Businesses in the Tampa Bay area rely on commercial HVAC systems to make their building comfortable for employees and customers. The heating and cooling system is a hefty investment, so it’s best to ensure that it lasts for as long as possible while not incurring additional expenses due to excessive repairs or energy consumption.
Several factors determine a heating and cooling system’s life expectancy. If you’re wondering how long HVAC systems last, consider the brief guide below.
How Long Do HVAC Systems Last?
The average lifespan of a commercial HVAC system is about 10 to 15 years. These units are significantly more complex than residential systems. However, the fact remains that the longer you use the system, the more wear and tear it will have and the more strain it will put on your monthly energy bill.
Factors that determine the longevity of a commercial HVAC unit include:
- Frequency of use
- Quality of components
- Efficiency of the unit’s design
- Proper installation
- Routine maintenance
How Regular Maintenance Affects HVAC Life Expectancy
The best way to preserve your commercial HVAC system’s lifespan and performance capacity is through HVAC maintenance. Preventative maintenance ensures that every system component is fully functional and capable of performing its designated task.
Something as simple as forgetting to replace the AC unit’s air filter can cause significant problems. For instance, the dirty filter could reduce airflow, and debris from the screen can shed onto the evaporator coils, causing a reduction in its performance.
With proper maintenance, the lifespan of the commercial unit can increase to 15 – 20 years. Proper maintenance includes:
- Biannual inspections from a qualified HVAC professional in the spring and fall
- Timely HVAC repairs and worn parts replacements
- Routine air filter changes at least once every quarter
With regular HVAC maintenance, you can expect your commercial cooling towers, fan coil units, water to air heat pumps, and packaged chillers to last for 20 years. Oil furnaces can also last about 20 years, and boilers have an average lifespan of 20 – 35 years.
With moderate maintenance, you can expect the HVAC system to last for up to 15 years. A drop in upkeep usually happens when property owners or managers don’t have a strict maintenance schedule due to negligence or budget issues.
The cost of maintaining your commercial heating and cooling unit is significantly less than expenses associated with unexpected breakdowns and system failures. It’s best to catch potential problems early when the repair costs are minimal instead of letting the situation get out of hand.
Even with minimal maintenance, the unit runs the risk of failing unexpectedly from a lack of repairs and replacement of worn parts. You may also find that your system isn’t as energy-efficient as before, resulting in increased energy bills.
Extend the Life of Your HVAC System With ABS AC
If you believe your commercial HVAC system is at the end of its lifespan, don’t hesitate to contact the experienced HVAC contractors at ABS Air Conditioning.
Serving residents in the Tampa Bay, FL, area, these professionals offer an array of high-quality heating and cooling services, including commercial AC repair, air conditioner and furnace installations, and maintenance agreements. Contact their team today to schedule an estimate or book services.
