Air Conditioning
HVAC maintenance in Jacksonville, FL

An HVAC system is a major investment for any home, so how often you have to replace it makes a huge impact on the annualized cost. While there’s a range for the lifespan, there are factors you can control that may affect whether you fall within that range. Use this guide to learn how long different HVAC units last, the factors affecting their lifespan, including those specific to Florida, and how to tell when it’s time for a replacement.

Lifespan By Unit Type

Not all HVAC units have the same length of service life. Rather, the specific unit and when it was manufactured will affect how long it may work effectively. Keep in mind that these service life estimates assume proper maintenance.

AC and Heat Pump Lifespan

Older model central air conditioners and central heat pumps have a national average service life of roughly 10 to 15 years. Newer models may serve a home for 15 to 20 years under ideal conditions.

Gas Furnace Lifespan

Forced air gas furnaces usually have an expected service life of 15 to 20 years. Some high-efficiency systems may last longer because of the variable speed fan and modulating burning, both experience less wear during most heating cycles because they run at a lower heating capacity about 70% of the time.

What Affects HVAC Lifespan

Regardless of where you live, similar factors affect how long your system will last. These include maintenance history, whether you use thermostat programs, and your home’s air quality.

Maintenance

Maintenance is critically important for keeping mechanical systems working effectively, including HVAC systems. The most regular part of that maintenance is changing the air filter. Common 1- and 2-inch filters typically need changing every 30 to 90 days. Large filters may last longer depending on the filter construction, your home’s air quality, and how you use your HVAC system.

Aside from air filters, your HVAC system needs professional maintenance to keep it operating efficiently. The recommended schedule is two maintenance visits a year: once in the spring for your air conditioning and once in the fall for your heating. If you have a heat pump that serves both seasons, you may not need two maintenance visits a year, but you should check with your trusted HVAC technician to assess your situation.

Program Utilization

Modern digital thermostats have programs that allow you to adjust the temperature setting on a schedule. The idea is that, by adjusting the temperature by 7 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit, you can reduce your heating and cooling expenses. Adjusting the temperature also reduces the strain on your system and the wear it experiences. By using the programs, you can help extend your system’s service life.

Air Quality

Air quality is a major variable in how well your HVAC system runs, and the strain it experiences. High humidity and excessive particulate matter can all clog the air filter and restrict airflow through the system. Restricted airflow reduces the system’s efficiency and increases strain, accelerating the wear and reducing the system’s service life.

Is the Lifespan Different in Florida?

Florida is an incredible place to live for many reasons, including the relatively mild weather, especially in the winter. However, there are aspects of the Florida environment that may reduce the service life of your HVAC system.

Humidity

Florida has no shortage of humidity, especially over the summer. Humidity causes excess strain by making it more difficult to cool the air. Air feels more uncomfortable with higher humidity, so people tend to try to get more relief by reducing the temperature on the thermostat, further straining the system. Additionally, outside humidity makes it more difficult for the condensing coil to vent the heat from the refrigerant to the air. It also creates an environment where rust can easily form and corrode the system.

Salt Water

Salt is another factor that affects HVAC systems across the state, especially air conditioners and heat pumps. The air carries additional salt from the Atlantic or the Gulf of Mexico, which settles on the outdoor condensing coil. The dust-like salt flowing in from the coast settles on the condensing fins and outdoor coil. This salt absorbs moisture and accelerates corrosion on the unit’s fins, limiting heat transfer from the refrigerant to the air. It also accelerates corrosion of the coils, which then creates leaks and the need to replace the coil.

Storms

Everyone in Florida knows the storms that blow through whether they are dramatic thunderstorms or massive hurricanes. These storms can damage HVAC systems from blowing debris to flooding the unit. You can help protect your unit by elevating it above the common flood line and covering it when you know there’s a massive storm approaching.

Year-Round Use

Many people in Florida rely on heat pumps because of their significantly improved efficiency over traditional AC and furnace systems. However, that translates to relying on the system year-round. In a traditional two-unit system, you may use the air conditioner for two-thirds of the year and the furnace for a third, significantly extending the life of the furnace. However, using a heat pump year-round means you may wear the system faster simply by using it as intended.

How To Know When It’s Time for a Replacement

It’s unfortunately common for property owners to wait to replace an HVAC unit until it suffers a catastrophic failure. Waiting this long often leaves you paying more, having fewer options, and having to deal with the intense Florida heat and humidity without the support of your HVAC system. Rather than waiting, you can plan for a replacement based on the age of the system and the repair cost history.

Age of Unit

We discussed previously the average service life expected from HVAC units nationally. In Florida, you can cut between five and seven years off the expected service life of air conditioners and heat pumps. When your unit reaches about eight years, it may be time to start planning to replace the system before you’re left with massive emergency repairs or an emergency replacement.

Repair Costs

The other way to determine when to replace your unit is by evaluating the repair costs. Start by considering any repairs you currently need. If any single set of repairs is more than 50% of the cost of a new system, it may be time to consider an upgrade. Alternatively, add all of the repairs over the last two years and then multiply that sum by the age of the system in years. Once that equation equals more than the cost of a new system, it’s time to consider a replacement.

Buehler Air Conditioning & Plumbing has been the go-to HVAC services provider for property owners around Jacksonville since 2010. Our expert team takes pride in providing heating and cooling installation, maintenance, and repair together with indoor air quality solutions like air purifiers and scrubbers, duct cleaning and UV lights, and a full range of residential plumbing services like drain cleaning and repair, hydro jetting, leak detection, and water filtration. Call to schedule a consultation with one of our NATE-certified technicians and discuss whether it’s time for a replacement HVAC system.

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