Can an HVAC System Last for 30 Years?

It’s a common question, but unfortunately, it’s also a common misconception. It is highly unlikely that your unit will last 30 years before needing to be replaced, however, if you follow a regular preventative maintenance routine and run it appropriately, your chances of keeping the same unit for around 15 years increases dramatically. Check out our tips on how it’s done.

Regular Maintenance Prevents Wear and Tear

Our specialists will check for clogged air filters, clean the condenser coil and pinpoint any broken or worn out components of your HVAC unit. You may not notice that your system is struggling to work properly until a repair is necessary, but a professional technician will often be able to identify and fix a problem before a costly repair is required. It’s important to note that even if you do schedule regular maintenance visits, like most things in life, things can go wrong unexpectedly and parts can break out of the blue. 

No matter the reason for your appointment, our technicians go the extra mile for our customers because that’s what we’d do for our family members. You should have preventative maintenance performed at least twice a year — in the spring and in the fall, if possible. 

Change Your Air Filter Regularly 

You should also prioritize changing your air filter once a month, especially if you have pets in the house, to maintain healthy airflow. If your air filter is clogged, your unit will have to work harder to heat or cool your home. A dirty air filter also means that dirty air is being circulated in your house, and your loved ones should be breathing clean air each day. 

Overworking Your Unit Leads to Damage

Even a well maintained HVAC unit can only do so much, and if you overwork it or run it improperly, you run the risk of reducing its lifespan. Make sure you aren’t making some of the common mistakes below and overworking your unit without even knowing: 

1. You shouldn’t heat or cool your home with doors and windows open, meaning you shouldn’t let warm air into your home while your HVAC system is already fighting to cool it down. 
2. Even if doors and windows are closed, poorly sealed doors and windows can still leak your heated or cooled air out. This makes maintaining a steady temperature indoors more difficult, more expensive, and more taxing on your unit than it needs to be. 
3. Make sure you aren’t blocking off vents in each room in an attempt to save energy. This is a myth. In fact, closing one or more vents will actually cause your unit to work harder, which leads to higher energy bills and the need for repairs over time. 

Avoid Wasting Money on Repairs

If your unit needs a repair every few months, it might be time to replace it. However, there may be a hidden problem leading to numerous minor repairs. If it isn’t cooling properly, makes strange noises, leaks, or causes your energy bills to soar even after several repairs, there’s a good chance it’s time for a new unit. You’ll save more money in the long run instead of gradually wasting money on a variety of repairs. It’s important to go with an expert who knows your HVAC unit inside out, and can accurately find the root of the problem and offer a professional solution. 

We’re here to help you maintain the life of your HVAC system for as long as possible. If you have questions, get in touch as soon as possible! Contact us today to set up an appointment with Middleton Heat & Air! Please visit us online or give us a call at 1-800-404-0371.