What is The Life Expectancy of Your HVAC?

The last thing you need this next hot season is to have your aging air conditioner unit breakdown. HVAC experts state that a unit can last as long as 15 to 20 years if maintained regularly. However, there are many factors that can actively reduce the life of your HVAC system.

1. Age

Exposure to harsh weather, neglected routine service, outdoor debris and dirt can have a hand in depleting the life expectancy of your system. It is better to replace the unit than pay for costly repairs if the unit is older than 10 years. Finding the right parts would just be the start of your problems.

2. Installation and quality

Investing in a reputed manufacturer and a trusted model will pay in the long-run even if the unit has a higher price tag. Make sure you research manufacturer and model ratings before making a purchase decision. Installation of the system is important as well.If the installation is not done by a quality HVAC expert, the life of your equipment may be reduced – it could also undermine your warranty which no Bay Area resident wants (or anyone for that matter). This is because of the shortcuts taken and overall shoddy job done.

3. History of routine maintenance

Regular preventative maintenance will add years to the life of your unit. You could be looking at a premature equipment replacement if you believe you haven’t been proactive with routine service. However, your system would defy its age if you have had it serviced and maintained regularly. You could be looking at 15 to 20 years and even longer with the right care.

4. Overall condition

Having a repairman over to fix your HVAC system is a telltale sign that you should consider getting a replacement soon. Look at the number of visits your repair technician has made. Think whether you are effectively nursing your unit through the seasons.

5. Kind of repair

You would be looking at costly repair bills if your HVAC system is completing its life expectancy. This is because of fatigue on the various components and parts. Fixing a minor electric problem is one thing and can occur in any unit. However, overhauling the compressor is another.

You may have to retire your system before its time if it was installed prior to 2010. This is because Freon or R22 refrigerant used earlier is being phased out over environmental concerns.

6. Location

The location of the system is quite significant in determining its longevity. Street level and rooftop systems are exposed to soot, dust, debris, and harsh weather. Outdoor units in these locations are likelier to get clogged making the unit work extra hard to achieve the set temperatures. Overworked systems tend to breakdown more often.

7. Wrong size

Your HVAC system would not be as efficient if you picked the wrong size. It may result in a decline in operational consistency which could signal the need for a replacement. HVAC systems may cease to be adequate for a space after the occupancy of configuration of the building changes. Both undersized and oversized systems fail to remain durable for extended lengths.