How long should an hvac unit last

If you’ve ever wondered how long your HVAC system is going to last, you’re like most homeowners. Knowing the average lifespan of an HVAC system is important because it helps you budget for a heating and cooling system replacement down the road. The length of time your HVAC system will last depends on the type of system you have as well as the maintenance you invest in. Here’s a close look at different HVAC systems and their average lifespans in Crockett, Texas, home.

Furnace

The furnace used in a central heating and air system will likely last longer than the air conditioner, with an average lifespan of over 20 years. A furnace is normally replaced once the heat exchanger begins to leak. The heat exchanger is one of the most important components of a furnace, and once it goes bad, it’s usually cheaper to replace the furnace rather than repair it. A furnace that receives little maintenance is likely to last only around 10 to 15 years.

Air Conditioners

An air conditioner that functions as part of a central heating and air system will last about 15 to 20 years. In warm areas where the air conditioner is operated on a frequent basis, the lifespan usually runs closer to the 15-year range. When the compressor fails on an air conditioner, this is usually a sign to replace the air conditioner. Plus, if the condenser develops corrosion or leaks, this is another sign that indicates a replacement of the AC should be right around the corner. Just like a furnace, an air conditioner that has little maintenance will have a shorter lifespan than one that is well-maintained.

Heat Pumps

The average heat pump can last anywhere from 10 to 20 years. Although they provide cooled air, heat pumps also provide heated air, meaning they are used on a year-round basis. This also means they are used much more frequently than the average air conditioner and do not last nearly as long as air conditioners. When used in coastal areas, a heat pump has an even shorter lifespan.

Ways to Extend the Life of Your HVAC System

There are several tips you can follow to help extend the life of your HVAC system. First and foremost, you should invest in regular HVAC maintenance. During a maintenance appointment, a certified technician will inspect all parts of the heating and cooling system. If any parts are worn or damaged, the technician will repair or replace them as needed. This is very important to the efficiency and lifespan of the HVAC system. With each part performing with full functionality, you’ll notice improved indoor comfort. Better efficiency also results in lower heating and cooling expenses.

Another way to extend the life of the HVAC system is to change the air filter on a regular basis. This normally means changing it once every 2 to 3 months. A clogged filter hinders airflow and makes the HVAC system work harder than necessary to heat and cool your home. As it works harder and consumes excessive amounts of energy, this increases your heating and cooling expenses. It also puts added wear and tear on the system and decreases its lifespan.

You can also help extend the lifespan of the HVAC system by taking special note of your home’s landscaping. Ideally, trees and shrubs should shade the western exposures of your house. Any trees and plants near the outside HVAC unit should be at least three to five feet away. When plants or shrubs touch the outdoor unit, this can lead to damage to the unit, decreasing its lifespan.

To learn more about the average lifespan of an HVAC unit, contact McWilliams & Son Heating & Air Conditioning. Give us a call today at 936-465-9191 to speak with a certified HVAC technician about improving your home’s air conditioning and heating.

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Here in Georgia, our winters get cold and our summers are hot. We need furnaces and HVAC’s. Getting the most amount of years out of both is important to stay warm or cool and to save money and repair headaches.

How long does an HVAC system last? They can last 10-17 years. This depends on if they were installed correctly, how they are maintained, if chemicals are used in the home, or even if you have one in a coastal area. Let’s take a look at why this is important, issues that shorten the lifespan, average lifespan, issues to look for, and maintenance.

Why This is Important

HVAC’s are expensive and crucial in the climate we live in. In this day and age, HVAC’s have become more advanced with technology, but also the environment is playing an issue.

In addition, if you are buying a home and find out through the home inspection that the HVAC needs repairing or worse than that, replacing, you won’t be a happy person. Having an idea ahead of time can give you time to budget for it, but as with all things, some things don’t last as long as they should even though you take care of it.

Issues That Determine How Long An HVAC System Lasts

Issue 1: Environment

Chemicals that are used for cleaning in the homes are getting close to the HVAC parts indoors and causing corrosion and the copper to wear out faster. It is called off gassing and the chemicals release the particles into the air. This leads to more expense and a shortened life span for the parts and unit.

HVAC Tech working on an HVAC unit outside

Issue 2: Lack of Maintenance

Not properly maintaining the HVAC unit can lead to a shorter lifespan and wearing out of the components faster. The homeowner should do HVAC maintenance in the springtime so that the system is ready for the heat of the summer and the cold temperatures in the winter. A tune-up should be done about twice a year, depending on where you live.

Issue 3: Oversizing of the Unit

If you get a unit that is too big for the home, it may cause off and on cycling. This will wear out the parts faster and even cause a blower motor to go.

Issue 4: Coastal Areas

Maybe you live close to the coastal area or have a home in that area, if you do, unfortunately, you will probably see your unit lose a few years of its lifespan. This is due to the salt air that corrodes the unit. Consequently, it causes repairs more frequently as well as replacing the unit at an earlier time.

Average Lifespan of Various Components of the HVAC System

Gas furnace

Furnace

This component warms up the home in the cold winter months. The lifespan is about 15-20 years when you keep up with maintenance, however is shortened by a few years when you don’t. There is a heat exchanger in the unit and when that begins to leak that is usually when replacing is needed.

Heat Pump

Another component of the HVAC system is the heat pump. Typically lasting 10-20 years, but is used year-round, so it wears out faster than the HVAC unit. When it is in coastal areas, it lasts a few years less. When the condenser fails or the compressor has corrosion or leaks, replacing is needed.

Issues to Look For in the HVAC System

Being aware of issues that are starting in your HVAC can help. Look for the following:

Air Handler Leaking Water

If your air handler is leaking water, it could be a number of things such as a clogged condensate line, the refrigerant is low, or the air filter is dirty to name a few. Did you know that it even maybe that there is an unsolved water issueor that the unit may just be sweating?

Keeping an eye on a maintenance issue like this will help keep expensive repairs away. Contact a professional if you are unsure what is happening.

Using the On Setting or Auto on the Air Conditioner

Auto setting will allow the HVAC to act as a dehumidifier. However, the stop and start of the system can cause it to go out and that repair or replacement can be very expensive.

Lack of Airflow

If you are noticing there is a lack of airflow, this is important to fix right away. It can be several things such as the blower motor is about to go, or there is a crushed or blocked duct in the attic, or even something as simple as a dirty air filter.

However, if you don’t get it diagnosed quickly, you can have the air conditioner coils freezingin the home and leading to more expensive repairs.

Float Switch

Check for a Float Switch on the HVAC

Maybe you are buying a “new to you” house. Check the HVAC unit and look for a float switch in the unit. This is essential as the float switch keeps water from backing up in the HVAC unit and shuts the system off.

Can you imagine if you go out of town for the weekend and return to a few inches of water on your floors and they are now ruined? If you had the less than $50 float switchinstalled, it would have turned off the HVAC unit and saved you thousands of dollars.

HVAC System Turned Off

If the HVAC system turned off, there are several things that could be going on. However, before you contact a technician, check out the video below to see if you can solve the issue before you spend money and time worrying.

Repair or Replace

Wondering if it makes sense to repair or replace the unit? If you are on a first-name basis with the HVAC technician because he/she is at your house often, it is a good idea to inquire if you should repair or replace the unit.

Keep in mind that the cost for replacement is about $3,000-$12,000 depending on the size of the unit, climate, and where you live. Compare that with the amount of money you have shelled out for repairs and see which one makes more sense.

Not sure what type of HVAC is right for your home? Check out this video below to help you decide. If you still are not sure, contact a professional for advice

Maintenance Can Help With How Long an HVAC System Can Last

As with anything, it will last longer with maintenance. The HVAC unit should have maintenance done in the spring, and more often if needed.

Here Are the Areas to Maintain:

Replace the Air Filter

Replacing the air filter should be every 1-3 months. This is depending on the environment in the home as well. If you have pets or a smoker in the home, it may need to be changed more often. The good news is air filters are inexpensive and a cleaner air filter will allow air to get through and lower your electricity bill.

2. Clean Around the Outside Unit

Make sure you clean debris and leaves from the outdoor unit. This will allow it to work smarter and not harder. Also, use a hose to spray down the condensing unit to rid it of dirt and grime. Check after heavy storms – rain and snow to make sure nothing is in the unit.

3. Clear Out the Condensation Line

You can do this every month: Add ¼ cup vinegar to the drain. Next, let it sit for 30 minutes, flush it out and it should clear. This will allow it to kill harmful bacteria, sludge, mold, and algae.

4. Adjust the Thermostat

In the winter months, setting the thermostat to “warm” and summer months to “cool” is the best idea. Also, make sure that the temperature inside the home is never warmer than outside. If you need help with this, contact a professional.

When to Call a Professional

Call a professional if you hear noises from the HVAC unit or are unsure of what the issues are with the unit. You also may need to call someone for help fixing the problems. Additionally, a tune-up twice a year from a professional will help diagnose any issues early and hopefully save you money.

Conclusion

HVAC’s are essential to most homes. We need the heat in the winter and the cool air in the summer. Even though most units last 10-17 years, some can last longer with proper care. Have questions about your HVAC unit? Or need a tune-up or help? Leave us a reply below and we will be in touch.

How often does an HVAC unit need to be replaced?

The average lifespan of an air conditioning system is 10-15 years. Central air conditioner lifespan is one of the more important factors to consider when planning to invest in a replacement unit. If your unit is close to ten years old or older, you may want to consider replacing it instead of repairing it.

What is the life expectancy of an HVAC system?

A: On Average, 10-20 Years Here are the average life expectancies of different HVAC systems: Air conditioners and heat pumps: 10 to 15 years. Furnaces and boilers: 15 to 20 years. Geothermal: 30 years.