Hvacr Equipment Life Expectancy

ASHRAE is the industry organization that sets the standards and guidelines for most HVAC-R equipment. They have published a chart that lists estimated life expectancy for various HVAC equipment.

Below you can see ASHRAE chart of HVAC Equipment Life Expectancy. The chart includes a list of median life expectancy for the following types of equipment:


HVACR Equipment Life Expectancy

Equipment Item Median Years
Air conditionersWindow unit 10
Residential single or Split Package15
Commercial through-the wall15
Water-cooled package15
Heat PumpsResidential air-to-air15
Commercial air-to-air15
Commercial water-to-air19
Roof-top air conditioners Single-zone15
Multi-zone15
Boilers, hot water (steam)Steel water-tube24 (30)
Steel fire-tube25 (25)
Cast iron35 (30)
Electric15
Burners21
FurnacesGas- or oil-fired18
Unit heatersGas or electric13
Hot water or steam20
Radiant HeatersElectric10
Hot water or steam25
Air terminalsDiffusers, grilles, and registers 27
Induction and fan coil units20
VAV and double-duct boxes20
Air washers17
Ductwork30
Dampers20
FansCentrifugal25
Axial20
Propeller15
Ventilating roof-mounted20
CoilsDX, water, or steam20
Electric15
Heat ExchangersShell-and-tube24
Reciprocating compressors20
Packaged chillers Reciprocating20
Centrifugal23
Absorption23
Cooling towersGalvanized metal 20
Wood20
Ceramic34
Air-cooled condensers20
Evaporative condensers20
InsulationMolded20
Blanket24
PumpsBase-mounted20
Pipe-mounted 10
Sump and well 10
Condensate15
Reciprocating engines 20
Steam turbines30
Electric motors18
Motor starters17
Electric transformers 30
Controls Pneumatic20
Electric16
Electronic15
Valve actuatorsHydraulic15
Pneumatic20
Self-contained 10
ASHRAE Equipment Life Expectancy chart

The table shows the median years of life expectancy of various HVACR (heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration) equipment. The data can be used by HVAC professionals to estimate the lifespan of the equipment they are installing, repairing, or replacing.

The data provided in the table are based on median years of life expectancy for each equipment type. This means that half of the equipment of that type is expected to last longer, and the other half is expected to last shorter than the median value. Therefore, these values should be used as a rough guideline and not as an exact estimate of the lifespan of the equipment.

It is also important to note that the lifespan of HVACR equipment can be affected by a number of factors, including the quality of installation, the frequency of maintenance, and the intensity of usage. Additionally, some equipment may require more frequent maintenance to ensure optimal performance and longevity.

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