An air conditioning unit is a major investment, so how long should an HVAC system last? HVAC life expectancy depends on a variety of factors, such as the quality of the unit and the installation. Most will last from 15 to 25 years but contributing factors like maintenance and regular repairs can make a big difference. Here are some factors that impact HVAC life expectancy, as well as how long your system should last – depending on what type of unit it is.
Factors that Affect HVAC Life Expectancy
There are a variety of factors that will affect the life expectancy of your HVAC system. For instance, if the unit does not receive proper maintenance, is of poor quality, or has defective components, the lifespan will decrease significantly. This deterioration also occurs if the HVAC is under- or over-sized for the home.
How much the HVAC system is used will have an impact as well, in addition to improper use. Running your heating or cooling system with the doors or windows open, or using excessively high loads, will reduce the longevity of your system. If you live in a coastal area that is surrounded by a salty or corrosive environment, you can expect to have to replace your air conditioning unit sooner than you may have if you lived elsewhere.
Out of all of these factors, lack of maintenance and oversizing will have the most detrimental effect on how long your HVAC system will last. Failing to maintain your system leads to accelerated wear and tear, and an issue that could have easily been fixed may cause total failure if not addressed in a timely matter.
Oversizing is a big issue because it causes blower motor failures. This occurs because the system has to cycle on and off very frequently to maintain the desired temperature.
Different Types of HVAC Equipment
Different types of HVAC systems also have varying lifespans. A gas furnace that is properly maintained can last 30 years or more – but if the heat exchanger begins to leak or the system does not receive the required maintenance, the lifespan may drop to as little as 10 years. Oil furnaces normally last 10 to 15 years.
Air conditioners will work for an average of 15 to 20 years, but this number drops to 7 to 12 in coastal areas as a result of salt exposure. Corrosion, leaks, and compressor failures are the most common maintenance issues with these HVAC systems. A heat pump is very similar and can last 10 to 20 years depending on how frequently it is used. These will also fail prematurely in coastal areas.
Boilers can last an impressive 20 to 35 years but will need to be replaced if the heat exchanger starts to leak.
Emperor Cooling and Heating is Here to Help!
Whether it is time to replace your HVAC, or you want to keep your existing one it top shape, Emperor Cooling and Heating is here to help! We offer professional home HVAC repair and installation in Snellville, GA – our goal is to provide excellent customer service and meet all of your HVAC needs.
Call and speak with a member of our expert staff today, so we can answer any questions you may have about your air conditioning system. For HVAC system repair in Snellville, GA, contact Emperor Cooling & Heating, Inc., at 770-918-8187 and schedule an appointment.