A/C Heating units in TV
 

How long did your unit last before you were required to replace it.

SunKool says 10 to 12 years.

When did yours "die"??

13 years.

Currently at 11 years and still counting.

Ours didn’t die, but we replaced our 18+ year old unit last December (we knew we would be needing a new unit relatively soon anyways and wanted to get a replacement before the new coolant regulations and associated higher prices kicked in starting in 2025). Chuck Farrell installed a Champion A/C system with an ecobee smart thermostat. The new unit is absolutely great, it is very quiet and cools off the house almost instantly. It’s not a variable speed, but I’m still noticing less electricity usage. I’m not as happy with the thermostat, there is a steep learning curve with no user manual included. I like being able to monitor and control the thermostat remotely, but all the settings are difficult to adjust without a manual and the dam smart feature keeps overriding my settings. I finally figured out how to turn off all the dam smart features this morning, so now I’m back in control.

Are you talking about a gas furnace and air conditioning system or a heat pump system?

Generally, heat pump systems that were installed by the builder last anywhere from 8-12 years and maybe 15 years. Remember, the builder put in the cheapest system available at the time. Newer systems should last longer. I know there will be Villagers saying their system is 30 years old and still going strong but what they don't realize is their system isn't efficient any more and are wasting money each month.

About price. When asked everyone comes up with X company for Y price and said it is the best. Remember, there are different levels of heat pump and furnace/AC systems. The typical single stage system will be the cheapest and the variable speed will be the most expensive. The variable speed will qualify for Federal Tax credits so the difference between the single stage and variable might not be too far apart. So, when comparing prices always compare what you are getting because I'll bet, in general, given the same exact equipment, most reliable companies will charge roughly the same for the system. As far as the new freon refrigerant, yes it will be a little more expensive initially but so will the older freon refrigerant at some point as it's phased out and harder to get. In fact, there will come a time where it will be a lot more expensive but fear not because unless your system has a leak, you should never need to add refrigerant. The newer systems are costing more because they are more efficient with the newer technology. But many here in the Villages don't know about or care about this stuff and only focus on cost so remember you get what you pay for. If you think your lifespan is only a couple years more then get the cheapest system you can find. If you think you still have some years left then get a better variable speed unit and be more comfortable for the remaining years here in the Villages. A good HVAC system is a huge plus if and when you ever sell your home. Just want to mention all those mini-split systems that everyone is installing are variable speed inverter systems with the same "fancy" parts that these newer variable speed heatpumps use.

13+ years, Kalos says it's in very good shape "for it's age" and seems to work just great.
We're going to try for 15 and then start thinking about it.

2 houses - 15 years and 11 years old. Chuck Farrel has serviced it every single year and the guy just told me the 15 year old system is in excellent shape, should go past 20, but you never know. This baloney about everything being the cheapest one put in by the builder is just that, Baloney. I asked him about the units in my homes (one is a rental), and he said they are good solid units.

That's exactly what I mean. The builder did put in the most basic system available at the time. Luckily 15 SEER was the norm circa 2015-2016 so yes they are solid units. But they could have installed 2 stage units which would have been a lot more efficient, cheaper to run, and more appropriate to install in our hot Florida climate but were more expensive to install. Fortunately, if you purchase a new home from the builder you can get the basic single stage, multi stage ( I think its a 2 or 5 stage unit) or a variable speed unit. Just different cost to run each system. We are kind of lucky that electric here in Florida is relatively cheap or HVAC efficiency would be more of a concern. But how long will our electric stay relatively cheap?

Replaced 8yo in a preowned. Stopped working and Chuck revived it twice, then 2 months later it died again.

New build at 10 months 4 days, blew a hole in compressor, need to be replaced under warranty.

It all depends on how much it was used, if it was in a sunny or shade location, how many power surges it got and just luck. Most people don't realize an HVAC unit installed in a sunny location in a hot climate will have a shorter life span because the heat shortens the life span of the parts.

Bought our house in September and it has original unit, and still pumping (2005). I'm crossing fingers to squeeze out this summer and look to replace in "fall/winter". I believe the SEER on this unit is 12; far below current standards. And I think it is borderline too small. The last room in line (also my office) does not cool or heat well (depending on time of year); typically 4-5 degrees difference from everywhere else in the house. Time to lay this puppy to rest.

Nope when original unit was installed, it was done improperly. Had no idea the previous owner had issues from the day of closing, with 47 service calls in 4 years. We found the file in the bottom of a cabinet drawer, 4 months after closing. Owner neglected to give that info.

Personally, I would replace my system with a single stage compressor system. The extra cost for a variable speed system is not worth the initial higher cost (50 to 70 percent more), or the life cycle cost to operate it. It will be more difficult and more expensive to repair, because they are more complex, and there are fewer technicians who can repair them. If only larger companies can repair them, they can charge more because they have less competition. Also, when it comes to resale, I seriously doubt that a buyer will pay more for the house. I certainly would not. But the bottom line is that a variable speed system will not heat or cool your house any better, especially in Florida where most houses are single story, one zone HVAC, and it is consistently very hot every day in the summer. So, most of the time, you want the AC to be running at full speed. My opinion.

18 years. It was still working, but I knew I was on borrowed time. Capacitors appear to malfunction every 5 years. Simple fix, but 3 days in a hot house in July is miserable. Our mini split in the lanai can cool half of the entire house while we wait for service. New A/C is much quieter and more fuel efficient. We can operate the thermostat remotely, or just keep an eye on it while out of town. The new filter is really efficient.

Original unit built in 2005. Never had routine maintenance. Once service call ever, after a lightning strike.