The HVAC system that keeps your home comfortable is one of its most critical systems. It also represents a significant investment you’ve made in your home. Protecting that investment requires you to do whatever you can to prolong the life of your HVAC equipment. Here’s how long your HVAC should last and how to ensure it lasts as long as possible.
The Average Lifespan of Common HVAC Systems
When it comes to longevity, not all HVAC systems are created equal. Different types of HVAC systems have different expected lifespans. Here are the average lifespans of the most popular HVAC options.
Average Central AC and Heat Pump Lifespan
You can expect approximately 15 years of service from a central air conditioning system. However, some systems can last considerably longer than that with proper care. Heat pumps typically have the same lifespan since they’re mechanically similar to air conditioners.
Average Furnace Lifespan
Most gas furnaces will last about 20 years with regular maintenance. The key to that longevity is the mechanical simplicity of furnaces. There aren’t many parts prone to wear, and it’s easy to replace the few that are.
Average Boiler Lifespan
Though less common than furnaces, boilers remain a popular heating option, particularly in older homes. Boilers also power underfloor heating systems, which you’ll find in many newer homes. Most modern boilers will last about 20 years, but cast-iron models have lifespans of up to 50 years.
How To Prolong the Life of Your HVAC
If you want to maximize your HVAC investment, there are multiple things you can do. Most involve maintenance tasks, and a few involve simple home upgrades. Here’s what to do.
Don’t Skip Regular Professional Maintenance
The most important thing you can do to prolong your HVAC’s life is adhere to its recommended maintenance schedule.
Most forced-air ACs, heat pumps, and furnaces require seasonal maintenance to remain in peak condition. For ACs, a yearly maintenance visit before the cooling season starts is wise. It allows for fixing any lingering issues before the system goes into continuous use.
Likewise, an air conditioner maintenance visit before each heating season will keep your furnace or boiler in top shape. Heat pumps can get by with a single annual maintenance visit, but bi-annual maintenance is even better. They operate year-round and suffer more wear and tear than other systems.
Stay on Top of HVAC Filter Changes
If you have any kind of ducted HVAC system, regularly replacing its air filter will significantly increase its lifespan. Most systems need a new air filter after every 90 days of operation. A dirty air filter obstructs airflow through such systems and puts added strain on their blower motors. Also, it can cause furnaces to run at abnormally high temperatures, shortening the lifespan of multiple components.
If you have a ductless mini-split, it likely has washable air filters in each indoor air handler. Those need washing every two weeks for maximum system longevity.
Keep Your Vents Unobstructed
Dirty air filters aren’t the only thing that can hamper airflow through an HVAC. Too many closed or blocked vents will do the same thing. Ducted HVAC systems depend on having unobstructed airflow between their supply vents and return ductwork. If you close too many vents, the static pressure in your supply ducts will increase. That adds unnecessary strain to your HVAC, leading to extra wear and tear.
The excess pressure could also damage your ductwork, causing air leaks that sap HVAC efficiency. That will mean your HVAC must keep working harder even when you re-open all your vents. To prevent that, leave your home’s vents open at all times. You should also relocate any furniture you have blocking your vents.
Don’t Delay Necessary Repairs
As your HVAC system ages, it’s bound to develop a problem or two that calls for professional repair. The sooner you notice signs of a problem and schedule a repair, the better. Letting your HVAC run in a compromised state risks doing additional damage. Sometimes, a repair delay could lead to a complete system failure. That may force you to replace your HVAC far sooner than you otherwise would have.
Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat
Another great way to maximize the lifespan of your HVAC is to use it less. The best part is that you don’t have to sacrifice any comfort to do so. Instead, consider upgrading to a smart thermostat. Smart thermostats make more efficient use of your HVAC to keep you comfortable with less usage. On average, an ENERGY STAR-certified smart thermostat can save you up to 8% annually on your HVAC bills. That translates into fewer operating hours every year of your HVAC’s life.
Upgrade Your Home’s Insulation
Another way to ease the burden on your home’s HVAC is to upgrade your home’s insulation. A good place to start is having your attic air-sealed. That should prevent conditioned air from escaping into your attic. Afterward, you can add extra insulation to your attic to meet modern recommended standards. In this part of the country, that means having attic insulation with a total R-value between 49 and 60. The more you upgrade your insulation, the more you’ll reduce HVAC use. Adding weatherstripping on your home’s doors and windows is another inexpensive way to cut energy losses.
Install Ceiling Fans
Finally, installing ceiling fans can further reduce your HVAC use and prolong system longevity. They’re far more energy efficient and can keep you more comfortable year-round. As summer approaches, using ceiling fans can delay the need for AC. During milder summers, ceiling fans may eliminate the need for AC entirely.
During the heating season, ceiling fans can also be a big help. If you run them in reverse, you can lower your thermostat temperature and spare your heater significant wear and tear. The strategy works because heat rises. Ceiling fans running in reverse push hot air downward to where you’ll feel it. As a result, you can cut your heating use by 15% or more.
Local HVAC Maintenance Experts
For maximum HVAC longevity, it helps to have an expert in HVAC maintenance to depend on. AJ Danboise Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical is the leading HVAC service provider in Farmington Hills, MI. We have an Always Here Plan to help you save money on routine maintenance and HVAC repairs for peace of mind. With roots dating to 1925, we’re a fixture in the community that’s served generations of residents. We sell, install, and service HVAC systems of all kinds. We also offer comprehensive plumbing and electrical services, too.
Our highly trained HVAC technicians can handle any job, big or small. We even offer emergency services and have representatives available to take your calls 24/7. For larger projects, we offer financing options on approved credit. But you don’t have to take our word. Instead, take the word of the thousands of customers who’ve left us glowing reviews over the years.
If you’re looking for a trustworthy HVAC company to maximize your HVAC’s lifespan in Farmington Hills, call AJ Danboise Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical today!
