Are you taking steps to prolong your HVAC system’s lifespan? At BVS Home Experts, we can help! Call us at (281) 609-3650 for a routine maintenance checkup.
When you invest in a heating and cooling system for your home, you expect it to provide comfort for many years. Therefore, prolonging your system’s life expectancy is a priority. Depending on the size of your house, a new HVAC system can cost anywhere between $5,000 and $10,000.
So, how long should an HVAC system last? As Richmond’s reliable HVAC service providers, we created a brief guide about prolonging your system and its average lifespan. Read on to learn more.
The Lifespan of Different Components
Air conditioners are complex machines with many moving parts. Each component performs a job that contributes to an HVAC system’s lifespan. Here are some pertinent parts and their typical life expectancies:
- Furnaces typically last between 15 and 30 years, depending on the type.
- Boilers may last up to 35 years.
- Heat pumps should last about 20 years.
- Most air conditioners continue functioning between 10 and 20 years.
The lifespan and functionality of each component depend on how often you use your system, how well you take care of it, and the quality of the part in question. If you want a proactive, cost-effective approach, you can perform simple cleaning and maintenance tasks for certain pieces. More complicated issues require an experienced technician’s service.
Some tasks you can perform on your own include replacing the air filter and cleaning condensation lines, coils, and the unit itself. These maintenance tasks prevent dirt from accumulating in your unit. A clean unit free of debris will work like a dream for a long time.
However, even with the best at-home maintenance routine, you will likely encounter issues you can’t mend alone. Attempting to do so could cause more damage. An HVAC service technician will understand how to approach issues with installation and repair.
What Diminishes an HVAC System’s Lifespan?
Like most appliances, how you use an HVAC system will affect its lifespan. Wear and tear take a toll on any appliance. Adding regular maintenance to your list mitigates damage from regular use.
Overuse or improper use also shortens an HVAC system’s lifespan. When you set your thermostat to more extreme temperatures, your system will struggle to keep up year-round. It will cycle on and off frequently, increasing the damage it endures.
Avoiding regular maintenance and repairs will also shorten your system’s lifespan. When you put off the cleaning tasks you can perform on your own, dust and debris collect continuously, forcing your HVAC system to work harder by dealing with the following:
- Dust particles caked inside the ductwork and vents
- Limbs, twigs, and rocks that have fallen into the AC unit and damaged its components
- Leaves stuck in the AC grill, preventing proper air pull
Inevitably, certain components need professional repair and replacement. Many people avoid scheduling a repair appointment with experienced technicians. Since the system continues working with broken or damaged parts, it deteriorates further. This leads to an expensive repair later on.
Additionally, a system of the wrong size will not reach its full potential. When a system is too small for a building, it constantly struggles to meet the building’s temperature needs. A large system installed in a small house will short-cycle over and over as it heats or cools the house too quickly.
With improper care or overuse, you can expect to replace your HVAC system within 10 years. However, you can also mitigate wear, tear, and overuse with better practices.
What Increases an HVAC System’s Lifespan?
How long should an HVAC system last with proper use and regular maintenance? It could last 25 years or more! So, what should you do to increase its lifespan?
You can start by maintaining a temperature setting closer to the outdoor temperature. While you want some relief from the elements indoors, you should also avoid forcing your system to work overtime. This lowers energy bills while adding years to your system’s life expectancy.
When you notice something off about your system’s functions, call an expert to diagnose and mitigate the problem. Some signs that you need help from a professional include the following:
- Bad smells
- Strange sounds
- Short-cycling
- Higher humidity levels
- The system cannot reach your desired temperature
Addressing these issues as soon as you notice them prevents bigger problems from developing.
Have and follow a maintenance schedule. For example, you should replace your air filters once every 90 days. Clean the condensation lines each month. Remove debris and hose the coils once or twice a year.
How Long Should an HVAC System Last?
Most HVAC systems have a life expectancy of 10 to 25 years. With proper use, regular cleaning, and yearly maintenance checks, your HVAC system could last for a couple of decades. Overuse, avoiding cleaning tasks, and forgetting about professional maintenance will greatly decrease its functionality.
Are you still questioning whether professional maintenance checks are worth the time and money? If you want to get the most out of your HVAC system, they make for a great investment. A professional can spot issues before your system even shows symptoms.
An HVAC expert will easily repair or replace the part, preventing higher repair costs or other disastrous problems. They can also offer more specific advice on extending your HVAC system’s lifespan since all homes and HVAC products differ.
Our Home Experts Can Help You Prolong Your HVAC System
So, how long should an HVAC system last? That depends on numerous factors like maintenance or cleaning schedules, frequency of use, and promptly addressing issues as they occur. With the help of our reliable HVAC services at BVS Home Experts, you can get several years of strong performance out of your HVAC system.
Learn the signs you need to replace your HVAC system, and call us at (281) 609-3650 for HVAC assistance today.
Author Bio:
Ronald Via
Ronald is one of the key contributors to BVS Home Experts, a family-owned and operated full-service air conditioning and heating company serving the Katy and West Houston areas. With a deep understanding of air conditioning and heating concerns, Ronald brings a wealth of knowledge to our readers.
