How Long Should a Furnace & Air Conditioning Unit Last? Lisa F. Young/iStock/Getty Images A heating, ventilation and air conditioning system is probably one of the biggest investments you'll ever make in your home. As such, you may be wondering how long this important investment will last. To some extent, this is akin to forecasting the lifespan of a human being. Yes, you can review actuarial tables for a general idea, but much depends on regular care and maintenance. Heating and air conditioning professionals often tell clients that under “normal” operating conditions, their HVAC system could last between 15 and 25 years. Furnaces tend to outlast air conditioners; cooling units can last up to 20 years, while furnaces can last up to 25 years. The all-important factor in these ranges is regular maintenance. Just like your car, an HVAC is a complex web of moving parts that can benefit from a yearly “tuneup”: once in the spring for air conditioners and once in the fall for furnaces.

Dirt is the biggest enemy of an HVAC system, causing it to run inefficiently and consume more energy. So in addition to a good cleaning, a yearly maintenance inspection usually includes a check of all the internal components. The inspection also should bring any minor mechanical issues to light before they mushroom into bigger and more expensive ones. You can do your part by checking your air conditioner and furnace filter monthly during the respective “high” season. A clogged filter breeds inefficiency under the best of circumstances and the risk of a complete shutdown under the worst. This Old House: How Long Things Last Cool Air Solutions: FAQ Centsible Heating & Air Conditioning: FAQ and Glossary Downing Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc.: FAQ U.S. Department of Energy: Energy Star Maintenance Checklist In the warm spring and summer months, your furnace may be the furthest thing from your mind. In the winter, you probably... Home air conditioners should last for up to 30 years, though improper installation can reduce the lifespan of a unit.

Arrange another meeting to find a long-term solution. AC or Central Air Conditioning unit seem to... The refrigerant in a central air conditioner should last the life of the conditioner, but in some cases contaminants can also enter... During hot weather your air conditioner runs a cooling cycle that chills the evaporator coil using rapidly expanding refrigerant. Central air conditioners cool homes by pulling hot ... Common Problems and Solutions for a Central Air Conditioning Unit. Common Problems and Solutions for a Central Air Conditioning Unit. How to Recharge Central Air Refrigerant and How Often. An air conditioner works by removing heat from the interior of the building and venting it outside. The air conditioning system consists... How Long Is HVAC Training?. HVAC is an acronym for heating, ... HVAC training apprenticeships usually last three to five years and... Regular home furnace maintenance does not have to be complicated. There are many things you can do yourself to keep your furnace......