How long will my HVAC System last?
A heating or cooling system is a major investment, and it only makes sense to make the most of it. In general, most HVAC systems can last 15 to 25 years, but this estimate can be highly variable depending on the type of system and other contributing factors. Even with HVAC maintenance and routine repairs, even the best boilers, furnaces, heat pumps, and air conditioners on the market today will inevitably fail.
Bishop’s HVAC provides reliable HVAC services in the Sacramento region. Contact us online or call (209) 620-1395 today!
Average HVAC Life Spans in the U.S.
The lifespan of an HVAC system is determined by its type. The following are standard life spans for common HVAC equipment:
Gas furnaces normally last 20 to 30 years, or even longer, with proper maintenance. A furnace is typically replaced when the heat exchanger begins to leak, since it is one of the most crucial and costly components. Poorly maintained or of questionable quality systems can last as little as ten years, while oil furnaces usually last only 10 to 15 years due to maintenance issues caused by inefficient fuel.
Boilers – With an average life span of 20 to 35 years, boilers usually outlast furnaces. They are usually replaced when the heat exchanger begins to leak.
Air conditioners – Most air conditioners have a lifespan of 15 to 20 years, but some can only last 10 years. Due to salt exposure, they usually live just seven to twelve years in coastal areas. If the compressor fails or the condenser develops excessive corrosion and leaks, both air conditioners and heat pumps are usually replaced.
Heat pumps – Heat pumps have a lifespan of 10 to 20 years, depending on use frequency, with 15 being the average. Heat pumps work similarly to air conditioners, but since they can provide both heating and cooling, they are usually used for a longer period of time per year. Heat pumps in coastal areas can also fail prematurely, with average lifespans ranging from seven to twelve years.
Ductless mini-splits – Ductless mini-splits, like heat pumps, can provide both heating and cooling and have a common life span of 10 to 30 years, except in coastal areas.
Despite the fact that these are the most typical life cycles, many homeowners opt to upgrade their HVAC system earlier. The system would eventually become less reliable and effective as it ages, rising maintenance and utility costs. Once a system is 10 to 15 years old, the monthly energy savings from upgrading to a newer, more effective model can sometimes justify the initial investment, particularly if the current system is inefficient or has significant problems.
Factors Influencing HVAC Service Life
There are numerous factors that can shorten the life of HVAC equipment, including:
- Ineffective maintenance procedures
- Inadequate initial quality or faulty components
- System oversizing or undersizing
- Incorrect installation procedures
- Excessive usage or heavy loads
- Incorrect use, such as heating or cooling with the windows and doors open
- Installation in corrosive or saline conditions, such as coastal areas
The most damaging of these are inadequate maintenance and oversizing. A lack of maintenance can result in accelerated part wear and a significantly reduced life span, whereas oversizing can result in repeated on-and-off cycling, resulting in compressor or blower motor failure. Furthermore, due to salt corroding the condenser unit, air conditioners or heat pumps in coastal areas will have substantially shorter life spans. HVAC systems can last longer with preventive maintenance plans because minor problems are detected before they need expensive repairs.
4 Ways a HVAC Service Will Help
When you have problems with your HVAC system in Sacramento, our team at Bishop’s HVAC is here to assist you! We offer the following services:
HVAC repairs – When routine HVAC problems arise, you can rely on our team at Bishop’s HVAC for prompt service and dependable HVAC repairs.
HVAC installations – Whether you are upgrading from an inefficient and costly to repair system, adding air conditioning to a home that does not have it, or installing an HVAC system in a new home, you can rely on our team at Bishop’s HVAC for a quality, energy-efficient installation.
Replacement of HVAC systems– If your HVAC system has reached the end of its useful life, an HVAC replacement can provide several advantages, including improved comfort, lower energy bills, and less maintenance costs.
HVAC maintenance – While HVAC systems are designed to last, they can only perform well and efficiently if they are well-maintained. Regular maintenance not only increases performance, but it also reduces the likelihood of breakdowns and can theoretically lower your energy costs. Bishop’s HVAC provides emergency HVAC services 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
HVAC Professionals in Sacramento, CA
Bishop’s HVAC will assist you if you are concerned about the condition of your HVAC system in Sacramento. We will inspect your machine thoroughly and estimate its remaining service life. If you decide to upgrade, we provide full replacement services as well as extensive maintenance and repair services to keep your device running smoothly.
