Your home requires regular maintenance from regular painting, plumbing and electrical works to be carried out on a frequent basis. One of the important and expensive home equipment that is a necessity is the purchase and maintenance of HVAC.
Being a long time investment for your home it makes perfect sense that you should know everything about the home HVAC especially the length of time it will be there to serve you and your family.
Before installing a HVAC to your home make sure you have the covered and examine the following factors
- The average lifespan of an HVAC
- When to replace the old HVAC with a new one
- Regular maintenance of HVAC and its cost
Also Read: Optimal Climate: Types of HVAC Systems
Lifespan of an HVAC Unit
15 to 25 years is the general lifespan of your home HVAC systems. It is difficult for HVAc Of above 15 years to survive but if you are performing the annual maintenance on a regular basis and not ignoring it to be properly maintained then the HVAC will surely last from 20 to 25 years easily.
It is unusual for HVAC systems to last much longer than 25 years even if you have taken care of it by routine maintenance and updates, the most efficient furnaces, boilers, heat pumps and air conditioners will eventually stop working.
Most Important Factor in Determining the Life of an HVAC System
The type of energy system determines the life of your HVAC. From air conditioners to furnaces, the number of years you will enjoy each type of HVAC system varies. In both equipment- the air conditioner and heater will stop working, if the compressor stops working and will require a replacement.
Furnaces
- If you continue with proper maintenance, your gas furnace will generally last 20 years to 25 years.
- It happens that the furnace is replaced when the heat exchanger begins to leak. The heat exchanger is the most important - and most expensive - component.
- If your gas furnace is poorly maintained, it may only last ten years.
- It should be noted that oil furnaces usually last 10-15 years. The most important factor in the longevity of an oil fire is maintenance problems due to inefficient fuel.
Boilers
- When it comes to HVAC life, boilers give you a much longer life than furnaces. You can expect your boiler to last up to 35 years and at least more than 25 years.
- If the heat exchanger begins to leak, the boiler must be replaced.
Heat Pumps
- When considering an HVAC lifespan, you will notice that heat pumps typically last for 10 to 20 years.
- The operating time of the heat pump depends significantly on the frequency of use. The average lifespan is 15 years.
- Functionally, heat pumps are like air conditioners, but because they can heat as well as cool, they tend to be used longer each year.
- If you live in a coastal area, expect premature failure of a heat pump with an average lifespan of 7-12 years.
Ductless Mini Distributors
- If you want to know the HVAC life of ductless mini distributors, there is quite a wide range. to heat pumps, ductless mini-splits provide heating and cooling and have a typical lifespan of 10-30 years.
- If you live on the coast, you can expect a shorter lifespan.
Some Other Factors Affecting Lifespan of HVAC
The lifespan of an HVAC unit is huge, about 10 years or 30 years. One important factor that affects HVAC efficiency is regular maintenance. Regular maintenance is the key to extending the life of your HVAC unit.
Here are some maintenance recommendations for all types of HVAC systems:
- Schedule annual or seasonal tune-ups
- Change filters regularly
- Clean and remove debris from exterior components
- Check and replace refrigerant as needed
Some Important Factors That Can Shorten the Lifespan of HVAC
Here are frequent known facts that shorten the lifespan of HVAC are:
- Over or undersizing the system
- Improper installation procedures
- Improper use, such as heating or cooling with open windows and doors
- Original quality or faulty components
- Exceptionally heavy use or heavy loads
Warning Signs Your HVAC System Needs to Be Replaced
The HVAC Needs More Frequent Repairs
- A system nearing the upper end of its age range may not be a problem, but more frequent or expensive repairs could be a sign that your HVAC system is faulty, damaged, or leaking.
- This can be particularly problematic for older air conditioners and heat pumps that use old technology, which the government is removing to protect the environment. Instead of adding a new refrigerant technology, it may be time to invest in a new system.
- Multiply the age of your equipment by its estimated repair cost. If that number is greater than $5,000, a new system probably makes more financial sense. If your 10-year-old system that needs a $600 repair would cost $6,000, which means it's probably better to replace it. Any repair cost of HVAC more than $5,000 should be discouraged and you should immediately plan to replace your old HVAC with a brand new HVAC.
Electric Bills Are Going Up
Even normal wear and tear can reduce the efficiency of HVAC components over time. As a result, you can see higher utilities even if you always keep the indoor temperature the same. In an age of rising fuel and electricity costs and inflation, it is just a waste of money. A new efficient HVAC will cost you money initially, but can save you in the long run.
Strange Sounds or Odours Coming From the Air Conditioner or Furnace
- A properly functioning HVAC system should be relatively quiet. If you start to hear unusual bleeps, screeching, buzzing, buzzing or screeching, it's time to call a service technician.
- Strange odours may also be normal or require further investigation. When the heating is turned on for the first time after the previous winter, there may be a brief burning smell from the furnace, which is normal.
- If you use your air conditioner for the first time during the hot season, you may have to deal with a dirty sock smell.
- The smell of burning electricity could indicate a much more serious problem with the furnace or air conditioner, so turn off the unit immediately and contact a licensed HVAC professional to fix the problem.
Uneven Temperatures in Your Home
The purpose of your air conditioner, heat pump or furnace is to keep you comfortable.
- Check the thermostat, filters and vents. But if the HVAC has been reliable in the past and it's starting to fail at this job, it could be a sign that problems are coming ahead.
Air is Dusty
Poor air quality is not only unpleasant, it can also be a health risk. Unusually high humidity can indicate that your air conditioner or heat pump has efficiency issues and can spread allergies like mould and mildew into the air which you and your family will be breathing.
Also Read: Maintaining Ideal Conditions- HVAC Humidity Control Explained
Expired Warranty
Most manufacturer HVAC warranties are 5-10 or 20 years depending on the type of unit, whether it is registered and whether you are the original owner or if it was moved when the home was sold.
Having the parts and labour covered by the repair can extend the life of the unit. If the repair is not covered and involves large expenses about $5,000 then plan for a new HVAC.
Conclusion
The complexity and type of HVAC system you choose will greatly affect its durability. Some have more complex parts that wear out faster than others.Switching to a new HVAC system is one of the most important purchases a person will likely make during their home ownership.
