Generally speaking, the more we pay for something, the longer we want it to last. We expect a $5 pair of socks to wear out in a year or two or a $3 pack of Oreos to vanish in just a couple of seconds, but the $40,000 new car we just bought? We expect that to last a decades.
In terms of big-budget purchases, a home HVAC system may not seem like as big of a deal as a new vehicle or a house, but it’s still a reasonably large outlay of money. So, how long do you expect it to last?
As materials and technologies have improved, home air conditioning and heating systems have become more efficient and better able to withstand the wear and tear of everyday use. However, like all mechanical systems, they do have a lifespan.
This month, we’re looking at the expected lifespans for different types of home air conditioning systems and give you some tips to help prolong those lifespans as we answer the question, “How long do air conditioning units last?”
How Long Do Air Conditioning Systems Last?
That’s a question with an answer that has a lot of “depends.” The lifespan of a specific HVAC system can vary widely based on its installation, where it’s located, how much it’s used, and dozens of other factors. In general, though, the lifespan of an HVAC system usually ranges from 10 to 25 years. Specific types of systems tend to have longer or shorter life expectancies:
- Window units are usually only expected to run for 10-15 years.
- Traditional central air conditioners typically last between 15 and 20 years.
- Air-supply heat pumps, depending on conditions, can last as long as 25 years.
- Gas furnaces can generally give up to 30 years of service.
- Geothermal heat pumps are incredibly long-lasting, providing more than 30 years of service.
What Factors Impact the Lifespan of an HVAC System?
There are five main factors impacting an HVAC system’s longevity:
Product Quality
Obviously, a higher-quality HVAC system will outlast a lower-quality competitor. When you choose an HVAC system from an industry leader like Carrier, you can be confident that the best quality materials and most attentive workmanship have been used to build your comfort solutions.
Maintenance
More than anything else, the quality of maintenance an air conditioner receives impacts its longevity. An air conditioner that’s been properly maintained throughout its life will outlast an identical unit that hasn’t been maintained, sometimes by a factor of more than two.
Climate
Where an HVAC system lives is another huge predictor of lifespan. Just like people, the harder an air conditioner or heater works, the sooner it gets worn out. Systems installed in places with extreme cold (like Wisconsin) or extreme heat (like… well… here) will tend to fail sooner than similar units installed in more moderate climates.
Usage
Piggybacking on the last point, the less your HVAC system runs, the longer it will last. You can pick up two advantages for the price of one by setting your thermostat up or down to limit the amount of time your system spends running: it will last longer, and you’ll pay less in energy bills.
Installation
Finally, the longevity of an HVAC system is strongly dependent on its installation. An improperly installed HVAC unit isn’t just a danger for the home’s occupants; it’s also a danger to itself. Improper installation can lead to an almost limitless number of failures that can leave you shopping for a premature system replacement.
How Can I Prolong My Air Conditioning System’s Lifespan?
By addressing each of the above issues, you can take action to decrease the rate of wear and tear on your system and add years to its life (and dollars off your energy bills).
Choose Quality
When you’re picking an HVAC system, choose one from a quality volume manufacturer with a robust support network. If it ever needs repairs, make sure the repairs are made with genuine OEM parts. By keeping a quality machine running with quality parts, you’re virtually assured of a system that will last for years to come.
Perform Regular Maintenance
Isn’t it worth a few minutes a month to keep your HVAC system running its best? Perform essential maintenance—like cleaning or replacing your air filter monthly—as directed by your system’s manufacturer. Then, at least once a year, contact your local HVAC specialists to come perform an annual checkup on your system, clean coils, and carry out other tasks to prevent future breakdowns and costly repairs.
Be Attentive to Your Climate
Our Middle Georgia summers are no joke. Few places in the US are as hard on an air conditioner as right here, so your AC is not the place to take the cheap way out. On the other hand, our winters aren’t usually that bad, so you may not need to invest as heavily in heating solutions. In other words, as you’re shopping for an HVAC system, you may need to beef up your cooling options in order to face our completely ridiculous August temps.
Give It a Break
It’s the same advice your energy company gives you—turn your thermostat up in the summer and down in the winter to save money (and make your HVAC last longer). Keeping a house at 76 degrees in the summer takes only a fraction of the energy it takes to keep the same house at 72 degrees. By the height of summer, keeping a house any cooler than 75 degrees might require the AC to run nonstop from sunup to sundown.
Give your HVAC and your wallet a little break by giving up a tiny bit of comfort when the temperatures are at their most extreme.
Turn to the Experts When It’s Time to Buy
Installing an HVAC system isn’t really a DIY job. And it’s certainly not one you should entrust to “some guy your buddy knows.” Improper installation of an HVAC system can introduce electrical hazards, set your home up to mold and mildew growth, cause structural damage, or create about a million other headaches. Not only that, but improper installation will absolutely void your system’s warranty, leaving you to foot the bill for the damage caused by the bad installation job.
When it’s time to install or repair your HVAC system, always leave it up to the pros.
The Team at Pruett Air Conditioning Can Help You Decide on an AC Replacement!
Has a broken, old, or inefficient AC got you down? We can help. Our skilled technicians can evaluate your existing AC system and recommend repairs or replacement to get you back to comfortable living. Give us a call at , and breathe easier!
Pruett Air Conditioning has offices in Warner Robins and Eastman, GA, so no matter where in Middle Georgia you’re located, Pruett is your local HVAC company.
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- Byron, GA
- Centerville, GA
- Cochran, GA
- Dublin, GA
- Eastman, GA
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