According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the average lifespan of a HVAC system is between 10 to 15 years. It’s possible to get more life out of a unit but once you pass 15 years you are definitely on borrowed time!

Besides age, performance will also tell you when it’s time to replace your unit. If your equipment requires frequent repairs and you find that your heating and cooling bills are higher than normal, it may be time to consider a replacement, especially if the unit is 10 years old or older.

There are other clues but having a service contract and a reputable company to check your units  periodically is the best way to know when its time for replacement. The unit in these images definitely needed replacement!