Are you looking for a new home, or just curious what the life expectancy of your heating and cooling equipment is? ASHRAE or the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers has provided an extensive list of the average life expectancy of HVAC equipment. Called the ASHRAE Equipment Life Expectancy list, this guideline should be in every homeowners arsenal. This sentiment rings especially true when it comes to major purchases for their home. In this month’s blog, we discuss the most prevalent concerns with investing in a new system. We will also determine when it is the best time to do so.

How Old Is My Unit?

The quickest way to figure out how old your unit is a visual inspection of the manufacturer plate. The location of the plate can vary depending on model, but is generally found on the outside cabinet of the unit. This plate contains pertinent information such as systems specifications. It will also display a MFG or manufacturer date. Knowing how old your unit is can determine whether it would be more beneficial to replace a unit, or repair it. This is also a very important step when inspecting a potential new home. No one wants their dream home to turn into a nightmare due to an unexpected replacement bill upon closing!

Don’t Get Stuck In The Heat

Air conditioning units are an essential part of life in Texas and are therefore, the equipment that most homeowners are concerned about maintaining. The general rule for a residential air conditioner’s life expectancy is around 15 years. This goes for traditional, split units and heat pumps as well. Knowing when your A.C. is hitting the end of it’s life can save you a big headache in the long run. Inspecting your system now can determine if it needs to be replaced BEFORE it breaks. After all, knowing you are going to have to spend the money to replace it on your time vs. an unexpected and costly replacement in the dead of summer, are two completely different scenarios. Which would you rather be in?

Other Equipment Concerns

Your unit is not the only piece of equipment that has a life expectancy. Ductwork & control units are also susceptible to the ravages of time! You may think of ductwork as a static element of your system, but this does not mean it does not need to be replaced. Ductwork degradation can lead to air leaks inside your home. This can cause your unit to work harder and ultimately shortening the lifespan of the entire system. It is recommended by ASHRAE that ductwork should be replaced after 30 years. We recommend getting your ductwork inspected annually to ensure no leaks are present.

The other major piece of equipment that most homeowners overlook is the control panel. They are electrical, of course, and are susceptible to fraying & general wear and tear over the years. It is recommended that they be replaced after 15 years or at the same time as your Air Conditioning unit!

When Is It Time To Replace My Unit?

The ASHRAE Equipment Life Expectancy list is a great guide for determining the life of all your heating and cooling systems. If you are still on the fence about whether or not to replace your system, you can always call the experts at Alamo Austin Air! We do more than just a cursory visual inspection. We can provide you the best advice for your unit and budget. Give us a call at (512) 736-0145 or schedule an appointment online and one of our certified experts will work with you to find the best solution.