As your current HVAC system nears the end of its lifespan, you might wonder what to expect from your new system. Manufacturers have come a long way in producing sturdy, reliable units that outlast old ones. But how long should a new HVAC last?
As an HVAC specialist in Hinesville, GA, Georgia Air Cooling & Heating has answers for all your replacement questions. We created this comprehensive guide to help you gauge what to expect and how to optimize performance from your new HVAC system.
What to Consider Before Replacing Your HVAC System
To give your brand-new system a promising start, you should first inventory where you can improve other areas of your home. After all, many homeowners expect their heaters or conditioners to do the lion’s share of the comfort management. However, your Hinesville property goes through numerous extremes throughout the changing seasons.
For example, temperature averages in Hinesville, Georgia, launch toward the mid-90s each summer but plummet into the mid-40s during winter. The scorching summers and mild winters mean you should focus more on air conditioning capacity than heating.
Like other Georgia towns, Hinesville features intense humidity throughout the year. This can make all weather and temperature patterns extremely uncomfortable. You can combat these environmental factors by revamping other areas of your home:
- Insulation: The average insulation material lasts around 25, but some types may last much longer. Schedule a professional inspection to determine whether insulation replacement would enhance indoor comfort.
- Draft sealing: Air leaks can form in the most unexpected places. You can use caulk to seal minor drafts or ask your insulation provider about professional solutions for larger ones.
- Window treatments: Your choice of window treatments can make or break your household’s energy efficiency. They can also contribute to an overworked system if they don’t properly insulate your windows.
- HVAC supplementation: You can give your HVAC system a rest and enjoy elevated comfort with ceiling fans, oscillating fans, and portable heaters.
Your HVAC contractor can identify where these household items might come in handy.
Factors Influencing an HVAC System’s Longevity
Once you have prepared your Hinesville home for a new HVAC system, consider the following personal habits, preferences, and routines. If you want the most service from your new HVAC system, you might make some changes to increase performance longevity. These changes not only accommodate your HVAC system but can also improve household health and comfort.
System Type
The type of HVAC technology you install has one of the most influential impacts on lifespan. Some systems may last for decades, while others offer more temporary comfort. HVAC units commonly used in Hinesville households include:
- Air conditioners: Hinesville air conditioners might last 10 to 15 years because of the intense summer heat and long warm seasons. However, with proper care, you might get more service from yours.
- Furnaces: A furnace might last up to 30 years in Hinesville, Georgia. The mild, short winters mean less usage.
- Heat pumps: A heat pump provides both heating and cooling. It can last up to 20 years.
- Ductless mini-splits: You might get 20 to 30 years out of a ductless mini-split, which also offers cooling and heating capabilities. However, they best suit smaller homes.
- Window units: A window unit may last for about ten years. They work best as a supplemental HVAC system to lessen the load for larger, more expensive units.
- Whole-house units: Central heating and air conditioning units supply heating and cooling to larger homes. They may last 15 to 20 years in Hinesville.
- Radiant heaters: A radiant heater’s typical lifespan is 15 to 20 years. However, you might enjoy a longer service life in Hinesville.
- Boilers: Boiler systems boast the most impressive lifespan of the listed heaters, clocking in up to 35 years of service.
Your HVAC system’s lifespan will vary based on the factors below.
Maintenance
Ideally, HVAC technicians and homeowners should work together to craft a comprehensive maintenance plan. Base your approach on your use frequency, system type, and system age. Make the following recommendations into regular habits to extend your system’s service life:
- Monthly self-inspections: Check vents and indoor and outdoor units for excess debris, dust, and damage. For example, you might discover new rust or exposed wires that require professional attention.
- Filter changes: “How long should a new HVAC last?” At a minimum, it can last much longer when you replace the air filters once every three months.
- Unit cleaning: Indoor and outdoor units sometimes collect stored belongings or debris. Tidy the area surrounding each unit to give it room to breathe.
- Vent checks: Many homeowners place furniture or belongings in front of their vents. Check each vent to ensure a clear airway, and don’t forget to remove and dust them!
If you join a maintenance membership, like Georgia Air Cooling & Heating’s PeachCare Club, you will set your HVAC system up for long-term success.
Use Habits
Hot Hinesville summers might tempt you to blast your air conditioner constantly. If you are cold-natured, you might hike the thermostat settings each winter. However, constant, demanding use leads to premature HVAC repair and replacement services.
Try maintaining a thermostat setting of 78 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the warm season. When you leave your house, you can set the temperature a degree or two higher to save money. Similarly, keep your thermostat at about 68 degrees Fahrenheit during winter.
You can maintain your comfort preferences with space heaters, ceiling fans, and oscillating fans in the rooms you frequently occupy. They will keep the air circulating without overloading your HVAC system.
Planning Ahead for Your New HVAC System in Hinesville, GA
If you’re in the market for a new air or heating unit, you likely noticed problems like:
- Uneven heating and cooling throughout your home.
- Cycles that last too long or don’t last long at all.
- Weird smells and distracting noises during cycles.
- Persistent unit leaks.
Consider what might contribute to these failures and develop a plan to prevent them. Your HVAC technician can educate you about why these problems might occur and proactive measures that prevent them. As outlined in this article, you can:
- Prepare your home: Hire a professional insulation company to assess the state of your whole-home efficiency and insulation. Sealing drafts and replacing old materials can lighten your new system’s load.
- Create a maintenance routine: Start by monthly inspecting your indoor and outdoor units and vent openings. Adjust your routine as needed.
- Reconsider your use habits: If you prefer extremely warm or cool indoor environments, add other appliances, like space heaters and fans, to the mix. You can also explore supplemental systems, like window units, to keep particular areas a little more comfortable.
- Purchase a maintenance membership: HVAC memberships often provide more than affordable maintenance services. You can also access repair discounts and other perks.
A trustworthy technician can help you choose the system that best suits your home and comfort needs. They can also recommend upgrades, like smart or programmable thermostats and supplemental installations, to extend the lifespan and overall performance.
How Long Should a New HVAC Last?
The average HVAC system should last between 10 and 20 years. However, your system’s longevity depends on various factors and influences. Shop for systems prized for their longevity, and implement a maintenance plan with professional services to extend its life.
This is especially important for your air conditioner, which will take the brunt of the annual workload. Summer temperatures in Hinesville, Georgia, climb well into the 90s, accompanied by intense humidity. Therefore, you should prioritize air conditioning performance to protect your utility bills, household efficiency, and long-term comfort.
Schedule HVAC Replacement with Georgia Air Cooling & Heating in Hinesville, GA
Georgia Air Cooling & Heating can help you with other HVAC installation concerns, such as the cheapest time to buy an HVAC. Call 912-756-0506 to schedule an installation consultation with our skilled technicians. Don’t forget to join the PeachCare Club for optimal HVAC protection!
Frequently Asked Questions
The price tag and process that comes with HVAC installation services can make Hinesville homeowners nervous. We answered some questions below to help you navigate the experience.