Skip navigation

Serving Worcester County
& MetroWest Massachusetts

Menu

Landry Mechanical Inc Plumbing HVAC & Electric Blog

How Long Can an HVAC System Last?

Several factors determine how long an HVAC system lasts. The type of system, whether it’s gas or electric, the size and number of units, and the care with which it’s maintained are all determining factors. Keeping reading to learn more about the lifespan of an HVAC system:

Typical HVAC Equipment Life Expectancies

Below are examples of HVAC systems and how long they may last:

Boilers

Boilers typically last 20 years or longer, depending on how well they are maintained. A boiler can fail much sooner than expected if it is not properly installed and maintained.

Air Conditioners

Air conditioners typically last between 15 and 20 years before needing replacement, depending on how well they are maintained. If an air conditioner is not properly installed and maintained, it can fail sooner than expected.

Heat Pumps

They typically last 10 to 20 years if properly maintained but may need replacement sooner if not properly installed or maintained by a qualified technician.

Ductless Mini-Splits

Ductless mini-splits have become popular in recent years because they provide heating and cooling without requiring ductwork in your home. Ductless mini-splits, like heat pumps, have an average lifespan of 10 to 30 years.

Major Factors That Affect HVAC System Expectancy

Many factors affect the life of your home or business’s HVAC system, Including:

Condition of Installation

Poorly installed furnaces fail sooner than properly installed units because the installation may have been done incorrectly or incompletely. These issues include improper wiring, poor insulation work around the unit, and poor ductwork installation. In addition, even if a furnace is properly installed, if not maintained regularly, it will operate inefficiently and prematurely wear out components like blowers, motors, and heat exchangers.

Age

The age of the unit is one of the primary factors determining how long an air conditioner will last. Units built between 1993 and 1998 are expected to last about 10 years, while units built between 2003 and 2006 have a lifespan of 15 years or more. If you’re not sure if your unit is from this period or not, you can check by looking at the model number stamped on the back or bottom of the unit.

Usage

The amount of use also affects how long an HVAC system will last. For example, turning on your AC frequently or letting it run when no one is home could shorten its lifespan by hundreds of dollars per year. On the other hand, if you turn it off regularly and don’t allow it to run unnecessarily, this will extend its useful life considerably longer than average.

Air Duct Leakage

The most common cause of system failure is air duct leaks, which can result from cracks in your ductwork or corroded connections. If you notice any leaks around your AC unit, you should have it inspected by a professional before it becomes a bigger problem. The best way to prevent this problem is to inspect your ductwork regularly and replace any worn or damaged parts.

Dryer Vent Blockage

Another common cause of AC failure is dryer vent blockage, which happens when lint or debris gets into your dryer vent and clogs up the return air hose that leads back to the outside air intake. Vent cleaning tools are available at any hardware store and will help you clear out whatever is blocking your dryer vent so that it can function normally again.

Size

The size of your air conditioner plays an important role in how long it will last. Finding replacement parts may not be easy if you have an old unit. On the other hand, newer models are more likely to last longer because they use more efficient technology and components.

Type

The type of cooling system that you have can also affect how long it will last. For example, air conditioning units with refrigerant lines tend to have shorter lifespans than units without refrigerant lines because refrigerants are used in these systems and must be replaced periodically.

Poor Refrigerant Recovery (Refrigeration Cycle)

When your system is not running properly, it may not be able to recover the refrigerant it uses to maintain its temperature. This reduces the amount of refrigerant available for cooling purposes and can lead to compressor failure over time.

Poorly Maintained Systems

Inadequate maintenance will increase energy consumption, operating expenses, and carbon dioxide emissions. In addition, poor maintenance might cause your HVAC system to perform poorly, which can shorten its typical lifespan.

8 Tips to Increase the Life Expectancy of Your HVAC System

There are many things to consider when it comes to increasing the life expectancy of your HVAC system. Below are tips that can help you improve it:

1. Don’t Let Your System Get Too Hot

Heat is one of the biggest enemies of a heating and cooling system. Your system will work at its best when the outside temperature is below 80 degrees Fahrenheit and the indoor temperature is between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. Change Your Air Filter Regularly

Replace your air filter regularly, about every three months. It’s essential to ensure that your furnace or air conditioner works as efficiently as possible.

3. Maintain an Adequate Supply of Refrigerant

This helps prevent leaks and reduces energy consumption. If you’re noticing issues with the cooling levels of your AC unit, it might need recharging by a professional.

4. Keep It Clean

Dust buildup can reduce the efficiency of your heating and cooling system and cause it to overheat or over-cool occasionally. Cleaning out your vents periodically will keep them running smoothly, which means fewer repairs down the road!

5. Check for leaks

Leaks in your ductwork can cause your system to run inefficiently or not at all, so be sure to check for signs of leakage every six months or so by using a flashlight while wearing protective gear like rubber gloves and goggles.

6. Be Sure Your Unit Is Properly Installed

Ensure that your air conditioning unit is properly installed to provide proper cooling for your home. A poorly installed air conditioning unit can lead to leaks, overheating, and other issues.

7. Have the System Inspected

Regular inspections can help you detect problems before they become too expensive to repair or replace. It’s also important to check your system regularly for safety concerns like leaks, clogged filters, and carbon monoxide leaks.

8. Regular Maintenance

Regularly scheduled maintenance is an important part of ensuring the longevity and efficiency of your HVAC system. This may include cleaning filters, changing out air filters, and more.

If you’re looking for HVAC equipment maintenance and repair in the Central & Metro West Massachusetts area, look no further than Landry Mechanical Inc Plumbing HVAC & Electric. We offer a broad range of assistance to keep your heating, cooling, and ventilation systems operating at peak efficiency. Our highly trained technicians are well-versed in-home comfort, including ventilation systems, heat pumps, boilers, and more. We can handle everything from simple repairs to full system replacements. If you need an HVAC company in your area that offers comprehensive HVAC services, call us at Landry Mechanical Inc Plumbing HVAC & Electric today.

Comments are closed.