You're spot-on about humidity control. I learned that the hard way—my parents' HVAC barely made it 12 years because their basement was basically a swamp. Once they got a dehumidifier, the next system lasted way longer.
Also, totally agree on installation quality. My neighbor had his HVAC replaced by some "bargain" installer... let's just say he's on a first-name basis with the repair guy now. Meanwhile, mine's pushing 18 years without major hiccups (knock on wood).
Honestly though, sometimes it's just dumb luck. My uncle's system is ancient, and he treats it like garbage—rarely changes filters, thermostat all over the place—and yet it refuses to die. Go figure.
"Honestly though, sometimes it's just dumb luck."
Luck definitely plays a role, but I'd argue regular maintenance is the real MVP. My budget-friendly HVAC hit 15 years recently—not fancy, but I keep filters clean and schedule annual check-ups. Seems to make a noticeable difference...
Luck's definitely a factor, but consistent maintenance is key. I've seen budget units last decades simply because the homeowner was meticulous about upkeep. Regular filter changes, annual coil cleaning, and checking refrigerant levels can significantly extend lifespan. Also, keeping an eye on ductwork integrity helps efficiency. Like you said:
"I keep filters clean and schedule annual check-ups."
That's exactly the approach I'd recommend—it's not glamorous, but it works.
Good points on maintenance, but I'd add a couple more things to consider:
- Thermostat settings matter too—constantly cycling the system on/off can shorten lifespan.
- Location and climate play a role. Coastal areas with salty air or regions with extreme temps can wear units down faster.
- Installation quality is huge. Even meticulous maintenance won't fix poor initial setup.
Curious, did you have your ductwork inspected regularly too, or mostly just the main unit?
Good call on the thermostat cycling—seen plenty of units bite the dust early from that alone. As for ducts, honestly, I rarely mess with them unless there's an obvious issue (weird smells, airflow drops). Had one flip where the ducts were a total disaster—leaks everywhere. Learned my lesson quick... now I at least peek at them during renos. But regular inspections? Nah, probably should though, huh?
