How long a heating or cooling system can go on for before breaking down for good is a hard question to answer. While HVAC manufacturers can give you broad estimates as to the life expectancy of their products, you have to consider variables like how well-maintained it is and how frequently you run it throughout the year.
Level and Quality of Maintenance
Let’s start with the maintenance because it has the biggest influence on life expectancy. Over time, even a brand-new HVAC system develops issues, and these can put wear and tear on your system before you notice anything wrong. For example, dirty filters and coils in a heat pump prevent the transfer of heat to or from your home, forcing the system to overexert itself to reach your set point. This shortens its life span.
Maintenance can eliminate these issues before they cause too much damage. Usually, you request your cooling tune-up in spring and your heating tune-up in autumn, before the temperatures really start to rise or fall. Make sure you’re getting it done by a professional, too, for the best results.
Climate and the Frequency of Operation
If it’s continually hot or cold in your region, then you’ll unwittingly shorten your system’s life span simply by the fact that you run it all the time. Besides that, in dry climates, dust can accumulate more quickly in the HVAC system, which hinders performance and puts premature wear and tear on it.
Brand and Quality of the Installation
Some brands are more reputable than others, and their products will be more or less durable. The way in which your HVAC technician installs the system can play a big role, too. Shoddy workmanship can lead, for example, to poor sealing in the ducts, which lets air escape and forces the HVAC system to run longer.
The family-owned and -operated Titan Heating & Air has been serving homeowners in and around Georgetown, KY, for 5 years now, and we specialize in HVAC installations, repairs, and maintenance. We also deal in products like humidifiers, air purifiers, air scrubbers, and UV lights.
Call Titan Heating & Air today to schedule an appointment or to ask any questions!