In general, the life expectancy of an HVAC system is between 15 and 25 years. However, this can vary depending on the type of system and other factors. Even with regular maintenance and repairs, over time, even the best boilers, furnaces, heat pumps and air conditioners will eventually reach the end of their lifespan. According to Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration News, homeowners should wait 12 to 15 years before replacing their HVAC unit.
After that time, the compressor and other elements are prone to failure, which can lead to costly repairs or the complete replacement of the unit. In addition to the life expectancy of the air conditioner, there are other components of your HVAC system that have a unique life expectancy. For instance, stoves, ovens or stove-oven combos usually last 13 to 15 years. It is also important to check the outdoor unit and make sure that the coils (the black or gray outside of the unit) are free of debris such as leaves, dirt and pollen. If your home has wood or concrete siding, painting it as needed (usually once every five years) will go a long way to protecting it and keeping it looking good. Covers made of composite materials or PVC are becoming more popular as they tend to last longer (up to 50 years or more) and don't require the same level of maintenance as wood. SEER stands for Season Energy Efficiency Ratio, and it is a number used to measure the amount of cooling that an HVAC system can generate for each unit of energy it consumes.
So it's natural to be wary of anything that could adversely affect your investment, such as a damaged roof or a non-working HVAC unit. In terms of air filters, a dirty and clogged one will put additional pressure on your HVAC system and could reduce its lifespan. In the long run, replacing the system every 15 to 20 years (the average life expectancy of most systems) is more cost-effective in terms of maintenance fees and energy bills. If you want to save more on your electricity bills and suspect that your problem is an outdated air conditioning system, schedule an appointment with Energy Air and one of their friendly HVAC professionals will help you find the best solution. While it's important to be prepared for things to break down and need to be replaced (because that will happen), the truth is that much of your house will likely last for many years.
