Your HVAC system is what keeps your home comfortable year-round. Proper maintenance and care will help your system last as long as possible. However, like all good things in life, your heating and cooling units will eventually reach their end.
When you invest in your HVAC system, it’s always nice to know how long it will last before you’ll need to replace its components. Each piece of machinery has a different lifespan. Knowing their average service lives will help you get the most from these units! At Wright Services, we’re familiar with how these systems work and are here to help you determine how long they’ll last.
Central Air Conditioners
Central air conditioning is a common type of AC that uses ducts to transport cold air throughout the home. Typically, this AC system lasts around 15 to 20 years. Of course, your central air conditioner will only last this long if you schedule maintenance.
Regular AC maintenance includes changing the air filter, cleaning the ducts and detecting any faulty ductwork. Just like with a furnace, scheduling professional maintenance is advised since an AC technician knows what issues to look for. By nipping minor problems in the bud, you can avoid larger issues that can lead to premature AC replacement.
Furnaces
A common component of most HVAC systems is a furnace. In San Antonio, many homes are equipped with this heater to keep them toasty in the colder months. With proper maintenance, you can expect your furnace to last around 20 to 30 years.
Furnace maintenance includes changing the air filters at least once a month, preferably before it gets cold, and cleaning out the components annually. You can schedule a professional tune-up for a more thorough inspection. This service helps catch potential issues before they become too severe and prolong the lifespan of your furnace.
Ductless Air Conditioners
Ductless AC uses mini-split units to cool different zones of a home without using air ducts. You can expect your mini-split system to have an AC lifespan of 10 to 30 years.
Since there are so many components to a ductless system, the required maintenance is a little more extensive. Remove and replace the air filters in each unit at least once a year and clean it and all the internal components regularly. If you sense something is wrong with your ductless system, call a professional to catch any problems early on.
Heat Pumps
Heat pumps are unique since they can cool and heat your home. This system usually lasts around 10 to 20 years with proper maintenance. Climate can also significantly affect the lifespan of a heat pump since they have a service life of 7 to 12 years in coastal areas.
To maintain your heat pump, make sure to clean it and change the air filters at least once a year. Annual tune-ups are advised since they ensure the pump is thoroughly cleaned and inspected.
What Affects HVAC Lifespan?
The lifespan of your HVAC system depends on proper upkeep and care. However, other factors can influence the lifespan of your units, many of which are environmental. Before you invest in heating and cooling systems, consider how the following factors influence each type of unit.
Climate
Climate plays a huge role in your HVAC system’s lifespan. In hotter climates, your AC will see more frequent use, which will wear it down faster. Alternatively, cold environments require more use from furnaces and heat pumps. Overuse will cause wear and tear on the machinery, which may affect how long they last.
Other factors like high humidity and pollen can wear down the internal components of your HVAC system more quickly. More frequent maintenance may be required in areas that see any of these factors to prevent premature system failure.
Poor Insulation
Insulation is a huge factor in the efficiency of your HVAC system. If your home is not properly insulated, your units will have to overwork themselves to cool or heat your home. If you’re worried about your system’s efficiency, have your home’s insulation checked by a professional before replacing the machinery.
System Size
If your systems are improperly sized for your home, you’ll wear them down faster, which can lead to an early replacement. If your units are too small for your home, it will work harder to cool and heat it, wearing down the parts. Similarly, machinery that is too large will constantly turn on and off to compensate for the excess power. This wears down on the internal components, causing it to fail earlier.
Schedule Professional HVAC Maintenance
If you want to help your HVAC system reach its full life expectancy, Wright Services can help you! We perform top-notch San Antonio AC replacement and maintenance to best serve your home. Contact us today to schedule one of our services!
