Commercial rooftop HVAC units deliver consistent comfort for offices, warehouses, rental units, and other spaces. While rooftop HVAC systems are durable, they eventually require replacement after a decade or two of providing powerful heating and cooling.
Understanding what affects system longevity helps businesses plan for maintenance and upgrades at the right time. Learn how long commercial HVAC systems last and when to call Sam’s Air Control for repair or replacement.
The Average Life of a Commercial HVAC System
The average life of an HVAC system ranges from 15 to 20 years when installed and maintained properly. Systems in moderate climates with regular maintenance schedules typically reach the higher end of this range. Some components of your rooftop HVAC system may require replacement sooner than the entire unit, such as:
- Capacitors
- Sensors
- Evaporator coil
- Contactor
- Fan motors
Factors That Affect HVAC System Life Expectancy
A commercial rooftop HVAC system’s longevity depends mainly on how it’s installed, used, and maintained. These factors influence long-term efficiency, repair frequency, and overall HVAC system life expectancy.
Maintenance frequency
Routine professional maintenance is one of the most reliable ways to extend an HVAC system’s lifespan. A consistent commercial maintenance schedule allows technicians to clean coils, inspect motors, calibrate thermostats, check refrigerant levels, and complete safety checks, as well as catch minor problems before they strain important components.
Well-maintained systems run efficiently and avoid strain associated with dirty filters, restricted airflow, and other common wear and tear. Neglected maintenance, however, may allow small issues, such as clogged drains or misaligned belts, to wear out components more quickly. HVAC systems with inconsistent maintenance must strain and consume more energy to achieve proper cooling or heating, which can take years off operating lives.
Installation quality
The quality of installation determines how well a rooftop system operates throughout its service life. Properly sized ductwork, level mounting, adequate refrigerant charge, and many other installation factors reduce mechanical strain and optimize airflow.
A rushed or improper installation can result in vibration, uneven cooling or heating, and higher energy demand. These issues may also cause premature compressor or fan motor failures, which are usually much more costly to replace than other parts.
Sizing
Accurate load calculations determine the ideal HVAC capacity and power, and they depend on commercial building variables such as square footage, layout, usage, and insulation. With correct sizing, rooftop HVAC equipment operates with steady cycles.
In contrast, oversized systems may heat or cool too quickly and stop cycles early, which causes unnecessary wear on compressors and fans while also causing hot and cold spots. Undersized systems may overwork for long periods to reach the thermostat setting, potentially overheating the system or wearing out parts.
Build quality
High-quality HVAC system materials and engineering affect its longevity, with corrosion-resistant metals, durable bearings, and advanced compressor technologies minimizing strain. Lower-quality systems may have less robust materials and experience faster deterioration.
Usage
HVAC systems serving large or high-traffic buildings operate under greater strain than those running intermittently or at modulated outputs. Extended runtime during peak hours adds mechanical stress and risks overheating, especially for compressors and blower motors.
Environment
Rooftop exposure includes UV rays, intense heat, cold, wind, rain, and pollutants. In coastal or industrial areas, salt and particulates accelerate corrosion and clog filters. Indoors, dust or contaminants from production processes can accumulate and clog coils and filters.
Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Commercial HVAC System
When HVAC equipment begins to cost more in energy and service than it returns in comfort and reliability, planning for a replacement keeps commercial spaces ahead of heating or cooling outages. Look for these signs to replace your commercial HVAC system.
High energy bills
Increasing energy costs without correlating usage often indicate declining system efficiency. As compressors, fans, and motors age, rooftop HVAC systems require more power to maintain output.
Modern HVAC units use variable-speed compressors and modern refrigerants that restore efficiency and save up to 20% on heating and cooling costs. ENERGY STAR-certified HVAC equipment may also qualify for incentive and rebate programs.
Increasingly frequent or costly repairs
As business owners face increasingly frequent or costly breakdowns, continued repair expenses may offer diminishing returns. HVAC components may start failing in sequence, which suggests that the overall system is approaching the end of its operating life.
When rooftop HVAC repair expenses are around half the cost of a new system, replacement is usually more cost-effective and practical. New HVAC units are less likely to break down and also usually come with manufacturer warranties for defective parts, which lets business owners off the hook in case of a qualifying repair.
Poor performance
Uneven temperatures, drafty areas, humidity, and poor indoor air quality likely mean the system is unable to keep up with the building’s heating or cooling needs, especially when paired with recurring complaints from building workers or visitors. Users may also adjust thermostat set points to compensate for poor performance, which further stresses and accelerates wear on HVAC equipment.
Upgrading restores balanced airflow and precise temperature control. Modern systems feature smart thermostat compatibility, zoning, and modulating output. They also operate more quietly, benefiting offices and other quiet commercial spaces.
Excessive noise or vibration
Loud or strange noises signal mechanical wear. Bearings in fans and motors may loosen and cause vibrations that damage and dislodge mounting brackets and duct joints. Replacing the system swaps excessive noise for quieter heating and cooling cycles.
Aging or outdated
Plan for replacement if your rooftop HVAC unit is approaching or beyond 20 years old. Aging systems often feature phased-out refrigerants and obsolete parts, which are costly and difficult to find if the system breaks down.
How to Extend the Life of Your Commercial HVAC System
Proper commercial HVAC system care supports better heating and cooling, prevents wear, and may even prolong the equipment’s lifespan. Try these strategies:
- Regular professional maintenance: Regular maintenance visits in the spring and fall allow technicians to address normal wear, identify minor problems before they escalate, and verify proper operation.
- Changing filters: HVAC air filters trap dust, pollen, and other airborne particles that can block coils and reduce airflow. In commercial environments with poor indoor air quality, filters may need to be changed monthly or quarterly.
- Routine cleaning: Cleaning the outside of the HVAC unit and keeping the area around it clear prevents debris from insulating the compressor and causing it to overheat.
- Upgrading components: Whether variable-speed fans, advanced filtration, or smart thermostats, strategic upgrades modernize older rooftop units and may delay the need for early commercial rooftop unit replacement.
Schedule Commercial HVAC Service With Sam’s Air Control
Sam’s Air Control provides commercial HVAC solutions, including repair, maintenance, and installation throughout Edison and other New Jersey areas. Our technicians specialize in rooftop HVAC systems for offices, retail centers, and other commercial spaces with a focus on performance, longevity, and energy efficiency. If your system shows signs of aging, declining performance, or rising energy costs, contact Sam’s Air Control today to schedule a professional inspection.
