The longevity of your HVAC system solely depends on your system type and, of course, how well you take care of it. According to Sealed, the system with the longest life expectancy is a steam boiler, lasting anywhere from 15 to 35 years. Next are radiant heaters, expected to work for 15 to 20 years, then furnaces at 18 years. Most other systems, like whole home units, window ACs, and thermostats, average around 10 to 15 years, give or take a few.
If you have a simple whole home unit, factor in a replacement every 10 years to be safe. There are other factors that can accelerate or decelerate this process, like proper home insulation, the doors and windows being correctly sealed, getting it routinely checked out and maintained, and where you live. If you live somewhere exceptionally hot or cold, your HVAC will naturally work overtime, which can shorten its lifespan.
