You can’t be blamed for being concerned about how long your HVAC system should last. Replacement costs can be high, and you don’t want to endure a heatwave with no AC, or any time during the winter without heat.
While there are many different factors that can affect the average lifespan of your heating and cooling system, generally speaking, if you live in Toronto and the GTA, you can expect it to last 15 to 25 years.
The Life Expectancy of an HVAC System
One of the reasons that it is difficult to more accurately predict the lifespan of your HVAC system is that it’s made up of many separate elements, including your air conditioner, furnace, thermostat and, if equipped, air purifiers, ventilators, humidifiers and/or dehumidifiers.
But, regardless of the configuration of your system, the following actions will affect its service life.
Regularly Replace Your Air Filter
If there is one thing you can do to help your system last as long as possible, it is to replace your air filter every one to three months. That not only keeps the air in your home cleaner and healthier if reduces the strain on your system.
Proper HVAC Maintenance
Proper maintenance of each component of your system, with each maintenance task performed by a qualified HVAC technician, is the best way to extend the life of your HVAC system. It’s also the best way to avoid unpleasant surprises on a cold, dark winter’s night; to keep your system energy efficient, and to lower your energy bills.
Excessive or Improper Usage
If you like your home to be especially cool in the summer, and extra toasty warm in the winter, of course, your HVAC system needs to do more work and will not last as long. Similarly, if you run your AC unit with the windows open on hot days, or your furnace with the windows open in winter, that too means extra work for the equipment, and shorter working life too.
To learn more about the lifespan of your furnace, check out our post “How Long Does a Furnace Last in Canada?”
