Mine hit 18 years before it started acting up—random cold spots, weird humming noises at night... Eventually had to bite the bullet and replace the whole thing. Have you checked if it's just ductwork issues causing uneven heating?
Mine made it to about 22 years, and honestly, I thought it was immortal until one winter night it just... stopped. Turned out to be a combo of duct leaks and an aging unit. Might be worth checking ducts first—could save you some headaches later.
"Mine made it to about 22 years, and honestly, I thought it was immortal until one winter night it just... stopped."
Ha, I think we've all been there at some point—thinking our trusty old HVAC units will run forever. You're definitely not alone in that! Have you noticed any unusual noises or uneven heating lately? Usually, that's your HVAC's subtle way of hinting it's tired. Checking ducts is solid advice; many homeowners overlook them, and duct issues can really sneak up on you. I've seen clients who thought they'd need a whole new system, but after sealing up some leaky ducts, they got a few more comfortable years out of their old units. Either way, hitting 20+ years is impressive. Sounds like you've done a great job keeping it maintained. Keep an eye out for small signs now—it'll save you from those chilly midnight surprises!
Mine's pushing 19 years now, and honestly, I'm just crossing fingers at this point. Did you ever have to replace major components along the way, or was it mostly minor fixes and maintenance? Hoping mine can squeeze out a few more winters...
