Heating and cooling systems are an essential aspect of every home in the United States. HVAC systems usually affect your comfort and energy consumption significantly. Since HVAC is a significant investment in your home, it only makes sense to get the most out of it.

One of the most commonly asked questions among homeowners is; “how long does the average HVAC system last?” Realistically, there is no a straightforward answer to this question since the lifespan of your system will largely depend on how you maintain it. Typically, every manufacturer makes their system slightly different from what their competitor produces and you will realize that certain brands tend to last longer than others.

Factors that Affect the Lifespan of Your HVAC System

The most important factor that will determine the lifespan of your HVAC system is HVAC maintenance. Proper maintenance will ensure that your system serves you for the longest possible time. Fortunately, you can perform some of the maintenance tasks by yourself, but you will need to contact an experienced HVAC professional to help you accomplish the complicated tasks. Make sure that you remove all the debris that might be blocking your outdoor unit and change the air filters regularly.

The quality of installation will also affect the overall lifespan of your HVAC system. You need to ensure that the installation of your system is done by a qualified and experienced HVAC professional. You should check to ensure that the ductwork is properly placed and the venting is situated properly. Ensuring that everything is sealed in the right manner will also make a significant difference when it comes to how long the system will serve you.

Learn how much an AC warranty can save you.

How Long Will Your HVAC System Last?

On average, your HVAC system will last for between 15 and 25 years depending on its brand and the other factors highlighted above. However, it is also good to note that the different components of your HVAC system have different lifespans.

With proper maintenance, your air conditioner should serve you for between 15 and 20 years regardless of its brand. However, if you don't take good care of your AC, it won't go past a decade no matter its brand. AC units installed in the coastal areas tend to last the shortest period with most of them lasting for seven to twelve years due to the salt exposure.

Your furnace should serve you for at least 20 years with proper maintenance. If you can go an extra mile and purchase one of the top brands, then you can be sure that the furnace will serve you for up to three decades. Typically, a furnace is replaced when its heat exchanger starts to leak since it is one of its most critical and expensive components. Furnaces that are poorly maintained or are of poor quality may not go past ten years.

Learn more tips on how to maintain your heater.

Heat pumps, on the other hand, will serve you for between 10 and 20 years depending on the frequency of its usage and brand. Most of the heat pumps have an average lifespan of 15 years. Since heat pumps can be used for both heating and cooling, they tend to be used more frequently throughout the year compared to air conditioners and furnaces. Just like the AC units, heat pumps that are installed in the coastal areas tend to last for a few years due to salt exposure.

Lastly, boilers will last slightly longer than your furnace with an average lifespan of between 20 and 35 years. Just like the furnace, your boiler will need replacement if its heat exchanger starts to leak.

Contact David Gray Heating & Air

Does your HVAC system need a tune up? Contact David Gray Heating & Air or call (904) 467-0784. We can help.