How Long Should My HVAC System Last with maintenance?

When making any significant investment, like buying an HVAC system, it is very important for every buyer to make sure that they get their money’s worth. Thus, a common question that arises is how long will an HVAC system last?

This question doesn’t really have a simple answer because there are several important factors that play an integral role here. Generally, an HVAC system should last for around 15 years. However, a lot of systems last 20 years and even more when they are properly cared for. Similarly, there have been instances where the system only lasted for around 6-8 years due to poor maintenance.

Let us have a look at some factors which determine the lifespan of an HVAC system.

1. Brand

The brand of your HVAC system plays a very important role in its lifespan. As you might know, HVAC systems from many different brands are available in the market and there is a significant difference in their cost. While it is not recommended that you should select the most expensive unit, it is highly recommended that you shouldn’t pick the cheapest option.

2. Location

Air conditioning units are used a lot more in areas where the temperature is generally high for most part of the year. A lot of times they just run 24x7. Overworking significantly increases the efforts that your HVAC system is required to put into. This means more wear and tear and higher consumption of electricity. So, it is better to monitor how often the unit is being used and if possible, let your system rest for some time at regular intervals.

3. Installation

It is very important to make sure that the system is installed by a professional. Improper installation can significantly limit the performance of the system and can also reduce its life expectancy. Once installed, whenever the unit needs any repairs, make sure that you only trust on professionals from reliable service providers. Even in case of replacements, ensure that the parts are original or from a trustworthy brand.

4. Regular Maintenance

The last and most probably the most important factor that determines the life expectancy of an HVAC system is its maintenance. The scheduling regular maintenance from a reliable service provider, you can significantly increase the life of your HVAC system. Think of this as tuning-up and regularly servicing your car. Without proper servicing, the mileage and performance of your car will start falling. Something similar happens with your HVAC system too.

With the help of regular preventing maintenance, it is much easier to solve smaller problems before they turn into something big and expensive. In the long run, this will help you save a lot of money too.

When Should You Replace the HVAC System?

The above-mentioned factors are very important for people who have recently purchased an HVAC unit but what about the people who are already using an old system? When should they replace their systems?

If regular tune-ups and repairs are costing more than the cost of your HVAC system, you should know that your system is on its last leg and a replacement will be a lot more cost-effective solution. Rather than wasting money on your old system, replace it with a new unit to eliminate the repair costs and reduce the power consumption too. And when you do purchase a new unit, make sure that you do remember the factors mentioned above to ensure that your HVAC system lasts for a longer duration.