When it comes to your home's heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, it's important to know when it's time to replace it. The Department of Energy recommends that homeowners replace their HVAC system every 10 to 15 years. Modern air conditioners are durable, but their main components will begin to deteriorate after about ten years, depending on how often you use and maintain them. The average lifespan of an air conditioning unit ranges from 10 to 20 years, depending on several factors.
If your system is more than ten years old, it may look like it's working, but in reality, it's likely to have become much less efficient and it's costing you a lot of extra money. Consider replacing it with a unit that has earned the ENERGY STAR label. Properly installed, these high-efficiency units can save up to 20 percent on heating and cooling costs. If you have a boiler, consider replacing it with an ENERGY STAR rated boiler that is 5% more efficient than a new standard model. Do I need to repair or replace my heating, ventilation and air conditioning system? It's a common question and you have to weigh several factors to make the decision.
One of the most important factors is the lifespan of your unit. According to EnergyStar from the US Environmental Protection Agency Voluntary Program and A, C., the unit lasts between 15 and 20 years. On average, a heat pump lasts 16 years and an oven operates for 15 to 20 years. Next, consider how old your unit is. During the installation process, your authorized and trained technician will note the installation date directly on the unit.
Otherwise, you can check the inside of the camera door to see if there is a metal nameplate containing the serial and model numbers. You can then call the manufacturer's customer service line and request the date of manufacture of the unit. If your unit is over 20 years old, it doesn't necessarily mean it's time to dispose of it. The published HVAC life expectancy dates are only averages, meaning that half of all units sell out on this date, while the other half are still operating efficiently. So while these numbers are the averages, they're not set in stone. Again, as with home heating, consider how old your air conditioner is.
When it comes time to make the decision to repair or replace your air conditioning unit, age is an important factor. EnergyStar recommends replacing the air conditioning unit every 10 to 15 years. The federal government is phasing out freon to conserve energy across the country. Because of this, freon costs are increasing significantly. If your air conditioning unit uses freon, you'll eventually have to replace it to switch to the new R410A refrigerant.
This is most likely a good time to consider a replacement if your unit is breaking down or has problems associated with the need for more freon. If you can't decide whether to repair or replace your current unit and it's more than 10 years old, buying a new unit could be a better investment. Undoubtedly, air conditioning units will need repairs from time to time. However, if your system requires ongoing repairs, these can eventually cost more than installing a new unit, so investing in a new unit is the smarter choice. Remember, while the average lifespan of an HVAC system is between 10 and 25 years, depending on the climate and the type of heating and cooling system you have. However, your HVAC system may last less time if it has been overloaded due to insufficient insulation and unwanted airflow (due to unsealed air leaks).
Before investing in a new HVAC unit, you may want to check your home and your HVAC unit for costly air leaks. HVAC technology has come a long way, and your home's energy efficiency is affected simply by keeping older HVAC technology - so it's time to think about a replacement - even if it's “still working well”.No matter how much preventive maintenance you put into your HVAC system, there comes a time when repairs are no longer sufficient and it's time to replace it. What most homeowners don't know is that even with a newer, more energy efficient HVAC system - if your home isn't properly insulated or professionally sealed - the lifespan of your HVAC system is automatically shortened. If you're wondering if your HVAC system needs to be replaced, a cost-benefit analysis can help you decide if repairing your old unit is as economical as simply replacing the unit completely. Many utility companies will offer HVAC rebates when you're ready to upgrade your HVAC system to an energy efficient model. In addition, if you need new equipment - you can lease a new high-efficiency HVAC system through Service Experts' Advantage program which includes all maintenance repairs and parts at no additional cost.
