How Long Does the Average HVAC System Last?

From furnaces and boilers to central ACs and mini-splits, the term “HVAC system” covers a variety of products. How long these systems last for will depend, of course, on what product we’re talking about as well as on certain factors that lie outside of it.

First, let’s give some basic figures. Heat pumps, gas furnaces, and electric furnaces all run for anywhere between 10 and 15 years. You may achieve 20 years if certain conditions are met, which we’ll touch upon below. Mini-splits can last a good 30 years, and boilers five years longer than that.

MAINTENANCE

So much depends, though, on the level of maintenance that the system is getting each year. If the only time you call over an HVAC technician is when your heater or AC breaks down, then you’re letting the system incur premature wear and tear, which shortens its life. With tune-ups, though, you keep problems at bay and let the system run efficiently year-round.

LOCATION AND CLIMATE

Climate can play a large role in hindering your system’s performance and putting undue strain on it. Dry climates, in particular, cause dirt and dust to accumulate more quickly in your HVAC system, which will put stress on the motor and cause a total breakdown much sooner than you’d want.

FREQUENCY OF USE

In some climates, you can’t help but run your AC and your heater throughout the year, not just during the summer and winter. Continual use, though, will wear it out sooner. Sometimes, you can avoid continual use: for example, by programming your thermostat so that it doesn’t run the unit in the middle of the night or when no one is home.

Our NATE-certified technicians at Xtreme Air, Inc. can provide you with HVAC repairs and maintenance in Phoenix, AZ. If the time has come for a brand-new system, we’ll guide you through that process, too. We’re proud to be a Trane Comfort Specialist. Other specialties of ours include indoor air quality products and evaporator coolers.

To schedule a convenient appointment, contact us today!