How Long Do HVAC Systems Typically Last?

Many furnaces and air conditioners last around 15 years; some commercial units are rated for ~25 years. Lifespan depends on climate and usage—light use in mild regions can extend life, while continuous or heavy-duty operation can shorten it.

Which HVAC Systems Qualify For A Tax Credit?

Examples include heat pumps meeting minimum EER/HSPF levels, high-efficiency split ACs (e.g., 16 SEER+), packaged systems with qualifying EER/SEER, 95%+ AFUE gas/propane furnaces, efficient water heaters, and circulating fans that use ≤2% of total system energy. Always verify current federal/state incentives and criteria before purchase.

Does HVAC System Size Affect Performance?

Yes—bigger isn’t always better. Proper sizing to the space ensures comfort and efficiency; oversized units short-cycle and waste energy. Evaluate square footage and distribution needs (centralized vs. zoned/room units) to choose the right capacity and airflow strategy.

How Can I Improve Air Quality In My Home Or Business?

Maintain a regular filter replacement schedule and keep vents and spaces clean. Manage pet dander by vacuuming and grooming, and avoid placing plants directly by supply vents. Proper filtration and routine HVAC maintenance support healthier indoor air.

FAQs: HVAC Repair & Maintenance

Q: How Often Should an HVAC System Be Serviced?

Perform a quick check every six months and schedule professional service once per year. Most pros recommend spring (pre-cooling) and fall (pre-heating) visits to clean coils, check refrigerant, test safety controls, and verify electrical connections and airflow. Replace or clean filters between visits; homes with pets, dust, or coastal air may need more frequent attention. Always shut off and make the system safe before any work.

Q: How Often to Change HVAC Filter?

A common guideline is every 90 days, but it depends on filter type and usage. Fiberglass filters may last ~30 days, pleated/high-efficiency filters can last up to 6 months in light-use homes. Check monthly—if the filter looks dark or clogged, replace it to protect airflow, system efficiency, and indoor air quality.

Q: How Much Do HVAC Systems Cost?

Costs vary by home size, brand/efficiency, and installation needs. A furnace averages around $4,500, air conditioners can range $2,000–$6,000, and complete systems often total $5,000–$12,000+ including labor, duct/electrical work, and local rates. Higher-efficiency equipment may cost more upfront but can lower utility bills over time.

Q: What Is a Split System HVAC?

A split system has an outdoor unit (condenser/compressor) and an indoor unit (evaporator coil with air handler or furnace) connected by refrigerant lines and ductwork. It is the most common U.S. residential setup, valued for efficiency, quieter operation, and installation flexibility compared with packaged units.

Q: Can You Clean Your HVAC Ducts?

Homeowners can remove and clean vent covers and vacuum accessible ducts (power off first). Deep cleaning requires pro equipment (high-powered vacuums/brushes/negative air machines) and can reveal issues like mold, pests, or leaks. Many homes benefit from professional cleaning every 3–5 years, with regular filter changes and maintenance in between.

Q: Why Are HVAC Repairs So Expensive?

HVAC systems use specialized, precision components and require licensed technicians who follow safety and environmental standards. Repairs involving refrigerant handling, electrical diagnostics, or major parts take time and expertise, increasing labor and parts costs.

Q: What Is the Most Common HVAC Repair?

Replacing or cleaning a clogged air filter is very common because restricted airflow hurts efficiency. Other frequent fixes include thermostat replacements, failed capacitors, and minor electrical issues—typically simpler than compressor, blower motor, or coil repairs.

Q: What Happens If You Don’t Service HVAC?

Dust and debris build up, forcing the system to work harder and shortening its lifespan. Small issues can become major failures, leading to higher energy bills, more frequent repairs, and potential premature system replacement.

Q: What Is a Major Repair in HVAC?

Major repairs involve costly, labor-intensive components such as compressors, heat exchangers, or evaporator coils. For older systems, technicians may recommend replacement when a major repair approaches the cost of a new, more efficient unit.

Q: Is HVAC Repair Covered by Homeowners Insurance?

Routine wear-and-tear repairs are usually not covered. Damage from covered perils—like fire, lightning, or a fallen tree—may be eligible. Coverage varies by policy, so check your insurer and specific terms.

HVAC Repair & Maintenance

How Often Should an HVAC System Be Serviced?

Do a full checkup every six months. Residential HVAC units should be professionally serviced once per year. Cleaning the system regularly is important, especially if you're suffering from any kind of respiratory allergies. It would need to be shut off and put into a safe state before any of this work was done to it.

Routine maintenance is the best way to keep an HVAC system running efficiently and to avoid unexpected breakdowns. Most professionals recommend scheduling service in the spring before cooling season begins and again in the fall before heating season starts. This ensures the system is ready to handle the heaviest periods of use.

During a service visit, a technician will usually inspect and clean the coils, check refrigerant levels, test safety controls, and confirm that electrical connections and airflow are working properly. Filters should also be cleaned or replaced regularly by the homeowner between visits to maintain good indoor air quality.

Homes in dusty environments, coastal regions, or households with pets may benefit from more frequent filter changes and checkups. Regular service not only helps extend the lifespan of the system but can also reduce energy costs by keeping the unit operating at peak efficiency.

How Often to Change HVAC Filter?

New air filters should usually be installed at least once every 90 days. Some air filters have to be replaced more often, especially if you use your HVAC system quite a bit. Most manufacturers state how often they have to be replaced on the packaging.

The actual replacement schedule can vary depending on the type of filter and the conditions inside your home. Basic fiberglass filters may only last about 30 days, while pleated or high-efficiency filters can last up to 6 months in light-use settings. If you run your HVAC system daily, or if you have pets, smokers, or family members with allergies, you may need to replace filters more frequently to maintain clean airflow and healthy indoor air quality.

A good rule of thumb is to check the filter every month. If it looks dark, dusty, or clogged, it’s time for a change even if you haven’t reached the 90-day mark. Regular filter replacement not only keeps the air cleaner but also helps the system run more efficiently, reducing strain on the blower motor and lowering energy costs.

How Much Do HVAC Systems Cost?

Some reports claim that the average cost of a new furnace is around $4,500 and an air conditioner can cost anywhere from $2,000–6,000 depending on how large of a house it's designed to work with.

The total cost of an HVAC system varies based on several factors, including the size of the home, the brand and efficiency rating of the equipment, and whether new ductwork or additional components are needed. A complete system that includes both heating and cooling can range between $5,000 and $12,000 or more. High-efficiency models and premium brands often come at a higher upfront price but can save money in the long run through lower utility bills.

Installation costs are another important factor. Labor can account for a significant portion of the overall expense, especially if modifications to the ductwork, electrical wiring, or ventilation system are required. Location also plays a role—urban areas with higher labor rates may see higher installation costs compared to smaller markets.

While the upfront investment is substantial, a properly sized and professionally installed HVAC system provides long-term value through comfort, energy efficiency, and reliability. Many manufacturers also offer financing plans or extended warranties to help manage the cost.

How Can HVAC Systems Lower My Energy Bills?

Replace or implement insulation throughout the house. Insulation will preserve heat and cool air within a home.

Scan your windows for any leaks within the seals or gaps. During winter, warm air can escape easily through such cracks, and cool air in the summer can do the same. Some states prone to natural disasters may require you to bring your homes up to code, including sturdier windows that can withstand storm damage.

What Is a Split System HVAC?

Split HVAC systems feature a set of both heating and cooling units that are connected all together in one single module that goes outside. Packaged HVAC systems, by comparison, consist of the more traditional separate air conditioner and furnace modules. Some manufacturers refer to split HVAC technology with terms like whole home comfort system, but these are essentially the same thing.

A split system typically has two main components: an outdoor unit that contains the condenser and compressor, and an indoor unit that houses the evaporator coil and air handler or furnace. The two units are connected by refrigerant lines and ductwork, allowing the system to deliver conditioned air throughout the home.

This design is the most common HVAC setup for residential properties in the United States because it provides flexibility, efficiency, and strong climate control for both heating and cooling. Homeowners can choose gas or electric furnaces paired with an air conditioner, or even match a heat pump with an air handler for year-round comfort.

Split systems are valued for their energy efficiency and relatively quiet operation since the noisiest components—the compressor and fan—are located outside the house. They also offer more installation flexibility compared to packaged units, which are generally installed in one location such as a rooftop or slab.

Can You Clean Your HVAC Ducts?

You can, though we recommend purchasing the right tools for it, such as vacuum hose attachments and brushes, if you do not wish to rely on an HVAC specialist. If cleaning your ducts, make sure to cut the power before using a vacuum, though you can start by using air blasts to break up any dust blocks or clogs.

For light cleaning, homeowners can safely remove vent covers, wipe them down, and vacuum accessible sections of ductwork. This helps reduce visible dust and improves airflow. However, most residential ductwork runs deep through walls, ceilings, or floors, and ordinary household tools cannot always reach the entire system.

Professional duct cleaning services use high-powered vacuums, rotary brushes, and negative air machines to clean the ducts thoroughly. They can also check for mold, pests, or leaks, which are issues not usually detectable during DIY cleaning. While not needed every year, a professional cleaning every 3–5 years can help maintain good indoor air quality, especially in homes with pets, allergies, or recent renovations that create extra dust.

Regular filter changes and routine HVAC maintenance are often enough to keep duct systems clean between deeper service visits. If you notice persistent dust buildup, unusual odors, or reduced airflow even after replacing filters, that may be a sign that the ducts need professional attention.

Why Are HVAC Repairs So Expensive?

HVAC repairs can be costly because they involve complex systems that require specialized parts and skilled labor. Many components, such as compressors, coils, or circuit boards, are precision-engineered and not inexpensive to replace. Labor also adds to the cost since HVAC technicians are licensed professionals who must follow strict safety and environmental standards. Additionally, if refrigerant handling or electrical work is needed, the repair process often takes more time and expertise, which increases the final bill.

What Is the Most Common HVAC Repair?

One of the most common HVAC repairs is replacing or cleaning a clogged air filter, as dirty filters restrict airflow and reduce system efficiency. Beyond filters, other frequent repairs include thermostat replacements, capacitor failures, and minor electrical issues that prevent the system from starting. These problems are relatively easy to fix compared to larger repairs like compressors or blower motors.

What Happens If You Don’t Service HVAC?

If an HVAC system isn’t serviced regularly, dust and debris build up inside the unit, which forces it to work harder and shortens its lifespan. Small issues, like loose wiring or low refrigerant levels, can go unnoticed until they turn into major breakdowns. Over time, a lack of maintenance can lead to higher utility bills, more frequent repairs, and even complete system failure long before the equipment’s expected life is up.

What Is a Major Repair in HVAC?

A major repair usually involves critical components of the system, such as the compressor, heat exchanger, or evaporator coil. These parts are expensive and labor-intensive to replace, often costing thousands of dollars. In many cases, if a major repair is needed on an older system, homeowners may be advised to consider a full replacement instead, as the cost difference may not justify fixing an outdated unit.

Is HVAC Repair Covered by Homeowners Insurance?

In most cases, homeowners insurance does not cover routine HVAC repairs or breakdowns caused by normal wear and tear. However, if the system is damaged by a covered peril such as fire, lightning, or a fallen tree, then the repair or replacement may be included in the policy. It’s always best to check your specific insurance terms, as coverage can vary depending on the provider and the type of damage involved.