My equipment is aging
Plan replacements before things break
Know your equipment lifespan
Different equipment has different expected lifespans. Here's when to start planning and what to watch for.
Furnace / Boiler
Typical lifespan
15–25 years
Warning signs at 15+ years
- Needing frequent repairs
- Uneven heating between rooms
- Yellow or flickering pilot light
- Higher than normal energy bills
- Strange noises (banging, rattling)
Air Conditioner
Typical lifespan
10–15 years
Warning signs at 10+ years
- Cooling takes longer than it used to
- Frequent cycling on and off
- Using R-22 refrigerant (phased out)
- Loud operation or new noises
- Rising repair costs
Water Heater
Typical lifespan
8–12 years (tank), 15–20 years (tankless)
Warning signs at 8+ years (tank)
- Rusty water from hot tap
- Rumbling or popping noises
- Visible corrosion or leaks
- Water not as hot as before
- Taking longer to heat up
How to plan ahead
Emergency replacements cost more and limit your options. Here's how to be strategic.
Know your equipment ages
Check labels or installation records. If you don't know, a pro can estimate based on model and serial numbers.
Budget for replacement before failure
Emergency replacements cost more and limit your options. Start saving when equipment hits 75% of expected life.
Consider efficiency upgrades
Replacing like-for-like misses opportunities. Heat pumps often make sense even when replacing working equipment.
Check incentives first
Federal tax credits (up to $2,000 for heat pumps), utility rebates, and state programs can cut costs significantly.
Tools to help you decide
Run the numbers before you commit to a contractor quote.
Upgrade Timing Planner
See payback windows for different equipment options and compare costs over time.
Open plannerMy Plan
Build a multi-year roadmap that sequences your equipment replacements strategically.
Build your planRelated guides
Dive deeper into specific equipment decisions.
Not sure what to replace first?
Our Upgrade Timing tool compares options and shows which replacements give you the best return.