You know how long you’ve lived in your home, but do you know the age of your HVAC system? Like any investment, you want to take care of it to make sure it lasts. The lifespan of your HVAC unit depends greatly on how you treat it. In this post, we’ll examine some of the factors in lengthening your HVAC’s life!
THE FACTORS
Most residential HVACs will last between 15 and 25 years. Here are a few of the x-factors:
- Proper size of system for home
- Installation method
- Regular maintenance
- High-quality parts
- Usage or over-usage
- Air quality in the environment
Some of these factors are easier to manage than others. The easiest one for homeowners is to have their unit serviced regularly. Routine maintenance will catch small problems before they grow into big ones, such as identifying and replacing parts that are beginning to wear down. Having the right size and power of your unit to fit your home is critical. You may think that bigger is better, but a unit that’s too powerful for the size of your home will cause it to shut off and on too frequently, which increases wear and tear.
LENGTH OF LIFE
Different components of your HVAC will have different life expectancies. Here are some that you may have in your home.
- A typical gas furnace can last up to 30 years – possibly longer. As long as the heat exchanger works properly, routine maintenance should be enough. However, neglected furnaces can burn out in only 10-15 years if not maintained.
- Heat exchangers are also the most critical component if your home is heated by a boiler. They tend to last slightly longer, typically between 20 and 35 years.
- Your air conditioner should last between 10 and 20 years. There are several components that need regular checking, including the compressor and condenser. If these parts become corroded, you’ll likely need a new AC.
- Depending on usage, heat pumps can last one to two decades. Depending on your setup, heat pumps are used for both heating and cooling, so they can get a lot of use in both the summer and winter.
- If your home is ductless, you may use mini-splits to heat or cool your home. These can last up to 30 years but will quickly lose efficiency after about 15 years without proper maintenance. Thankfully, new technology means there are likely some nice upgrades whenever you decide to replace them.
WORTH THE CALL
To sum it up, the best way to care for your entire system and ensure the longest life possible is regular maintenance. The Bosworth Company has the certified pros and equipment to keep you comfortable for years to come. Make an appointment online, or call us at 830-428-2764. It’s Worth the Call. Always.