Introduction
Are you wondering if you can increase the lifespan of your HVAC system and save money down the road? You can! The average lifespan of an HVAC system is not set in stone and relies on a variety of factors. For example, if you maintain your HVAC system you will find that it will last longer. Whether you are looking to buy an HVAC system or have already bought one, there are steps you can take to increase its lifespan. Increasing the lifespan of your HVAC system will undoubtedly save you time and money.
The Average Lifespan of an HVAC System
The average HVAC lifespan depends on several factors such as maintenance, type, and efficiency. For example, if an HVAC system is properly maintained then its lifespan increases significantly. Maintenance can help homeowners to avoid costly repairs down the road or having to replace their HVAC systems entirely. The type of an HVAC system determines the average lifespan too. An example of this would be an HVAC system that is sturdier and more reliable is likely to last longer than one that isn’t. If you buy an HVAC system from HVAC manufacturers such as York, Lennox, Trane, and Goodman then you are more likely to have an HVAC system that lasts longer.
As a rule of thumb, the more efficient an HVAC system is in the beginning, the longer it will last. To put that in perspective, the difference between a 95% efficient HVAC system and an 80% efficient HVAC system is significant. An 80% efficient HVAC system is already less efficient than a 95% one. The decline of it will be more noticeable in the coming years.
Those factors aside, the average lifespan of an HVAC is fifteen to twenty years. However, specific parts of an HVAC system such as a furnace and air conditioner can vary. A furnace lasts fifteen to twenty years, but an air conditioner’s lifespan tends to be less.
Setting Your HVAC System up for Success
There are some easy ways that you can automatically set your HVAC system up for success. The easiest ways to set it up for success are when you are still shopping or have just installed it. However, increasing the lifespan of your HVAC system is an ongoing process.
- Get a Good Warranty
It is crucial that you make sure that you have a good warranty when buying an HVAC system. Whether the warranty with your HVAC system lasts two years, five years, or longer, make sure that it covers a variety of situations. For example, if one of your HVAC system’s parts break, make sure that your HVAC manufacturer will pay for the costs of labor required to repair it. Try and get written paperwork that states what the HVAC manufacturer will cover and what they won’t.
Another good idea is to read through your warranty completely and go through any questions you have about it before committing. Some situations will automatically have your warranty voided. These situations could range from not getting your HVAC system yearly inspected to using the wrong replacement parts when something goes wrong. If you have any questions, call your HVAC manufacturer. You can also talk to a trusted certified HVAC company.
- Go with a Reliable Company
Not only should you go with a reliable HVAC manufacturer, but you should also go with a reliable HVAC company. Your HVAC manufacturer may be able to point you in the right direction, but it is a good idea to do some research. Some things you should research when deciding what HVAC company you want to install your HVAC system is accessibility, response time, and quality of service.
You should try and choose an HVAC company that is close to you and gives you easy accessibility. The farther away an HVAC company is, the more their response time is likely to be. Of course, there is always the possibility that the HVAC company you choose might only be five minutes away and still not respond for weeks. An easy way to avoid that is to look online at reviews and see if they mention the response time of the HVAC company. The more reviews an HVAC company has, the more accurate they likely are.
The quality of service of an HVAC company plays a huge role in the lifespan of an HVAC system. If an HVAC system is installed incorrectly, its lifespan decreases drastically. You will constantly have to be calling for repairs that cannot be easily fixed. The best thing you do is research an HVAC company before committing to anything.
- Maintenance, Maintenance, Maintenance
Maintenance is key in increasing the lifespan of your HVAC system. You should have your HVAC system regularly checked by an HVAC technician. You should also follow the instructions that go along with it. Some HVAC systems are specialized and require more maintenance. Be sure to check with your HVAC manufacturer what maintenance must be done by a certified HVAC technician and what maintenance you can do yourself.
How to Maintain Your HVAC System
There are several ways you can maintain your HVAC system and increase its lifespan. Basic maintenance will go a long way. No matter the age of your HVAC system, these tips will help.
- Change the Filters
A lot of HVAC issues can be traced back to a clogged filter. A common question that HVAC companies ask customers when they first call them is when the last time they changed their filters. How often you need to change your filters depends on a variety of factors. A good rule of thumb though is to change your filters at least every three months. However, if you have pets, notice an excessive buildup of dust, or run into HVAC issues, check on your filters. If you notice a large amount of dust in them change them.
- Have Your HVAC System Checked Yearly
The best way to increase the lifespan of your HVAC system is to catch problems early on. You can do this by having your HVAC system checked yearly by professional HVAC technicians. If you hear any strange noises coming from your HVAC system, notice it’s not working as well, or that a strange smell is coming from it, call an HVAC technician right away. They may be able to fix the problem before it gets worse. If they can then fixing it may add years to your HVAC system.
Conclusion
While it may seem complicated at times, increasing the lifespan of your HVAC system is entirely possible. There are several factors that influence an HVAC system’s lifespan, but you can set your HVAC system up for success. If you maintain your HVAC system it will last longer. We hope this blog post helped and if you have any more questions, leave them below! We would be happy to answer them. Looking for a reliable HVAC company and live in Jefferson County or the surrounding areas? Give us a call! Our number is 636-475-9384.