If it’s still running, keep milking it. Just maybe stash a little “HVAC emergency” fund... old houses love surprises.
That’s the truth—old houses always have some curveball waiting. Twenty years is wild, though. I’ve seen units tap out at 12 or 15, so you’re definitely getting your money’s worth. I get wanting to put cash into stuff you actually see (fresh paint feels way more satisfying than a new blower motor). Just keep an ear out for weird noises or short cycling. Sometimes those little warning signs save you from a mid-July meltdown... learned that the hard way once.
- Twenty years? That’s unicorn territory for HVAC. Most of mine start making “replace me” noises by year 13.
- Can’t blame you for putting off the invisible upgrades—paint is way more fun than dropping cash on a compressor.
- I’d say, keep riding it, but maybe don’t tempt fate too hard. I had a tenant once who swore their AC was “fine” until July 4th weekend... you can guess how that ended.
- If it starts making noises like a dying animal, that’s your cue to start shopping. Otherwise, enjoy the lucky streak.
If it starts making noises like a dying animal, that’s your cue to start shopping.
- Truer words, honestly. Mine started sounding like a lawnmower chewing gravel at year 15 and I still tried to squeeze another summer out of it... big mistake.
- Twenty years is wild. You might be running on borrowed time, but hey, maybe yours is one of those magical “built on a Tuesday” units.
- If you’re not hearing weird clanks or smelling burnt toast, I’d just keep up with filter changes and basic maintenance. Cross your fingers and maybe sacrifice a can of refrigerant to the HVAC gods.
- On the “invisible upgrades” vs. paint thing—totally get it. I’d rather throw money at things I can actually see too, but nothing kills a weekend faster than a dead AC in August.
- If you do end up replacing it, don’t be surprised at the sticker shock. Prices have gone up since the early 2000s... like everything else.
Enjoy the streak while it lasts. Just don’t push your luck into Labor Day.
If you’re not hearing weird clanks or smelling burnt toast, I’d just keep up with filter changes and basic maintenance.
That’s been my approach too, but I always wonder—has anyone actually had a filter change make a noticeable difference in how long their system lasted? I swap mine religiously, but sometimes it feels like I’m just delaying the inevitable. Also, for those who replaced an ancient unit, did you notice a big drop in your energy bill, or was it mostly just peace of mind?
I swap mine religiously, but sometimes it feels like I’m just delaying the inevitable.
Honestly, same. I treat my filters like throw pillows—change them out way too often, hoping it’ll magically fix everything. When I finally replaced my old HVAC, my energy bill dropped a bit, but the real win was not having to cross my fingers every time I cranked the AC. Peace of mind is worth something, right?
