Anyone had two systems die the same month?

Question

Bought a duplex where both units had the water heater and HVAC installed within a few months of each other, same original construction batch. Didn't think much of it until I realized that means they're also going to age out around the same time, together.

Been trying to figure out if I should just accept that and budget for a rough year when it happens, or actually stagger replacements early on purpose, replace one a year or two ahead of schedule just to spread out the risk instead of waiting for both to hit end-of-life at once.

Anyone dealt with this kind of "born together, dying together" situation? Did you let it ride or deliberately break up the timing?

David Krulac · Answer

We had hot water heatres last 6.5 years with a 6 year warranty and had a hot water heater last 35 years. Personally never saw two HWH with same born date have the same next replacement date.

Bill B. · Answer

Hot water heaters “usually” last 6-10 years.  Your HVAC should last at least 20 years. We get that long out of HVAC systems in the Vegas heat. Units that might be  “on” for 2-3 months straight of above 75 degree heat. In 20 years with a dozen properties, maybe 20 ac units (many have 2 units) I’ve replaced 6. So 70% are over 20 years old.  I might have a few capacitors per year, and a motor every year or two. But this is with zero annual checkups, performance reviews, etc etc.

Water heaters are a different story. I don’t think I’ve gone 2 years without replace one. If the average is 1.5 years I’m getting about 8 years out of garage stored, gas powered water heaters.  They used to run about $900 but I think I paid $1,200 for the last 50 gallon installed.  Really a non-issue and no worse than a new fridge.

Michele Fischer · Answer

We have not had an issue with that.  They may technically be end of life at the same time, but one may last longer than the other or you can proactively change one out a bit sooner to get them on a different rotation.

But, also, if you have your reserves built up, you shouldn't really care either.  I may be easier and more cost efficient to change them out at the same time.

Anyone had two systems die the same month?

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