What is the Life Expectancy of My HVAC System?

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What is the Life Expectancy of My HVAC System?

Whenever we install a new heating/cooling system we are always asked the same question: “How long will it last?”. The simple answer: it depends on how well you maintain it. Every manufacturer makes their system slightly different than another and one part could last longer than another. For example, if a manufacturer produces systems that have poor quality compressors, then the overall life expectancy could drop significantly because compressors are sometimes more expensive to replace than the system itself.
Here is a chart which outlines the average life expectancy of HVAC systems based on how much maintenance you use, national averages, and plain old estimates. Please keep in mind that these are estimates, not guarantees. Your brand could result in higher or lower life expectancies.

Maintenance Items:

Changing filter regularly (1-3 months)
Getting tune-ups/servicing seasonally
Remove debris from outside unit
Checking on and replacing refrigerant insulation as necessary
No Maintenance (0 items)
Little Maintenance (1-2 Items)
Some Maintenance (2-3 Items)
High Maintenance (4 items)
15-18 years
18-20 years
20-25 years
25+ years

Exclusions:

The above chart is for your average central AC/heating system; however, if you still use oil burners, wood stoves, or other forms of heat, then your numbers are significantly different.
Oil-based furnaces generally only last a few years and require a lot of maintenance to keep them running. As an older system, it can last a few years and they are not too expensive, making it a popular item among some people.
Geothermal systems are also not included in the above chart. These systems generally last around 30+ years. If maintained well enough, the system may be there longer than you!
Boilers mostly follow the above chart, except they last slightly longer (by 1-3 years) than other average systems.
Additional features/accessories are not included as well, such as:
Humidifiers (8-10 years)
Dehumidifiers (8-10 years)
Thermostats (35-40 years)
Ventilation/duct-work (8-10 years)
Insulation (100 years)
These each have their own life expectancies depending on the brand.

Average Life Expectancy:

Most organizations and companies can agree that homeowners can see between 15-25 years in their system’s lifetime. Some places will say 15, others 20, and still others say 25. The truth of the matter is the system lasts as long as you want it to. As long as you maintain the system well and have regular tune-ups/servicing, you’ll find your system lasts a very long time. Many homeowners decide to replace it after about 10-15 years for a new, more efficient model. In the long-run, replacing the system every 15-20 years (most systems’ average life expectancy) is more economical in terms of maintenance fees and energy bills.

Your Home Electrical System: How Long Can It Last?

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You probably don’t think about the lifespan of the various components of your home’s electrical system until the power goes out. If the rest of the neighborhood hasn’t blacked out, it might cross your mind something in your house has failed.

Read more about your home electrical system here.

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters v.s. Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters

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What Does It Mean?

The world of electricity is filled with acronyms and abbreviations – CFL (compact florescent light), KW (kilowatt), AC (alternating current), and POV (peak operating voltage). Just to name a few. It can get confusing! Take for example GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) and AFCI (arc fault circuit interrupter). They both contain the words fault, circuit and interrupter in the same order— so what is the difference? They do different things, but basically they keep you and your home safe from the dangers of electricity.

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters:

These help prevent burns, electric shocks and electrocution. A GFCI has sensors that measure the current going out and the current coming back in. Normally, the current is balanced as it goes out and comes back in. However, if the current is out of balance, something is wrong. The electric current has made contact with a human, or somewhere else it should not be. The GFCI senses this and instantly shuts down the circuit, stopping the flow of electricity. Since water is an excellent electric conductor, GFCIs are important in areas where water and electricity could meet, such as bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms and garages.

Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters:

These help prevent electric fires. Electricity can leak out of damaged or decaying wires and start a fire. These fires spread quickly in the wiring behind walls. Electric fires cause more damage than other types of fire, and are twice as deadly. AFCIs sense that electricity is leaking from the electric system and shut electricity off before overheating happens.
Basically, GFCIs prevent shocks, and AFCIs prevent fires. Both can be installed by a qualified electrician to make your home safer.

The Dangers Of Carbon Monoxide

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About Carbon Monoxide:

Carbon monoxide (C/O) is odorless, colorless and tasteless. It is produced when

any fossil fuel, including natural gas, is burned. When fossil fuels do not burn

properly, C/O can build up and cause sickness – even death. C/O can build up

when gas appliances are used improperly or are not vented properly.

Safety Measures:

► Never heat your home or apartment with your gas range or oven.

► Have your gas appliances and heating systems inspected annually by a

qualified contractor.

► Install C/O detectors in your home within 15’ of all

bedrooms.

Symptoms of CO Poisoning:

► Dizziness, nausea, headache and coughing.

► Irregular heartbeat.

► Pale skin with cherry red lips and ear tips.

If You Suspect C/O Poisoning:

► Get fresh air and stay outside.

► Call 911 or the local fire department.

What Is A Home Inspection?

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Schedule Home Inspection

A home inspection is a professional, objective, visual examination of the condition of a home. Home buyers now entering the marketplace view inspections as a way to gain valuable information about the biggest purchase of their lifetime. It helps them to determine whether there are any major defects or system inadequacies at the time of purchase.

In most cases, home inspections are performed after a sales contract, conditional upon a satisfactory home inspection, has been accepted by the seller. The inspection can usually be arranged immediately to within a few days. The home buyer is typically encouraged to attend the inspection, so that he/she can see first hand the workings of the home. It also represents an excellent opportunity for the prospective buyer to ask questions about the home or to discuss potential changes. Home inspections should also highlight the positive aspects of a home. In fact, many of the home inspector’s observations or recommendations help to dispel home purchaser anxieties, and provide useful repair suggestions.

The home inspector’s service to the purchaser is primarily one of education.The goal of the inspector is to provide the purchaser with a better understanding of the physical condition of the home in order that they can make a well-informed decision. It is also the inspector’s role to keep his findings in perspective for the buyer. After the inspection is completed, a written report should be prepared for the home buyer, documenting the results of the inspection.

The home inspection should not be confused with an appraisal, a municipal code inspection, an environmental audit, or a home owner’s warranty.

A complete home inspection should cover all of the major systems of a house, including structure, exterior, roofing, electrical, heating, cooling, insulation, plumbing and interior. As a minimum, an inspection should meet the Standards of Practice of the National Association of Home Inspectors (NAHI).

Consumers should be very careful when shopping for a home inspector. The industry, on the whole, is unregulated and many unqualified people offer home inspection services.

New Home Checklist

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After you purchase a new home, there are some maintenance and safety issues that you should review as soon as possible. Below is a convenient checklist to go over after you’ve purchased a home.

  • Locks

    Change the locks on every outside entrance.

  • Windows and Doors

    Check all the windows and doors to make sure they’re secure. Fix any hardware issues you find. Security rods can be added to sliding windows and doors. You may even think about getting a security system.

  • Smoke Detectors

    Install smoke detectors on each level of the home. Ensure that there is a smoke detector outside all sleeping areas. Replace batteries on any existing smoke detectors and test them. Make a note to replace batteries again in one year.

  • Carbon Monoxide

    Check to see if Carbon Monoxide detectors are installed within 15 feet of all bedrooms.

  • Fire Escape Plan

    Discuss a plan of action in the event of a fire in your home. Make sure there is a window or door in every room of the house. Consult with your local fire department regarding fire safety issues and what to do in the event of fire.

  • Trip Hazards

    Examine driveways and walkways for trip hazards. Next, check out the inside of the home for trip hazards. Loose or torn carpeting and flooring are typical culprits.

  • Walkways

    Look for and repair any risks of stumbling in stairways, decks, porches or landings.

  • Review Inspection Report

    Take a careful look at your home inspection report for any items that require immediate improvement or further investigation.

  • Chimney

    Install rain caps and vermin screens on all chimney flues where needed.

  • Systems

    Investigate the location of the main shut-off’s for the plumbing, heating and electrical systems. If you had a home inspection done, you can find this information in your report

Moving to a new home is exciting and exhausting. However, it’s important to review these items to best protect your loved ones