The Life Expectancy of HVAC Units

At Parker’s Heating & Cooling, we work with a wide variety of HVAC systems popular in Tennessee, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Life expectancy is one of the most critical factors to consider when comparing your options and considering your investment in repairs or replacement. Today, we’ll look at the expected service life of central air conditioning, ductless air conditioning, furnaces, heat pumps, and geothermal systems so you can make informed decisions.

Typical HVAC Lifespans

Most HVAC systems will show their age and might be prime for replacement around the 15-year mark, but the specific life expectancies of different technologies are nuanced.

Central Air Conditioning

Your typical central air conditioning connected to an air handler and using ductwork can last as long as 30 years with good luck and maintenance but will generally need to be replaced somewhere between 10 and 20 years.

Ductless Air Conditioning

Ductless systems typically don’t last as long as central air conditioning. However, this can vary substantially depending on whether your system is purely a ductless air conditioner used in the summer or a ductless mini-split system used year-round for heating and cooling.

Furnaces

Furnace life expectancies vary substantially with fuel source, with combustion-based gas or oil furnaces sometimes showing their age as early as 10 years in, while electric furnaces can last as long as 30. For both, expect a median closer to 15 than either outlier with proper upkeep.

Heat Pump Heating and Cooling

Heat pumps are estimated to last about 15 years from installation, but this number can vary substantially depending on your use. Because heat pumps can be your sole form of HVAC year-round or used as a supplement to other systems, you might see a heat pump fail as early as 10 years into service or last past the 20-year mark.

Geothermal Heating and Cooling

Geothermal heat pump systems have the longest estimated service life thanks to their minimized exposure to the environment. The interior heat pump components boast a 20+ year life expectancy and the underground infrastructure lasts as long as 50 years.

Factors That Impact Your HVAC Unit’s Lifespan

Maintenance is important if you want an HVAC system to last for its fullest service life possible without lost efficiency: annual tune-ups, replacing filters as recommended by the manufacturer, properly insulating your home to minimize work for your system, and scheduling ductwork cleaning and maintenance every few years can all contribute.

The salty coastal air can also damage HVAC equipment in the area, especially systems with outdoor components that are directly exposed to the elements.

Ways Your Local HVAC Contractor Can Help

At least once a year, your HVAC systems should see a professional HVAC contractor for a tune-up, inspection, and routine maintenance. This might be twice a year for systems used year-round.

You should also speak to a contractor as soon as you notice anything wrong with your system; quick repairs will save your system a lot of strain and stress over its service life.

Finally, duct cleaning and ductwork improvements should be considered every few years.

Why Choose Parker’s Heating & Cooling for Your HVAC Unit’s Needs?

At Parker’s Heating & Cooling, we’re always here to help with your HVAC system, no matter the maker or model. As one of Murfreesboro’s top-rated HVAC companies, you can always trust our team to deliver outstanding service and craftsmanship.

When you need HVAC service in the Murfreesboro area, contact the experts at Parker’s Heating & Cooling for superior results, no matter the problem.

FAQs

Which HVAC systems need more maintenance?

Most year-round heat pump systems benefit from a tune-up once for the heating season and once for the cooling season; that means heat pumps, geothermal systems, and ductless mini-splits.

How often should I replace my filters?

It depends on your filter’s rating, your home air quality, and your manufacturer’s recommendations. You might need to replace them once a season — or as often as once a month.

How do I know whether to repair or replace a system?

If your system is past the average life expectancy, repairs might only buy you more time and leave you supporting an aging, inefficient unit. Replace your system when repairs can’t be done in a reasonable amount of time.