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How Long Does an HVAC System Last?

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Do many people generally ask how long the HVAC system lasts? HVAC usually lasts longer than your Air conditioner if you take good care of it by doing regular maintenance. The average life span of furnaces ranges from 10 to 15 years. An HVAC system can last longer because before they get damaged you can repair them or change the HVAC system yourself.

If you have family members who are allergic then change the filter after every month otherwise change it after three to six months. One of the three most expensive systems in your home is the HVAC system that provides cool air in summer to keep you warm and cozy. Without HVAC system summers would be difficult to pass.

To keep your HVAC system working you should do maintenances such as tuning up your AC whenever you switch it on after a few months. The maintenance of the AC system should take place in the early spring so the system works properly from the very first day you turned it on and avoid any damage to your system.

Life Span of different HVAC:

Here are a few HVAC systems and their life span depending on their type.

Furnaces:

If you do proper maintenance the gas furnaces usually last for 20 to 30 years and maybe longer. If your heat exchanger leaks you have to change the furnace then you cannot repair it all you have to do is to replace it with the new one.

Heat exchangers are the most critical and expensive components in an HVAC system so try to maintain them properly so they don’t get damaged easily. If the furnaces are poorly managed, they will only last for 10 years on the other hand the furnaces that are properly maintained last for 10 to 15 years.

Air Conditioners:

Air conditioners are of different types and each of them has a different life span. But most of the air conditioners last for 10 to 15 years if they are highly maintained. While others last only for 7 to 10 years. If the air conditioners are not properly maintained they will get damaged and will release a vinegar-like smell.

To prevent the air conditioner from getting damaged you should change the filter and replace the air conditioners and heat pumps so that they last for more years. If the compressor of the air conditioner fails it will result in significant corrosion and leaks.

Heat Pumps:

These pumps usually last longer than the air conditioner such as 15 years they can also last up to 20 years depending on the usage. Heat pumps work the same as air conditioners the only difference is that they provide both heating and cooling.

They work as a convertor in winters you can use them to heat the entire room and in summers you can use the heat pump for cooling purposes. So, they are typically used longer each year as compared to the air conditioner. Get your heat pump maintained every year and bring the professionals for the cleaning purpose.

Mini-splits Air conditioner:

Similar to heat pumps mini spilled also provide both heating and cooling functionality. They can last for 10 to 20 years depending on how they are maintained.

Thermostat:

Thermostat lasts longer than the other HVAC systems. They can last for 20 years and most depending on how they are maintained. Thermostats are the most used HVAC systems nowadays.

Boilers:

Usually new boilers last longer than furnaces with an average life span of 20 to 35 years. Boilers work fine until the heat exchanger starts to leak and then you have to replace it.

Factors That Affect HVAC System:

Many components can affect the performance of the systems. Some of the factors are mentioned below.

  • The system might fail due to the poor maintenance
  • If you install the system improperly the system might get affected.
  • If the quality of the system is not good or the components inside the system are not of the best quality then the system might get affected.
  • Improper usage such as you cool the room with the doors and windows open.

When to replace HVAC units:

Strange Noises:

HVAC systems when working fine do not procedure a lot of noise. If you ever feel strange noise coming out of your system then it’s a sign that the system is not properly working you should immediately replace it with the new one.

Weird Smells:

If you ever noticed wired smells coming out of the system then there must be a problem with the system. Mold smell is the indication that there is some issue related to the ductwork or wiring.

Bills:

If you are noticing an increase in your bills then there is a problem with your system it is utilizing some electricity then average. You can replace or change the system with the new one.

Conclusions:

These are the average life span of each HVAC system so you should choose the HVAC system depending on their life span. With time the system gets older and becomes less efficient and does not provide the best performance.

If you will repair that system, it will cost you more and this is not the best solution. You should change the system with the new one having an average life span of 20 years.  Lack of maintenance can also lead to a shorter life span of the system.

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