Part of being a homeowner is preparing for those major repairs and replacements. Whether you’ve recently moved or have been in your home for a while, you might be wondering how long an HVAC system lasts – and when to start saving for a new one. Here’s what to know.
An HVAC system is a long-term investment.
HVAC is the heart of your home. It’s vital to your comfort in hot and cold temperatures, and helps regulate humidity and airflow. But it’s also a major investment. Fortunately, HVAC systems are designed to be long lived, with 15-25 years being the typical lifespan. Why the range? One factor is climate – areas with extreme temperatures or significant temperature swings will put more strain on your system. Another factor is how well you care for your system. And a third is the type and quality of both the components and the installation. Where you fall in terms of all three of these will influence the longevity of your HVAC system.
Different components have different lifespans.
Good news: those big-ticket HVAC items might be a significant investment, but they’re designed to last. For example, central air systems will generally last between 12-17 years, heat pumps around 16, and furnaces between 15-20. Other components such as ducts, valves, pipes and so on can vary in lifespan depending on materials, climate, and exposure to pests, moisture or extreme temperatures. Your HVAC professional will monitor the various elements of your system and let you know how each is faring.
A quality system will keep you comfortable.
When the term “HVAC lifespan” is thrown around, it’s often referring to the lifespan of major elements such as furnaces or condensers. But HVAC systems consist of multiple components with varying life expectancies. When it comes to these, brand and installation quality matter. At Shaw, we work with Carrier systems and components, because we know the care that goes into every Carrier product – and we trust their quality. Not only that, but when you choose Shaw, you get an experienced team who does everything by the book and according to best practices. Whether you’re upgrading or doing a new installation, we’ll provide a solution designed to suit your needs, your home, and the local climate.
Use your system the way it was designed.
Using your system within its recommended parameters will help boost its life expectancy. Invest in a smart thermostat, keep your registers open, and keep your set temperature consistent – and reasonable. Your system will work best when run at around 78F in summer and 68F in winter. Keep in mind that if there is extreme heat or cold predicted, your system has to work harder to make up the temperature difference, so avoid “cranking” your thermostat in these conditions. Additionally, know that if you’ve made significant renovations or add-ons to your home, your system might be working beyond its normal capacity, and an upgrade might be in order.
Preventive maintenance is everything.
Regular maintenance of your HVAC system not only maximizes efficiency, but maximizes your system’s lifespan as well. Staying on top of day-to-day maintenance such as replacing filters, clearing debris from around compressors and ensuring free airflow will help keep your system running smoothly for longer. So too will regular professional HVAC maintenance. Not only is regular maintenance vital for keeping your system in good repair, but it’ll help you identify any issues with your system – such as blockages or failing parts – early on. Getting on top of minor fixes will help stave off the need for major ones.
Want to keep your HVAC system keeping on? Call Shaw today. We’ll check that your system is running as it should be, and will advise you about its lifespan – and when to start considering an update or new install.