Upgrading to a new HVAC system is one of the most significant purchases a person will likely make over the course of their homeownership. But how do you know when it’s time to replace your old heating and cooling system? How often should a furnace be replaced? Is a tune up worth it? Let’s take a look at the average life expectancy of furnaces, boilers, air conditioning systems, and more.
Q: How Long Will Your HVAC System Last?
A: On Average, 10-20 Years
No HVAC technician is going to be able to tell you with 100% certainty how long a given furnace or air conditioning unit will last. What we can do, however, is provide an average lifespan, and explain what you can do to maximize the life of your system.
Here are the average life expectancies of different HVAC systems:
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Air conditioners and heat pumps: 10 to 15 years
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Furnaces and boilers: 15 to 20 years
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Geothermal: 30 years
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Water heaters: 10 years
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Tankless water heaters: 20 years
Regular Maintenance Is Key
As many homeowners would agree, there’s a pretty big difference between your HVAC lasting 10 years vs. 30 years. So how can you get the most out of your heating and cooling?
More than any other factor, regular maintenance is key to prolonging the life of your HVAC systems.
What does regular maintenance entail? Whether you have a furnace, boiler, or heat pump, maintenance tips include:
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Changing filters regularly
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Scheduling annual or seasonal tune-ups
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Cleaning and removing debris from outside components
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Inspecting and replacing refrigerant as needed
Staying on top of these simple checklist items will help you avoid expensive heating or air conditioning repair, help your HVAC equipment last longer, and keep you comfortable all year long.
Should You Fix or Replace Your Furnace?
For many people reading this, their HVAC system may be in a grey area. If your heating or cooling is approaching old age, but isn’t quite there yet, you probably have a lot of questions: What should you do if it breaks down? How long will a furnace last? Does it make sense to pay for furnace repair, or will you just be scheduling new HVAC installation a year down the road anyway? Should you repair or replace your furnace, air conditioner, or other HVAC system?
Well, if your HVAC system has five or more years left in its expected lifespan, or if the repair costs are less than 50% of the cost of a new system, furnace or air conditioner repair may be the more economical option.
How can you know for sure if your furnace is dying or just needs HVAC service? Reach out to the HVAC professionals at Princeton Air. From furnaces, boilers, and heat pumps to water heaters, we offer installation, repair, and maintenance services, and expert advice about the best way to make your home comfortable. We can even install hybrid heat pump systems that take advantage of both your furnace and heat pump to maximize your savings and comfort.
