You're definitely onto something with finding the right tech. I've seen HVAC units last well beyond 20 years when they're properly maintained. Here's a quick way to tell if your tech is thorough: watch if they actually remove panels and inspect coils or just glance around. A good one usually spends at least 30-45 mins checking everything out. Sounds like you've got a solid routine going—keep it up, and you might squeeze another decade out of that system...who knows?
"watch if they actually remove panels and inspect coils or just glance around."
Haha, exactly this. Had a tech once who barely glanced at the unit, said "looks good," and was out in 10 minutes flat. Needless to say, didn't call him back. Proper maintenance really is key—I've seen systems pushing 25+ years when they're cared for right. Plus, keeping older units running efficiently is way better environmentally than constantly swapping them out...so props for sticking with it.
You're definitely doing something right to hit 20 years. Had a similar experience myself—my folks had an HVAC system that lasted almost 30 years, and honestly, regular maintenance was their secret sauce.
"Proper maintenance really is key—I've seen systems pushing 25+ years when they're cared for right."
Couldn't agree more. It's amazing how a little TLC can extend the life of these systems, saving money and helping the environment too. Had a tech once who spent a solid hour cleaning coils and checking refrigerant levels—made all the difference. Sounds like you've got the right approach, so keep it up and you'll probably squeeze even more years out of that unit.
Regular maintenance definitely helps, but honestly, sometimes it's just luck of the draw. I've seen clients who religiously schedule HVAC check-ups every year and still end up replacing their units after 12-15 years. On the flip side, I've had projects where homeowners admit they've barely touched their systems and somehow they're still chugging along after two decades.
"Proper maintenance really is key—I've seen systems pushing 25+ years when they're cared for right."
Sure, good care can extend lifespan, but let's not overlook the role of build quality and brand reliability. Some older units were just built tougher compared to newer models designed with planned obsolescence in mind. I worked on a remodel recently where the HVAC was nearly 30 years old, and trust me, it wasn't getting regular TLC—it was just a tank of a system from a solid brand. So yeah, maintenance matters, but sometimes hitting that 20-year mark is as much about good luck and quality manufacturing as it is about routine upkeep.
Yeah, I think you're onto something there. Maintenance is definitely important, but it's not the whole story. I've done a fair share of remodels myself, and I've seen some pretty wild variations in HVAC lifespans. Had one project last year where the homeowner swore up and down they'd never even changed the filter (yikes...), yet their unit was still humming along after 22 years. On the other hand, my neighbor religiously schedules tune-ups every spring and fall, and he had to replace his entire system at just 13 years.
Honestly, I think a lot of it comes down to build quality and materials used back when these older units were made. Seems like manufacturers used heavier-duty components back then—thicker metal casings, sturdier compressors, fewer plastic parts. Nowadays, with energy efficiency standards pushing manufacturers toward lighter materials and more complex electronics, there's just more stuff that can break or wear out faster.
Don't get me wrong—regular maintenance can absolutely help catch small issues before they turn into big ones. Keeping coils clean, checking refrigerant levels, lubricating motors... all that stuff matters. But sometimes you just luck out with a tank of a system that was built to last from day one.
I guess what I'm saying is: congrats on hitting 20 years! You probably did something right along the way, even if it wasn't intentional. But yeah, don't discount the role of good manufacturing and plain old luck.
