My parents' HVAC just hit 22 years, and honestly, I think it's partly because my dad treats it like his third child, lol. Regular checkups, filter swaps, the works... guess it pays off in the long run.
Your dad has the right idea—HVAC systems really do reward attentive care. I'm tackling my first renovation right now, and the HVAC guy told me he's seen units last 25+ years with proper maintenance. Makes sense... regular filter changes and yearly checkups can catch small issues before they snowball. Your parents' system hitting 22 years isn't just luck; it's proof that consistent TLC goes a long way. Fingers crossed mine lasts even half as long, haha.
"regular filter changes and yearly checkups can catch small issues before they snowball."
Exactly this. A lot of folks underestimate how much simple upkeep can extend the lifespan of HVAC units. I've seen clients replace systems after just 10-12 years because they skipped basic maintenance. On the flip side, my parents' system lasted nearly 24 years with just regular filter swaps and annual inspections. It's not luck—just practical care and a bit of attention to detail.
Couldn't agree more with the regular upkeep point. My house is over 100 years old, so I've learned the hard way that neglecting simple maintenance can turn into a huge headache down the line. Our HVAC just hit about 22 years, and honestly, it's mostly because we've kept up with filter changes and regular checks...plus, a few DIY fixes here and there. One thing I'll add is that cleaning around the outdoor unit makes a big difference too—keeping leaves, grass, and debris clear helps airflow and efficiency. I didn't really think about it until a tech pointed it out during one of our annual checkups. Since then, I've made a habit of checking it every few months, especially after storms. Little things like that can really add up over the years.
Your point about the outdoor unit reminded me of something similar I experienced. When we moved into our current place, the previous owners had planted these beautiful shrubs around the HVAC unit—looked great, but turns out they were choking airflow big-time. Didn't even realize it until a tech casually mentioned it during a routine check. After trimming them back and clearing out some leaves, the difference was noticeable almost immediately. Makes me wonder how many other little things around the house I'm overlooking...
