The average lifespan for most systems is between 15 to 20 years. This is not to say that a system could fail before 15 years or that you could have a system that lasts more than 20 years. Some people have older oil furnaces and boilers that are 40 years old or older that still work perfectly fine to heat their homes.
In general, most HVAC systems will last 15 to 25 years, but depending on the type of system and other contributing factors, that estimate can be highly variable. Even with HVAC maintenance and regular repairs, eventually, even the best boilers, furnaces, heat pumps, and air conditioners today will run their course.
It also depends on whether you use the HVAC for residential or commercial use. For example, the average life of an air conditioner as part of an HVAC system is typically 27.5 years. If you have a commercial real estate HVAC system, the tax life increases to 39 years.
Central air conditioning units:12 to 17 years. Heat pumps: 10 to 16 years. Furnaces and boilers: 15 to 20 years. Geothermal heat pumps: 25 to 30 years; ground loops will last upwards of 50 years.
A quality furnace can last 10 to 40 years.
According to Energy Star, you should consider replacing your air conditioner if it is more than 10 years old, and you should seriously consider replacing the air conditioner if it's more than 15 years old—as this is the average lifespan of most cooling devices.
According to HomeGuide.com, the average cost to replace the HVAC units is $5,000 to $11,000; to replace the units with ductwork runs between $7,000 and $16,000 in total.
It may be time to call a professional contractor to help you make a change if: Your heat pump or air conditioner is more than 10 years old. Consider replacing it with a unit that has earned the ENERGY STAR label. Installed correctly, these high-efficiency units can save up to 20 percent on heating and cooling costs.
It's important to be aware of how long air conditioners last, so you don't get the unwelcome surprise of a broken air conditioner in the peak of the summer heat. In general, air conditioners that are properly maintained can last 15 to 20 years.
Federal Tax Credits
The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of 2022 makes tax credits available on high-efficiency HVAC units through 2032. It allows you to deduct 30 percent of the purchase and installation costs and caps the amount you can write off: Air conditioners, furnaces, boilers, and water heaters max out at $600.
Depending on the system, the average HVAC lifespan can range from 10 to 20 years. Furnaces, for instance, can have an average life expectancy of 15 to 20 years so it is good to keep the age of your system in mind.
HVAC systems generally have a lifespan of 10-15 years, depending on how well they are maintained. If your system is approaching or has passed the 10-year mark, it's a good idea to start planning for a replacement.
Few industries have been as affected by the turbulent global landscape as HVAC. Rising raw material costs, supply chain disruptions, labor shortages, environmental regulations, and consumer demand spikes have all contributed to the noticeable escalation in equipment and installation prices.
The depreciable life of an air conditioner unit was initially 27 years for residential properties and 39 years for commercial properties. This meant that you had to wait for 39 years to claim the repair expenses incurred during the life of your HVAC system.
The $5,000 rule is an industry accepted guideline that helps homeowners make a financial decision about their HVAC system. First, multiply the age of your system by the repair cost. If the outcome is over $5,000, you should probably replace. If the outcome is under $5,000, you should probably repair.
How long should ductwork last? You should replace your ductwork every 15 years because the materials deteriorate over time, impacting HVAC performance and indoor air quality.
How much does a new HVAC system cost for a 2,000 sq. ft. home? The costs range from $6,224 to $11,434, depending on the system type and installation requirements. Key factors include system size, type, efficiency, and local labor rates.
Homeowners insurance covers HVAC systems when the damage is a result of a covered disaster or peril, including high winds, fallen trees, theft, hail or even a fire. So if lightning strikes your unit and damages its electrical components, your homeowners insurance policy would probably cover it.
Better pricing: Since there's less demand for HVAC system replacement in spring and fall, your HVAC contractor might even offer their own savings incentives.
The compressor is the most expensive component to replace in an AC unit, and it can cost up to $4,000. It's expensive for two major reasons. First, it's responsible for circulating the refrigerant between the evaporator and condenser coils. Secondly, it's a highly complex equipment with intricate details.
The cost of a new HVAC system together costs $7,500 on average, usually somewhere between $5,000 to $12,500. This can end up being cheaper than replacing your AC and Furnace separately over time. The cost to replace a furnace and air conditioning at once is $7,500 on average but could range from $2,500 to $15,000.
Your base homeowners policy will cover many types of damage to your furnace. An extra endorsement known as Equipment Breakdown Coverage (EBC) will give you additional coverage for certain types of mechanical or electrical failure.