Like everything else, when it comes to technology, HVAC systems have drastically improved over time, especially air conditioners. Unfortunately, that also means that there are a lot more moving parts and high-tech devices to go along with it. So, of course, the question is, how long should an HVAC system last?
There are a lot of variables in the answer, such as how long you've had the system, how well have you maintained your AC unit, heat pump, or boiler, and how often your air conditioner runs. The boilerplate answer is that it should last between 15 and 25 years.
HVAC stands for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning. That means that there are more parts to an HVAC system than just AC units. Proper maintenance includes all of the above for an efficient HVAC system.
Owning and maintaining a furnace in the state of Florida may seem like an outlandish concept but it does get cold here, and the heating services offered by Comfort Air, a Rheem Pro Partner, are a tribute to that fact. People do own furnaces in Florida and, if they're not poorly maintained, the average lifespan is up to 20 years.
There are a lot of moving parts within a furnace, including the heat exchanger, fan limit switch, burner, circulating fan, vent connector, etc. However, considering their life expectancy, furnaces have a great deal of efficiency, especially if you avoid frequent repairs through maintenance, which saves on the energy bill too.
There's regular maintenance with a furnace and then there is annual maintenance, both of which should be conducted regularly as a part of HVAC systems.
On an annual basis you'll need to have professionals from Comfort Air come out to do the following:
Generally, furnaces have a one-up on boilers because they last a bit longer. The life that you can expect to get out of a brand new unit is about 15 years. Not only that but boilers are known for a drop in heating efficiency in their final years.
Boilers are great when it comes to heating your home, but they lack the longevity of a furnace and require a bit more in the preventative maintenance department. At some point, however, especially if you are in what you would call a "forever home," you will probably have to have it replaced.
If you're curious as to how old your boiler is, the information is typically labeled on the rating, which is often on the front face of the boiler.
Maintaining a boiler is a little more labor-intensive than a furnace or an air conditioning unit. There are several factors that affect the efficiency and longevity of boilers that you'll have to stay on top of.
The above list is a daily requirement when you own a boiler and the following are weekly necessities:
For annual maintenance, you should have a professional from Comfort Air come in as there are a great number of factors that can go wrong if you don't get everything right on the annual checklist.
The AC system is paramount in the middle of a Florida summer and there's nothing worse than your AC system going down in the middle of July. In fact, most air conditioner systems struggle through the Florida heat. All in all, a well-maintained air conditioning system should last between ten years and fifteen years.
The air conditioner has gotten more and more complex in recent years and there is a lot to look into in order to keep your AC unit up and running. Ten years may feel like a long time, but it will creep up on you quickly, and preventative maintenance will stave off the inevitable even longer. The further south you are, the more important your air conditioner becomes.
Essential Maintenance for an Air Conditioner
The air conditioning system in Florida is the biggest part of an HVAC cooling system and it is the part that runs the longest. It's the cooling system within any Florida home that will run up your energy bill the most.
There are expensive components in air conditioners and you want them to last for as long as possible. No air conditioning system will last forever without preventative maintenance. After all, when it comes to Florida, air conditioners are integral to HVAC systems.
Air conditioning systems have an excellent life expectancy, especially if you've just installed a new unit. If you happen to live on the coast, you do have to worry about salt exposure with your heating and cooling systems, as well as essential maintenance.
A heat pump should only have to be replaced every 10 to 20 years. With such a large gray area in between, it makes sense to make focus your HVAC service on it primarily. You want it to keep heating air for every one of those 20 years.
Also, heat pumps are typically highly energy-efficient and use less energy than their counterparts.
You should allow professionals from Comfort Air to flush the system as that can be a bit more complicated than it sounds.
Ductless mini-splits are hyper-efficient cooling systems that are physically separate from an HVAC system because they are ductless and each unit serves its own room. They're very easy to maintain and are not considered to be a significant investment.
If the unit runs constantly, 24 hours a day and 7 days per week, it would last around 2,000 to 2,500 hours before you would have to replace the unit. Since a ductless mini-split unit is far cheaper than the above devices, purchasing a new unit isn't so bad.
The more practical you are with maintenance, the more energy efficiency and longevity you get in return.
You should contact Comfort Air once per year or have a scheduled annual check set with them to do a more thorough cleaning and inspection of the outdoor and indoor units. A Comfort Air technician will conduct the following:
You should definitely have it done annually, with a set routine conducted by yourself. To extend any HVAC life expectancy, a routine maintenance procedure is key.
Unless you happen to be an HVAC expert or contractor yourself, it's difficult to deny the benefits of working with a Rheem Pro Partner installer from Comfort Air. In Tampa especially, your AC unit life expectancy is the most crucial of your entire HVAC unit lifespan.
A professional has the knowledge and experience to repair and install anything within your HVAC system. Personally maintaining your equipment is great and will increase AC life expectancy but a professional installer can cover the rest of the ground for you.
A professional will have the unique tools necessary to not only repair the multitude of components within the system, but also to locate those failed components. It's not easy to track down why the AC unit failed and repair it yourself.
Following a routine procedure and having an ongoing relationship with the professionals at Comfort Air will go a long way towards keeping your cooling and heating systems at peak efficiency, as well as extending the life of your entire system.
References
(September 19, 2017). How long do mini split ductless air conditioners last?
Retrieved from: https://www.airconditioningarizona.com/how-long-do-mini-split-ductless-air-conditioners-last/
Seberger, T (November 18, 2020). BOILER MAINTENANCE CHECKLIST
Retrieved from: https://www.rasmech.com/blog/boiler-maintenance-checklist/
