Fall Home System Check-Up

As the Fall season begins, it's the perfect time for fresh starts at home. While getting back to school and prepping for the busy months ahead, it's also important to evaluate the performance and lifespan of the home systems that are essential to your home's comfort and efficiency. Understanding their life expectancy allows you to proactively address potential issues, ensuring you're prepared to repair or replace them before they lead to inconvenient breakdowns.

How Long Should Your Home Systems Last?

Here’s a quick overview of the average life expectancy for some of the most common home systems. Note that these are based on proper maintenance, as noted by the manufacturer.

• Furnaces: The average life expectancy of a furnace with proper maintenance is 10-12 years.
• Air Conditioners: Central A/C units typically last 10-12 years, making them one of the shortest-lived components in the HVAC category.
• Heat Pumps: Operating year-round in winter and summer, heat pumps have a life expectancy of 10-12 years. While manufacturers usually offer a 10-year parts warranty, some may extend the compressor warranty, though labor warranties are uncommon.
• Clean Air Solutions: Due to the variety of air filtration systems available, life expectancy varies by brand and product. For specific information about your system, it's best to call 1-800-FURNACE.
• Water Heaters: The lifespan of your water heater depends on its type. Electric and gas heaters generally last around ten years, while tankless water heaters can exceed 20 years.
• Garbage Disposals: These kitchen workhorses typically last 8-15 years, depending on usage and maintenance.
• Sump Pumps: With proper care, sump pumps can last 5-7 years, although this may vary based on your home’s location and flood risk.
• Water Purification Systems: Depending on the type, system, filter used, and how often the filter is replaced, water purification systems have an average lifespan of 15 years.

Signs Your Home Systems May Be on Their Last Leg

As home systems age, they often show signs of wear that indicate they may be nearing the end of their useful life. Keep an eye out for the following warning signs:

• Increased Energy Bills: Older systems are less energy-efficient, leading to higher utility costs. If you’ve noticed a spike in your energy bills, upgrading to a more efficient model might be time.
• Frequent Repairs: If you schedule repairs more often, it could be a sign that your system is nearing the end of its lifespan. While our team is always ready to assist with repairs, replacing the system might be a more cost-effective solution.
• Noisy Operation: Home systems making unusual noises, like grinding, rattling, or buzzing, often have failing internal components.
• Poor Performance: If your A/C isn't cooling your home as effectively as before, it might be a sign that your system is starting to deteriorate.

Atlas Butler Can Prepare You For Winter

If any of your home systems are nearing the end of their lifespan, contact us 24/7 at 1-800-FURNACE or schedule an appointment online with one of our experienced technicians. We'll help you find the best solutions for your home and budget.