When we say 'lifetime' we are referring to the lifetime of the cover. Our covers' 'lifetime' means the life of the cover, or when through normal use and general deterioration the cover can no longer function for the purpose intended. Unfortunately this does not mean your lifetime. Your Brinmar cover will not live to the ripe age of 100 but we have heard from folks whose well loved and well cared for cover lasted over 25 years. The oldest cover we know of was purchased for a model SSC condensing unit in 1984 and finally retired in 2011. The condensing unit had a full charge and worked perfectly but the owner felt it time to purchase a more energy efficient model. The location was Simcoe Ontario and the air conditioner was used about 3 months out of the year. The owner wiped the cover clean each spring and stored the cover indoors during the cooling season. Proper cleaning and proper storage of the cover are key to help prolong its life.