How Long You Can Expect Your HVAC System to Last and Factors That Contribute to Shorter Lifespan of System
Furnaces typically have a life expectancy of 15-20 years on average. Heat pumps last 16 years on average. Air conditioning units generally last 16-20 years. Tankless water heaters have a life expectancy of 20 years while a gas or electric water heater have a life expectancy that’s half that. Even though the older units were significantly less energy efficient, they malfunctioned a lot less. In the older units there were much less parts that could malfunction and the system while low in efficiency was very straightforward. Due to the lack of moving parts the older systems could take a lot more abuse from the elements and much less maintenance. They were less susceptible to dirty filters, plant overgrowth on the outside of the condenser, dirty blower wheels, dirty coils, and oversized ductwork. The newer systems save you much more money relative to the old ones. The new units require more maintenance but have the potential to last just as long as the old units while simultaneously saving you way more money on energy efficiency.

Factors Pertaining to the Life Expectancy of Your System
In any HVAC system it is important to maintain a certain level of understanding. Having this knowledge can help you keep your HVAC system running correctly, efficiently, and overall will increase the life of your unit. Are you regularly getting your system maintained? Poor maintenance practices can lead to a unit malfunction. If your unit had manufacturer issues or a defective essential component failure that can be a cause of unit failure as well as, over-sizing or under-sizing the system. Here are some additional factors; improper installation, to high or too low of an electric load, improper system usage. Out of all the reasons listed above the most common cause for system malfunction is two things: Lack of seasonal and general maintenance and an over-sized system. A lack of maintenance can lead to the wear and tear of the unit and its components as well as shorten the overall unit life expectancy. Over-sizing your unit can lead to frequent on and off cycling. This puts unwanted extra pressure on the compressor or blower motor and cause them to fail.

Here at A-Plus Comfort LLC we can help to keep your unit and system running. We have been gladly serving Huntsville, AL and the surrounding areas for over 5 years. If you need some assistance give us a call at (256) 585-2550 we would be happy to help you! Thank you!






