HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) systems are essential for a comfortable home or office. It’s fair to say that a properly-installed and well-maintained HVAC system will stand the test of time, but how long should you expect a domestic or commercial unit to last?
What to Know About HVAC Systems
If you’ve wondered whether your air conditioning, heating or ventilation system is due an upgrade, don’t be so hasty. Even systems which have been operating well for several years can still go the distance. Your air conditioning system may need a proper service from accredited, reputable HVAC technicians regularly, to spot any faults or issues. But if you have often wondered whether your HVAC unit will last a long time, you aren’t alone.
Knowing your HVAC system’s average lifespan is vital, as that will allow you to budget for a replacement down the line potentially. But the average HVAC unit lifespan will depend on your system configuration, as well as how much air conditioning maintenance you’re prepared to invest in.
How Long Should you Expect your HVAC Unit to Last?
Air conditioning systems last approximately 10-15 years, more or less. But please bear in mind that this is only a guide timeline. The longest-lasting systems are ones which are maintained annually at the very least. The best-performing HVAC systems are serviced even more regularly than that.
Accurate Mechanical Services’ regular service contracts have helped our customers enjoy high-quality indoor air and optimum thermal comfort. Some of our customers have been with us for years, with our qualified HVAC contractors spotting and rectifying issues quickly and promptly without the need to invest in a new system.
As technology continues to advance and systems become more complex, their average lifespan has also changed over time. While regular HVAC servicing will help identify potential issues before they become serious, you can do some other smaller maintenance tasks yourself.
Here are some of the tips we recommend here at Accurate Mechanical Services, to ensure your HVAC system runs as efficiently and as smoothly as possible.
Ways to Improve HVAC Lifespan
- Change/clean air filters regularly. Cleaning or changing your HVAC system’s air filter regularly will help the natural flow of air circulation within your unit and outside. Clogged filters will make the system work harder than it needs to heat and cool the room(s). A system that works harder to produce the same air means that components will wear out more quickly. Changing or cleaning your air filters every 2 to 3 months can prevent this problem.
- Keep the vents open. There’s a common misconception that closing vents in rooms, while the HVAC unit is running, means it uses less energy. The reality is that air pressure increases caused by blockages from closed vents, with the high pressure causing the ducts to wear out more easily. Keeping them open in all rooms will keep the air flowing at the right pressure levels.
- Clean the ducts. The system can be affected by a build-up of dirt, debris and dust, particularly in terms of its efficiency and mechanical performance. Cleaning the ducts regularly eliminates the dirt and allows the air to move through the system without collecting contaminants. This also is an excellent opportunity to spot mould spores and prevent them from manifesting.
- Report issues immediately. This is arguably the most crucial point of all. If something isn’t working correctly within your air conditioning, heating and ventilation system, it’s vital to have it inspected right away. This also applies to systems emitting bad smells, poor air circulation or worrying noises. If you suspect that an inspection yourself will not alleviate the issue, or cause more damage, you need to seek the help of professional air conditioning service providers, like AMS.
Commercial Ventilation and Heating Service Contracts
The last point is particularly vital for businesses across the UK. If you are unsure what is going wrong with your HVAC unit, please contact Accurate Mechanical Services. Our team of qualified, accredited service technicians can come and inspect your machine as and when you need it.
We want you to be enjoying your HVAC system for as long as possible. Of course, that’s helped if it’s performing to the best of its ability. We offer Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM) services for our customers too, where we conduct regular inspections, on-site repairs and consultations.
Check out our domestic air conditioning promotion by clicking here.
Get in touch with us to find out more.