Ductless HVAC System Average Lifespan in Columbus, Ohio
Assuming the ductless system is maintained by a professional HVAC company on a yearly basis, these types of systems can easily last 20 years or more in the Columbus, Ohio area.
These systems are also a great way to improve the value of your home!
The lifespan of a mini split ductless system is generally longer than that of a normal heating and cooling system (12-15 years).
You can think about the lifespan of your ductless system in the same manner you would mileage on your car.
The overall age of the system isn’t nearly as important as how much it has run over it’s lifetime.
Why Do Ductless Systems Last Longer?
This answer largely comes down to one component, the compressor.
The compressor is the heart of your air conditioner. without it, the refrigerant would not cycle through your system to help remove the heat from your home.
There are a couple different reasons a compressor can fail including:
- Hard Start Ups – It takes a good jolt of electric to start your air conditioner’s compressor. When your AC starts and stops many times in day, this can begin to take a toll on the compressors lifespan. Most ductless mini split systems use a variable speed compressor that can go up and down in speed to help lengthen it’s lifespan.
- Dirty Indoor Coil – The indoor coil of your air conditioner is what actually removes the heat from the air in your home. When this coil becomes plugged with dirt and other debris, it’s cooling ability is greatly diminished and can even begin to ice over causing the system to break down and your air conditioner needing repaired. A dirty coil also greatly reduces energy efficiency. This problem does not occur nearly as frequently on a ductless HVAC system due to there being no ductwork involved.
Factors That Affect Ductless System Lifespan
There are many different things that can limit the lifespan of your ductless heating and cooling system. Some of the most common factors include:
- The quality and regularity of HVAC maintenance
- Quality of installation and the components used
- Improper usage such as heating or cooling with windows and doors open
- The overall environment the unit is used it. Salty coastal environments can corrode components faster.
There are also several pros and cons of ductless systems that should be considered prior to having one installed in your home.
