I’ve got a rental that hit 21 years on the original HVAC—barely touched it except for filters. But when it finally died, finding parts was a nightmare and tenants weren’t thrilled with the downtime. I’d say luck plays a part, but planning ahead saves headaches.
I’d say luck plays a part, but planning ahead saves headaches.
Totally get this. My last place had an ancient unit that just kept chugging along—until it didn’t. I tried to “eco-hack” it with a smart thermostat, but the thing was so old it thought WiFi was a new kind of filter. Ended up replacing the whole system anyway. Lesson learned: sometimes being proactive beats riding your luck... and your tenants will thank you.
Luck’s only gonna carry an HVAC so far—20 years is a solid run, but after that, you’re basically rolling the dice every season. I’ve seen folks get caught off guard in the middle of a heatwave, scrambling for window units because their old system finally gave up. Here’s how I usually break it down for people:
1. Start with regular checkups—twice a year, ideally. Even if it’s still working, a pro can spot little issues before they turn into wallet-busters.
2. Keep an eye (and ear) out for weird noises or uneven temps. Those are usually the first red flags.
3. If your unit’s pushing 15+ years, start looking at options. Newer systems are way more efficient and can cut bills down, especially with all the rebates floating around.
4. Don’t forget about ductwork. Sometimes the system’s fine, but leaky ducts are killing your efficiency.
I get wanting to stretch things out, but sometimes investing a bit sooner saves a lot of hassle. Plus, tenants notice when things just work, you know?
I get the logic, but I’ll admit—my own HVAC is pushing 22 and still chugging along like a stubborn grandparent who refuses to retire. Maybe it’s living on borrowed time, but honestly, I’d rather squeeze every last year out of it than drop cash on a new one just because the calendar says so. Plus, I swear, every time I call for “preventive maintenance,” they find something else to fix... and my wallet cries a little. Maybe I’m tempting fate, but hey, sometimes vintage has its charm, right?
Funny you mention the “vintage charm”—I’ve got a rental property where the original HVAC is still running after 24 years. I get the temptation to ride it out, but I’ll admit, when it finally failed last summer, the emergency replacement cost way more than a planned one would’ve. Definitely a gamble, but sometimes it pays off... until it doesn’t.
