What Is The Typical Lifespan Of HVAC Systems?

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning are abbreviated as HVAC. These systems, which are found in every home, are in charge of heating and cooling. The systems are also in charge of filtering the air in your home and transferring air back and forth between the interior and outdoors of your home. If you own a house, you probably have an HVAC system with a variety of components. These systems (or portions of them) will eventually need to be repaired or replaced. But how long do air conditioning systems last?

How Long Do Air Conditioning Systems Last?

The lifespan of an HVAC system is determined by a variety of factors. The sort of system you have, where you live, and how well it is maintained are all important factors to consider. An HVAC system, on the other hand, should survive for at least ten years.

What is the Average Lifespan of Various HVAC System Components?

Many various components make up an HVAC system that helps it heat or cool your home. Each component has a unique base lifespan. Other factors, as detailed below, can influence this fundamental lifespan.

Furnace

A furnace aids in the heating of your home. Heating is usually done with a furnace or a boiler. The main distinction is that a boiler uses steam or hot water, whereas a furnace uses gas or oil.

The usual lifespan of a furnace is 15 to 25 years. When the heat exchanger starts to leak, the unit is usually replaced. Installation and selecting a furnace size that is appropriate for your home are important factors in how long the unit will survive.

Boiler

A boiler is an alternate method of supplying heat to your home. It is powered by hot water or steam.

A boiler’s average lifespan is between 20 and 35 years. When the heat exchanger begins to leak, a boiler, like a furnace, is usually replaced.

AC Unit

Your home’s air conditioning is provided by an AC unit. These units, which resemble a giant box with a fan inside, are frequently situated outside your home.

In most cases, air conditioners survive roughly 15 years. People that live near the seaside, on the other hand, will notice that their units deteriorate considerably faster due to salt exposure. In areas where there is saltwater, an air conditioner will only survive seven to 10 years.

When the compressor breaks, the air conditioner is usually replaced. It’s also recommended that you replace the condenser if it develops serious problems, such as leaking or corrosion.

Pumped Heat

A heat pump is expected to last 16 years on average, but it could fail after just ten. A heat pump might only survive seven years in a coastal environment. Because a heat pump runs continuously throughout the year, its lifespan is shorter than that of many other components.

A heat pump will extract any heat from the environment and transmit it into your home when the temperature is cold outside. The opposite is true in warmer weather. A heat pump will take any surplus heat from your home and move it outside to help chill it down.

Mini-Splits Without Ducts

A ductless mini-split can heat and cool a home without the use of ducts. They can live for 10 to 30 years, however in coastal environments, their longevity would be drastically reduced.

THERMOSTAT

The temperature within the house is measured by the thermostat. This is how your air conditioner or heater knows when it’s time to heat or cool your home. A thermostat can survive up to 25 years on average.

What Kind of Air Conditioning System Do You Have?

Each HVAC system is distinct and includes the numerous components outlined above. Some homeowners are completely unaware of the components that make up their system. If you’re not sure, there are a couple of ways to find out.

The most straightforward technique is to check around your home. Look up photos and descriptions of the various elements in your system to figure out what it contains. If you’re still unclear, check your residence for a manual that can assist you.

If you’re still stumped, make an appointment with a knowledgeable HVAC technician. They can help you choose the type of system to install in your new home.

How to Make Your Unit Last a Longer Time

It’s vital to keep in mind that average lifespans should only be used to estimate how long your unit will last. The longevity of your unit and its components is affected by a number of factors.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance on each portion of your HVAC equipment, when needed, is one of the most critical things you can do to help extend its longevity. Every few months, visually inspect all components for evidence of leaks, corrosion, cracks, or other problems. You should additionally perform the following checks in addition to visual inspections:

• Once a year, have your HVAC system inspected by a professional.
• Annually flush your gas or electric water tanks to prevent corrosion and accumulation.
• Replace your home air filters on a regular basis (at least four times a year)
• Keep bushes and shrubs out of the way of your outdoor air conditioner.
• Remove debris from your outside air conditioning unit on a regular basis.
• Regularly inspect and replace refrigerant.
• Any obvious problems should be addressed right away, before they get out of hand.

Increasing the Lifespan from the Beginning

There are a few things you can do right away to increase the life of your HVAC system. Always utilize professional installation for all aspects of your equipment to get off on the proper foot. A few issues arise from improper installation.

When devices are put incorrectly, they may not work at all. If they appear to function, the unit may be put under further stress. This can reduce component lifespan estimates by up to half.

• An HVAC professional can also ensure that your unit is properly sized for your property. This is another technique to increase the life of your unit right from the start.

• A unit that is too big for your house will heat and cool it too quickly. This causes the unit to switch on and off too frequently, potentially damaging it.

• If a unit is too tiny for your home, it will have to run constantly to maintain a pleasant temperature inside. Excessive wear and tear can be caused by running for too long or too frequently.

Symptoms of HVAC System Failure

Minor repairs will almost certainly be required over the lifecycle of your HVAC unit to keep it working smoothly. It’s critical to learn how to spot symptoms that your system may be malfunctioning.

The following are some of the most common signs:

• Home is neither hot nor cold.
• Your system is on and off all the time.
• Your utility bills are much greater than usual.
• Strange noises are emanating from your computer.
• The heating or cooling system will not switch on.

This is not an exhaustive list. If something doesn’t seem right with your unit, get it checked out straight away. If left untreated, what begins as a little, inexpensive correction can quickly escalate into a major, costly problem.

Working with a Professional HVAC Technician is Critical

Working with a competent HVAC expert is one of the best things you can do. If at all feasible, stick with the same company. This allows the provider to better understand your unit’s history and diagnose problems.

But why should you hire a professional HVAC expert instead of doing it yourself?

HVAC systems are complicated, and working on them without the necessary expertise can be harmful. While you may feel comfortable draining your water heater on your own once a year, anything beyond that should be handled by a professional. Working on the various components of your home’s system might result in burns, worsening breakages, and even explosions.

Do You Have Any More Questions Concerning HVAC System Lifespans?

What is the average lifespan of an air conditioning system? The solution is dependent on the components in your system. Any HVAC system component’s average lifespan can be extended with professional installation and routine maintenance.