How Long Will Your HVAC System Last In Colorado?

One of the most essential systems inside your home is the HVAC system. HVAC stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, and does a lot more than just provide heat and cool airflow. It controls the humidity. It controls comfort levels. It can even impact your health.

Depending on when your HVAC system was installed, a lot of changes may have been made to the technology. Does your current HVAC system work well enough to keep your home safe and comfortable? Or is it time for an upgrade? Just how long does an HVAC system last? Let’s answer all those questions and more.

How long will an HVAC system last?

It actually depends on many things. If you check with your HVAC’s manufacturer’s guidelines, you’ll find life expectancy lasts 15 to 25 years. Of course, that’s a guesstimate. It depends on many factors, including where you live, the condition of your home, how well you cared for the equipment, and more. The closer you get to the lifespan, the more you should pay attention to how well the equipment operates to make decisions about repairing or replacing.

Do you have to replace all equipment at once?

Three components make up your HVAC system: furnace, air conditioner, and the ductwork. Each of these components has different maintenance schedules and a different lifespan.

A furnace provides heat to your home. Most people here in Colorado either have a furnace or a boiler. One uses gas or oil for heating, while the other uses steam or water. A furnace will last 15 to 25 years. With proper installation and maintenance, it can easily last for many years before the heat exchanger begins leaking. A boiler pushes longevity to 20 to 30 years until problems surface with the heat exchanger.

An air conditioner usually sits outside your home. It’s a box with a blower and fan inside. AC units, in general, will last about 15 years. However, that can change depending on where the unit is located and the kind of exposure it deals with throughout the years. Most air conditioners are replaced once the compressor fails.

Ducts are also a part of the heating and cooling equation. If your ductwork isn’t functioning properly, it can’t deliver heated or cooled air to each room in your home. Ductwork can easily last 20 years or more. When you start to notice problems with the way your home is heated or cooled, it might be the ductwork instead of the heating and cooling equipment. Joints can break or leak, causing conditioned air to leak outside of your rooms. This is a main reason for unexpected changes in room temperature.

Do you have a question about the way your home is heated or cooled? How long has it been since you’ve installed new equipment? Or scheduled a regular maintenance visit?

Maybe now is the time. Give us a call today.