Do You Know Your HVAC Equipment's Life Expectancy?
Every mechanical device you own, whether a car, appliance, or other investment, will eventually reach the end of its lifespan - including commercial HVAC equipment. Commercial HVAC systems eventually lose their heating and cooling functions due to wear and tear. When it comes to the life expectancy of your commercial HVAC system, what should you expect? This blog identifies the factors that determine the lifespan of your HVAC system and when to repair or replace it.
What factors can affect the lifespan of a commercial HVAC system?
- Scheduled Preventative Maintenance
Regular maintenance of your HVAC system includes replacing air filters, cleaning air ducts, performing yearly inspections, and cleaning external components. - External Stressors
Temperature and weather conditions are two external stressors that can shorten the HVAC lifespan of a commercial facility. - Proper Installation
HVAC units need to be sized appropriately for the ductwork and building dimensions - both factors, when not taken into consideration properly, can take years off your commercial HVAC system.
Should you have your HVAC system repaired or replace it?
In the HVAC industry, advances in technology have extended the life cycle of almost every product, but they have also created a need to replace equipment more frequently. There are some HVAC malfunctions that can be easily fixed (like a blown fuse, dirty filter, or motor that needs oiling) but others (such as a broken furnace fan or refrigerant issues) should be left to the pros. There is a possibility, however, that you may need to replace your HVAC system entirely if the malfunctions are severe enough. Your HVAC system may be causing your higher energy bills and replacing it could save you hundreds of dollars.
If you’re simply curious as to the life expectancy of your particular HVAC equipment, we have created a useful sheet adapted from ASHRAE’s life expectancy chart.
// about the author
Laiken Kuykendall
Laiken is the Digital Marketing Specialist for the Hoffman Family of Companies. She learns more about the commercial/industrial HVAC industry each day and enjoys sharing her best findings here!