The average lifespan of an air conditioning unit ranges from 10 to 20 years, depending on several factors. If your system is more than ten years old, it may appear to work. In reality, it's likely that it has become much less efficient and is costing you a lot of extra money. Air conditioning systems and heat pumps break down more often and lose efficiency after 10 years.
If your HVAC system is more than 10 years old, it's time to plan major HVAC repairs or replacements. Remember that while the average lifespan of HVAC systems ranges from 10 to 25 years, depending on your climate and the type of heating and cooling system you have. However, your HVAC system may last less time than that if it has been overworked due to insufficient insulation and unwanted airflow (due to unsealed air leaks). Learn how to find air leaks in your home.
HVAC systems are basic systems for your home that are heavily used. If you live in a climate where all four seasons are extreme, you can run your HVAC almost all year round. Residents of warmer climates can cause less wear and tear on their systems. Although they are workhorses, HVAC systems are designed to withstand this use and last, on average, between 15 and 25 years.
These systems are often expensive to purchase and install, so much so that they are expected to last for decades, but 15 to 25 years is a wide range and there are quite a few steps you can take to extend their lifespan. The Department of Energy recommends upgrading an HVAC system after 10 years of service. Although some newer, more energy efficient units can work quite well for up to 15 years. Check when HVAC systems were originally installed to find out their true age.
Your heat pump or air conditioner is more than 10 years old. Consider replacing it with a unit that has been awarded the ENERGY STAR label. If properly installed, these high-efficiency units can save up to 20 percent on heating and cooling costs. Your furnace or boiler is over 15 years old.
Consider replacing it with an ENERGY STAR rated oven, which is 15% more efficient than a conventional oven. If you have a boiler, consider replacing it with an ENERGY STAR rated boiler that is 5% more efficient than a new standard model. Today, both air conditioners and ovens have an average lifespan of about 15 to 20 years. If your two heating and cooling systems are approaching that two-decade mark, it may make sense to replace the entire HVAC system in one fell swoop.
Many of the components, such as the fan and the air duct system, are shared by both the oven or heat pump and the air conditioner. As a result, it can be more labor efficient and cost-effective to remove and replace all equipment at once. Most utility companies will offer HVAC rebates when you're ready to upgrade your HVAC system to an energy efficient model. But how do you know when to replace the HVAC systems in your home? What are your replacement options? And how can you get the air conditioning system you need without draining your bank account? What most homeowners don't know is that, even with a newer, more energy efficient HVAC system, if your home isn't properly insulated or sealed by a professional, it automatically shortens the life of your HVAC system.
HVAC technology has come a long way, and your home's energy efficiency is affected only by holding on to older HVAC technology, so it's time to think about a replacement, yes, even if it “continues to work well”. .
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