How Long Does A Commercial HVAC System Last?
A commercial HVAC system should last 15 to 20 years. This is the standard for businesses across the United States and has been historically true.
If a commercial HVAC system is supposed to last for 15-20 years, you may be asking, “Why is my hospital’s HVAC system having problems only after 5 years?” or, “Ours is way past its expiration date, how has it held on for so long?” There are a variety of factors that impact the length of time your commercial HVAC systems last. Just like a car, your HVAC system is a piece of machinery. For that piece of machinery to last it needs to be maintained.
How Long Do Commercial HVAC Systems Actually Last?
At PROAC, we have maintained and rebuilt HVAC systems to last well over 20 years, and we have been called in to perform service on 5-year-old systems that were so poorly maintained they required refurbishment. There are multiple factors that determine how long a commercial HVAC system lasts.
5 Factors That Determine How Long Your Commercial HVAC System Will Last
What factors determine the length of time your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system lasts? There are 5 key factors that determine how long your HVAC system lasts:
- Type Of HVAC System: What type of HVAC system do you have? Is it a split system? Is it an outdoor system? Are there energy recovery units? Is it a package unit? Dual duct systems struggle with dust buildup. Unit ventilators are low to the ground and continually suck dirt into their system. There are a variety of systems that all need to be maintained differently and have their own faults and flaws. No unit is perfect, but some are engineered in a way that will shorten their lifespan.
- Regular HVAC Maintenance: If the HVAC is regularly maintained it can last an additional 5-15 years. Maintenance and preventative care, as much as technical developments, are the keys to their longer lives. Proactive maintenance for your cooling tower, regular cleaning of your ductwork and filters as well as HVAC maintenance and repair is so important. Checking the fluid levels and changing the oil will keep your system operational.
- When Your HVAC System Was Made: We have seen the longevity of HVAC systems decline in recent years due to cheaper materials being used. This is why we focus on restoring, refurbishing, and maintaining older commercial HVAC systems. We want the businesses we work with to have their HVAC system last as long as possible. If your HVAC system is really old, it definitely will not last as long as a new one but making it last as long as possible is vital.
- Who Made Your Commercial HVAC System: We have seen thousands of different Commercial HVAC systems. Some are high value, others are built to last, and others are doomed to fall apart as soon as your warranty runs out.
- The Environment Your HVAC System Is Exposed To: We have seen outdoor HVAC systems struggle with the elements. This results in rust and wear and tear on the system’s exterior. If your system has continual moisture build up, is exposed to certain chemicals from the system or any environmental issues continually create an ecosystem that wears on your HVAC system, it won’t last as long. This is why maintenance is so important.
How Long Do Specific Parts Of An HVAC System Last?
Just like a car, certain parts will last the entire lifetime of an HVAC system, other parts and pieces will need to be refurbished or replaced. Just as mentioned above it is vital to have your entire HVAC system maintained. From the duct system that runs through your building like veins to the heat pump or cooling tower that functions as vital organs of your HVAC system and building as a whole.
1. How Long Does A Commercial Air Handler Last?
Commercial air handlers that are properly maintained can last 15-20 years. We have seen some last up to 25 years or more. A commercial air handler’s lifespan can vary greatly based on several variables, including the equipment’s quality, upkeep procedures, and operating climate. The lifespan of these systems is greatly extended by routine cleaning, preventative maintenance, and inspections, which guarantee that your employees will always have a comfortable interior atmosphere.
2. How Long Does A Commercial Cooling Tower Last?
Commercial cooling towers are typically made to endure between 20 and 30 years. A commercial cooling tower’s lifespan is determined by a number of criteria, such as the unit’s quality, how often it is used, and how well maintenance procedures are implemented.
3. What Is The Lifespan Of A Commercial Duct System?
A well-constructed and well-maintained commercial duct system should have a minimum lifespan of 15–25-years. This is the portion of your HVAC system that should last the longest. However, the ductwork’s lifespan could be shortened if it is exposed to severe weather and environmental conditions, receives little maintenance, or was installed using cheaper components. A business duct system can last longer and continue to circulate air effectively and preserve interior air quality with regular maintenance, cleaning, and repairs.
4. How Long Should A Commercial Boiler Last?
An average commercial boiler should last a minimum of 15 years. A commercial boiler’s lifespan can vary greatly depending on several factors, such as the type of boiler, quality, usage habits, and upkeep. A high-quality, well-maintained commercial boiler has an average lifespan of at least 15 to 30 years. While some boiler types tend to survive longer than others, a boiler’s lifespan can be greatly influenced by other factors as well, such as the quality of the water and the frequency of maintenance.
5. What Is The Lifespan Of A Commercial Heat Pump?
On average a commercial HVAC system’s heat pump will last 10-15 years. This can vary greatly based on how harshly the heating system is used or how well maintained the system is. A heat pump is a component of the HVAC system that will still function while damaged, but continually having it operate while needing repair can do further harm and damage to the whole system.
6. How Long Does A Commercial HVAC Air Filter Last?
The air filter in your commercial HVAC system should be changed every 3 months for optimal efficiency. Most businesses replace their air filter on a quarterly basis. Some places simply clean the air filter every 3 months and replace the filter annually.
Additionally, the cleaning and replacing of your business’s air filters largely depends on your building and business. If you own a manufacturing plant that has dirt and dust, or even worse, explosive dust, the air filters need to be replaced quarterly without fail. If your office is extremely clean and cleaned daily, your air filter might not require as many changes annually.
If you refuse to maintain and change out air filters, you can expect all the other components in your system to work harder and last for a much shorter amount of time.
Why Isn’t My Commercial HVAC System Lasting?
Having problems with making your business’s HVAC system last? Is your cooling tower’s integrity crumbling? Is your building too cold or hot and your system is working hard, but not producing the results you want? We can help diagnose the problem areas in your HVAC system. We provide diagnostic work as well as effective maintenance that will prevent your HVAC from deteriorating as fast. Make your commercial HVAC system outlast the average with PROAC.
Contact PROAC To Make Your Business’s HVAC System Last Longer
HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems are essential for preserving a cozy and effective working environment. Contact PROAC for your professional building maintenance needs. We will work with you to improve your heating and ventilation for your business. We are located in Bethel, Pennsylvania and serve businesses in Philadelphia, Harrisburg, Lancaster, and even businesses in Maryland or New Jersey. Contact us today!