If your furnace or air conditioner isn’t keeping up with the outdoor temperatures, it might be on its last legs. Even if it’s working as it should, you might want to keep an eye on its likely expiration date.
No one wants to be without air conditioning in the middle of a hot summer or without heat when there’s snow on the ground. Anticipating your HVAC system’s demise lets you approach a pricey home project with enough time to make the best decision for you.
Your HVAC equipment — furnaces, boilers, air conditioners and heat pumps — is one of the biggest factors in your household’s comfort and utility bills. Here’s what you need to know about the lifespan of HVAC equipment, plus tips for how to make it last longer and how to switch systems from one fuel source to another.
How long does an HVAC system last?
You can expect an HVAC system to last for anywhere from 15 to 20 years, maybe even longer, said Seattle-based designer and home renovation expert Eric Goranson, host of the Around the House podcast and nationally syndicated radio show.
“It really depends on how well you service and maintain that system,” he said. “I’ve seen heat pumps that are 30 years old and still running.”
How long does a furnace last?
Your home’s furnace should last an average of 15 to 20 years, though there are some exceptions. Goranson has seen electric furnaces run 40 or 50 years, but at some point, older furnaces are going to give you diminishing returns.
“They just become so inefficient that it’s costing you so much more and wasting a ton of electricity,” he said. “You’re probably better off getting a financing plan and replacing it with something more efficient.”
How long does central air conditioning last?
A central air conditioning unit has a similar lifespan of 15 or 20 years, though some models can last as long as 30 years with diligent maintenance and regular service. However, there may be a point when older models may need parts or refrigerants that are no longer made.
“The problem is obsolescence, where the Freon it uses is no longer made,” Goranson said. “At that point, it’s actually cheaper to replace because you just can’t get that product anymore.”
How long does a heat pump last?
A new focus on energy-efficient homes combined with tax incentives in the Inflation Reduction Act has driven recent interest in heat pumps. You can expect a new heat pump to last between 10 and 15 years, though regular maintenance and service can extend that lifespan.
There are two kinds of heat pumps available: air-source heat pumps and ground-source heat pumps. Air-source heat pumps function by extracting heat from the air and sending it where it needs to go, while ground-source heat pumps extract heat from the ground. While ground-source heat pumps generally last longer and operate more efficiently, air-source heat pumps take up less space, are easier to install and have a lower up-front cost.
“Ground-source can save you money because it’s a little more efficient, but you can spend six figures putting in a ground-source heat pump system,” Goranson said. “You’re doing it because it’s greener.”
How can you extend the life of your HVAC system?
The best way to extend the life of your home’s HVAC equipment is to perform routine maintenance yourself and get it serviced regularly by a qualified professional.
“The number one thing you can do is have somebody come out every year to service that thing,” Goranson said. Regular service is important because small issues can cause greater damage to the unit over time if they’re not resolved, and fixing those issues can be much more expensive than paying for an annual service call.
