU (1.0 HP) mini split back when I was 12-13 years old. We moved to a new city and my bedroom needs an air conditioner. Back then, York is a very popular mini split brand in Malaysia.

I remember the mini split lives through high school and college. After I started working, we replaced it with a new unit but I forgot what’s the reason. I think it has something to do with the unit not being cold anymore.

In total, the York mini split lasted about 11 years before we had to replace it with a new one.

During the period of York mini split, I turned it on every night at around 9-10pm until the next day morning at around 6-7am, typical for school. Occasionally, I use it in the weekend afternoon for a few hours when the weather gets too hot.

For some context, the weather in Malaysia is hot all year round. So, the York mini split basically works every single night throughout the entire year. In 11 years, it operated more than 32,000 hours (11 yrs x 365 days x 8 hrs).

Because my bedroom is small, I never set the temperature below 23°C (73.4°F). Most of the time, I set the temperature to 25-26°C (77-78.8°F).

As for the maintenance, I remember my dad asked me to help wash the filter. We do that like 4-5 times per year? Can’t really remember. Once a year or so, my dad hires technicians to overhaul and clean the mini split.

Back then, York produces some of the best quality products. After Johnson Control acquired it, we hardly see this brand in Malaysia anymore.

Experience 2: DAIKIN Inverter Mini Split (>5 Years)

After the York mini split gave away, we replaced it with a new Daikin mini split. The old mini split is a non-inverter type, meaning it cannot ramp up and down. Instead, it cycles on and off much like a traditional central air conditioning unit.

Back then, inverter was not a thing yet.

The new Daikin mini split is an inverter type. At that time, inverter type air conditioners are new to the market.

What I remember the most about the Daikin mini split is that I feel a lot more comfortable. This is because the temperature of the air coming out of the mini split is not as cold when the compressor ramped down and stablized.

I used the Daikin mini split during the first 2 years of my working life. In the following year, I switched to a new company and moved to stay at the company’s hotels because the distance was quite far. During this period, the Daikin mini split is seldom used. I only use it on the weekend.

Nonetheless, the Daikin mini split continued to function for a total of 5 years until we decided to sell the house along with all the air conditioners installed in the house. At the time of selling the house, the Daikin mini split is still functioning well.

If I were to calculate the total operating hours, I would say in the first two years, it was about 5,800 hours (2 yrs x 365 days x 8 hours). In the third year, it was about 770 hours (12 mths x 8 days x 8 hrs). So, in total, the Daikin mini split operated for about 6,570 hours and beyond.

Experience 3: DAIKIN Inverter Mini Split (>7 Years)

In 2017, we moved to a new house where we had to install new air conditioners. Due to my previous experiences, both at home and at work, I choose to use Daikin inverter mini splits again. This time, I use a 12000 BTU (1.5 HP) unit.

Fast forward to 2024, and my Daikin mini split is still running well. At the time of writing this post, my mini split has been operating for 7 years and its performance is as good as when it is new (touch wood).

Similarly, I use my mini split every single day throughout the night. Additionally, I use it for long hours (more than 4-6 hours) during most weekends. My estimate is the total operating hours for the past 7 years is around 23,000 hours.

About 80% of the time, I set the temperature to 25°C (77°F). The other 20% of the time is around 23-24°C (73.4-75.2°F) when the weather gets too hot.

For maintenance, I clean the filter once every 2-3 months depending on the condition. Then, like every 1.5-2 years, I hire technicians to do a full cleaning on both the indoor and outdoor units.

So, from my experience, at least the first 7 years I can say mini splits perform very well even though running every day. However, you must have a good quality unit, and operate and maintain it well.

How to Extend the Lifespan of Mini Split System: 3 Critical Parts to Protect

From my personal experiences and what I’ve learned from working in the HVAC industry, there are 3 important parts of a mini split that you must protect to have the longest lifespan.

1. Compressor

The compressor is the most important part of a mini split. It is also the most expensive part. Most of the time, a compressor breakdown means you might as well change to a new mini split given the replacement cost.

To have the mini split last as long as possible, you need to ensure that the compressor is not strained or overloaded. Under or over-charging the refrigerant is bad for the compressor. The compressor should be installed on a flat surface and leveled to ensure uniform wear and tear. The refrigerant pipe length should not exceed the manufacturer’s recommendation as the system will have oil return and pressure problems.

All the above are some of the technical stuff that keeps a compressor running healthy. These problems can be avoided with proper installation. Thus, good contractors are important.

If possible, try not to fully load your mini split all the time. It means to use a mini split with a capacity big enough to handle the space. In other words, correct mini split sizing is important.

2. Copper Tubes

The copper tubes used in mini split system as well as other air conditioning systems can crack and cause a refrigerant leak. However, this can be separated into two parts: a) coil leak and b) piping leak.

Low-cost mini splits may have thin copper tubes running in their indoor and outdoor units. Under normal circumstances, these units won’t leak as they undergo pressure tests at the factory. However, if you happen to drop or hit the units during installation or maintenance, they have a higher chance of cracking.

Often, evaporator and condenser coils crack are claimable through the manufacturer’s warranty. However, if it is over the warranty period, a coil crack is often too expensive to repair and you might as well change a new unit.

3. Circuit Board

Modern mini splits are mostly inverter type. Inverter mini splits have a circuit board in the indoor and outdoor units. Depending on the build quality, some of these circuit boards are sensitive to power surge. If your house doesn’t have a stable electricity supply, you may find the circuit board keeps failing.

However, newer mini splits are getting more reliable and I’ve since heard less about burnt circuit boards. In construction projects, we void the warranty if the mini splits are powered by a diesel generator for whatever purpose.

Other actions such as regularly cleaning the filter and coil are generally good practices to keep your mini split operational for as long as possible. However, the above 3 parts must be well taken care of to prevent total loss.

Life Expectancy of Mini Split System

The general consensus with regard to the life expectancy of mini split system is about 10-15 years. Back in the old days when the material cost and inflation are not so high, mini splits are heavier as the materials are thicker.

Thus, some of the old mini splits are still running after 20-25 years. However, they are certainly not running as efficiently as modern new mini splits.

With many manufacturers cutting back on the cost given the state of the economy we’re in, I would say 10-15 years is a realistic expectation of the lifespan of a mini split from a reputable brand like Mitsubishi and Daikin.

That said, proper installation and maintenance still play a big role in the overall health of the mini split system. A well-built unit with poor installation can certainly give away in a matter of months.