A 52-year-old air conditioning unit in Pickering, Ont., owned by 95-year-old Lois Kemp, has won a regional contest hosted by Button’s Heating and Air Conditioning to find the oldest working AC unit, according to local news reports. The appliance, purchased by Kemp in 1974 after winning $1,000 in a lottery for the Montreal Olympic Stadium, has continued to cool the home without a major breakdown due to decades of seasonal maintenance.
How a 1974 Fedders Air Conditioner Outlasted Modern Units
The winning appliance is a Fedders unit that was installed when Lois Kemp’s son, Steve Kemp, was just a teenager, according to CTV News and Durham Radio News. Steve Kemp told reporters that the family systematically maintained the machine every year by covering it during winter and cleaning it each spring. Nigel Charlton of Button’s Heating and Air Conditioning inspected the unit prior to the contest and confirmed to CTV News that it was still cooling the house effectively.
Did you know? Button’s Heating and Air Conditioning reported receiving 107 entries for their oldest AC contest, which featured functioning older units aged 41, 43, and 44 years old, before crowning Kemp’s 52-year-old model as the winner.
Why Older Appliances Last Longer Than Modern Electronics
The longevity of appliances built decades ago compared to modern equivalents comes down to fundamental engineering shifts. According to reporting from CTV News, older home appliances relied on simple mechanical designs and heavy steel parts. In contrast, many newer refrigerators, stoves, and air conditioners utilize fragile computer boards and plastic components that tend to break down much faster.
Pro Tip: Regular seasonal maintenance—such as clearing debris, cleaning coils, and winterizing outdoor units—remains the single most effective way to extend the operational lifespan of home climate control systems.
Prize Details and Energy Efficiency Upgrades
As the winner of the contest, Lois Kemp received a brand-new, state-of-the-art Daikin air conditioner fully installed by certified technicians from Button’s Heating and Air Conditioning, a prize valued at up to $8,000 according to Durham Radio News. While her previous unit ran for over five decades, Nigel Charlton noted in interviews with CTV News that replacement parts for a 52-year-old machine are no longer available. The new Daikin system provides quieter operation and significantly higher energy efficiency, which will reduce strain on Kemp’s utility bills.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old was the winning air conditioner?
The winning air conditioner owned by Lois Kemp was 52 years old, having been installed in 1974.
Who hosted the oldest AC unit contest?
The contest was hosted by Button’s Heating and Air Conditioning, an HVAC company operating in Ontario’s Durham Region.
What prize did the winner receive?
Lois Kemp received a brand-new Daikin air conditioner, completely installed for free, with a retail value of up to $8,000.
Why did the old air conditioner last so long?
According to the homeowner’s family, the unit lasted because it was meticulously maintained every year, including winter covering and spring cleaning.
What is the oldest appliance still running in your household? Let us know in the comments below, and subscribe to our newsletter for more consumer alerts and local stories.
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