An HVAC system is an essential part of modern homes. They are viewed as one-time investments for a comfortable living. However, HVAC components are prone to damages, which is why they need to be maintained regularly.
Another thing that causes an HVAC system to slow down is old age. Every component has a different life expectancy, and proper maintenance might help you keep some parts for longer than expected! In this article, we are bringing you a list of life expectancies for the entire HVAC system. Stick around to get some helpful information!
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How Long Does An HVAC System Last?
An HVAC system consists of a number of components that work together to create one well-functioning machine. Some of these parts are furnaces, boilers, air conditioners, heat pumps, thermostats, etc. All of these parts have different life expectancies, and we are bringing you all of them:
Furnaces
Gas furnaces can last from 20 to 30 years, depending on the maintenance. However, a leaking heat exchanger is a sign that you need to get these furnaces replaced.
The furnace might last longer if it was designed for your home and properly installed. However, if not done correctly, your furnace might only last for about ten years! Thus, considering that it is a significant investment, you would want to maintain it properly to last longer than that.
On the other hand, oil furnaces last anywhere from 10 to 15 years. They usually malfunction due to the lack of oil and periodic maintenance.
Boilers
Boilers generally last a bit longer than furnaces, with a life span of 25 to 30 years. They are also usually replaced once the heat exchanger starts leaking.
Air Conditioners
Air conditioners usually last for 15 to 20 years. Some never go over ten years, especially in coastal regions where salt does some damage.
If the compressor fails or there are signs of corrosion and leaks on the condenser, it is time to replace the air conditioner!
Heat Pumps
Heat pumps last slightly less than air conditioners, even though their purpose is essentially very similar. They last from 10 to 20 years, whereas 15 is the average. In coastal regions, this is even less than with air conditioning, with the life expectancy being from seven to ten years.
The signs for heat pump replacement are the same as those for the air conditioners.
Tankless Water Heater
Tankless water heaters generally last for about 20 years with proper maintenance, at least every three years! Their life span can be prolonged depending on the water quality in your area!
Ductless Mini-Splits
Ductless mini-splits provide both cooling and heating, and their lifespan tends to be unpredictable. They can last anywhere from 10 to 30 years! It all depends on the quality of your product and the extent and periodicity of maintenance. Of course, in coastal regions, their life expectancy is much shorter because of salt influence.
Electric or Gas Water Heater
Electric or gas water heater life expectancy is a lot less than that of its tankless counterpart. It is around ten years, but you should maintain it at least once a year and have it inspected by a technician every three years.
Thermostats
Thermostats can last up to 25 years, and they do not need a lot of maintenance. Nowadays, since everything is technology-driven, there are various options for thermostats to upgrade to.
Factors That Affect HVAC Life Expectancy
There are quite a few things that can be detrimental to your HVAC system or one of its components. Here are some of them:
Maintenance
Make sure to regularly maintain your HVAC system, whether by yourself or by calling in professionals to help.
It might not seem like it, but this will surely prolong the lifespan of your HVAC and save you a lot of money! Maintenance helps find possible issues that can become worse over time. The bigger the problem, the more money you need to fix it.
Instead of letting your HVAC system deteriorate, you should check on it every once in a while and prevent potential inconveniences!
Quality Installation
When installing your HVAC, you should be very careful with the brand you choose to do so. Get trained professionals with a good background to install the systems.
They will make sure that there is no oversizing or undersizing the system. They would know how to install the ductworks without leaks, where to place the vents, and how to seal everything! This means a lot to your unit because it will be functioning much more effectively!
Operating Frequency
It is logical that if something is used all the time, it is more likely to deteriorate faster. Therefore, if you use your HVAC at all times, you might have to replace some parts more often.
However, regularly maintaining parts such as filters, thermostats can surely prolong its lifespan! Use these systems only when you need them. It would help you save on your bills and impart a longer life to the systems.
Location
The location of your HVAC elements is also crucial. For example, you should ensure that your outdoor unit is not in direct sunlight during summer or that it does not collect dust from the driveway.
On the other hand, location does not only refer to where you put the unit but also where you reside. If you live in coastal regions, you will likely have to replace some components sooner than those in other places. Then again, if you live in dry places, there will be a lot of dust accumulated in the unit.
Humidity plays a significant role, as it affects the atmosphere of your home, and you will have to adjust the thermostat frequently. You can also install a humidifier to deal with this issue!
Endnote
Overall, even though installing an HVAC system can be quite an investment, the lifespan of these systems is pretty long. Make sure to maintain the system regularly and properly to extend the life expectancy and save more money! Do not ignore minor issues as they may compound in the future. Call in for professionals whenever you face a problem with your systems.
