It's highly unlikely that your HVAC unit will last 30 years before it needs to be replaced; however, if you follow a regular preventive maintenance routine and operate it properly, your chances of keeping the same unit for about 15 years increase considerably. Check out our tips on how to do this. But more expensive items tend to last much longer. Central air units will last 12 to 17 years with average use and good maintenance.
They tend to fail before components that produce heat due to moisture that passes through the system and runs out. The chemicals used in the system to cool and dehumidify the air, as well as the chemicals that pass through the system from the building materials of the house, are corrosive to the copper elements of the condenser and can cause them to erode and decay. The size of the unit does not affect the lifespan of the air conditioner, unless it's not the right size for your home. For example, if you have a small 1.5 ton air conditioner trying to cool a house that actually needs a 5 ton air conditioner, the unit will break down much faster from overuse than if you had a properly sized (but more expensive) unit.
The lifespan of a furnace can also vary depending on the type of fuel you use. Gas furnaces usually last 20 to 30 years, while petroleum furnaces usually last 10 to 15 years. Ovens are essential to many air conditioning systems, as they provide heating in cold climates. What most homeowners don't know is that, even with a newer, more energy efficient air conditioning system, if your home isn't properly insulated or professionally sealed, the lifespan of the air conditioning system is automatically shortened.
By taking steps to maintain your HVAC system, reducing unnecessary use, and choosing high-quality equipment, you can help extend the life of your HVAC system and save money on long-term repairs and replacements. HVAC technology has come a long way and your home's energy efficiency is affected simply by keeping older HVAC technology. So it's time to think about replacing it, yes, even if it “continues to work well”. But how do you know when to replace your home's air conditioning systems? What are your replacement options? And how can you get the air conditioning system you need without draining your bank account? Many utilities will offer you discounts on heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems when you're ready to upgrade your air conditioning system.
When it's time to replace or maintain your HVAC system, be sure to work with a qualified HVAC contractor such as GS Mechanical.
