In the United States, heating and cooling systems are a necessity in every household. HVAC systems have a huge impact on your comfort and energy usage. Because your HVAC system is such a large investment in your house, it only makes sense to make the most of it.
“How long does the average HVAC system last?” is one of the most often asked questions among homeowners. In reality, there is no simple answer to this issue because the longevity of your system is primarily determined by how you manage it. Typically, each manufacturer creates a system that is slightly different from that of their competitors, and you will notice that certain brands endure longer than others.
So, How Long Will My HVAC System Last?
Depending on the brand and other parameters, your HVAC system will last between 15 and 25 years on average. It’s also worth noting that the lifespans of the various components of your HVAC system vary.
Your air conditioner, regardless of the manufacturer, should last between 15 and 20 years if properly maintained. However, no matter what brand you have, if you don’t take care of your air conditioner, it won’t last more than a decade. Due to the salt exposure, AC units placed in coastal areas tend to survive the lowest time, with the majority lasting seven to twelve years.
Life Expectancy Of HVAC
The lifespan of an HVAC system is determined by its type. The typical life spans for common HVAC equipment are as follows:
-
Furnace
Your furnace will last a long time if it was properly sized for your home, was maintained on an annual basis, and if the installation was done correctly. A furnace should endure between 15 and 25 years.
-
Boilers
Boilers have a slightly longer lifespan than furnaces, ranging from 20 to 35 years. When the heat exchanger begins to leak, they are usually replaced.
-
Tankless Water Heater
Your tankless water heater has a 20-year lifespan. The life of a tankless water heater is mainly dependent on the water quality in your location. Every three years or so, you should have your tankless unit serviced.
-
Heat pumps
Heat pumps can last anywhere from 10 to 20 years, depending on how often they are used, however, 15 years is the norm. Heat pumps are comparable to air conditioners in terms of functionality, but because they can provide both heating and cooling, they are often utilized for a longer period of time each year. Heat pumps in coastal areas will also fail early, with life spans ranging from 7 to 12 years.
-
Thermostat
Thermostats have a longer lifespan of up to 25 years. However, many individuals prefer to update to programmable and smart thermostats that have become available in recent years. These thermostats can help you save a lot of money on your energy bills.
-
Ductless Mini-Splits
Except in coastal locations, ductless mini-splits can supply both heating and cooling, and have a typical life period of 10 to 30 years.
-
Air Conditioning Unit
Air conditioners have a 15-year lifespan on average. You should have your air conditioning equipment serviced twice a year if you want it to last as long as possible. Your air conditioner, like your furnace, should be properly sized for your home.
Factors Affecting The HVAC System’s Service Life
There are several factors that might shorten the life of HVAC equipment. These factors include:
- Installation practices that aren’t up to par
- Unreasonably high utilization or loads
- Improper usage such as heating or cooling with windows and doors open.
- Inadequate maintenance techniques
- Defective components or poor initial quality
- System oversizing or undersizing
- Installation in conditions that are salty or corrosive, such as coastal locations
The most damaging of these is inadequate maintenance and oversizing. Oversizing can induce frequent on-and-off cycling, resulting in compressor or blower motor failure. While a lack of maintenance can result in rapid component wear and a substantially shorter life duration. Additionally, due to salt corroding the condenser unit, air conditioners or heat pumps in coastal areas will have much shorter life spans. HVAC systems will survive longer with preventative maintenance plans because minor flaws will be detected before they require costly repairs.
Wondering Who To Trust With Your HVAC Maintenance?
Superior Mechanical Services, Inc. began in 1948 as a family-owned business with a vision to provide value-minded service with a down-to-earth approach to customers throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. Keeping your heating & cooling systems in good working order means increased comfort in your home and workplace, longer equipment life, lower utility bills, and of course fewer repairs. Too busy or overwhelmed to perform maintenance yourself? No problem! A Superior Club Membership provides peace of mind with twice-yearly inspection and maintenance at a reasonable price. Let Superior keep your system running in tip-top shape, help reduce your utility bills and avoid costly unexpected repairs. Contact us today for more information on how we can save you thousands over the life of your system!
