AGING HVAC SYSTEMS: Performance Degradation Over Time

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems represent one of the most significant investments in both residential and commercial buildings. These complex mechanical systems are designed to provide thermal comfort and acceptable indoor air quality, but like all engineered systems, they are subject to the inexorable forces of aging and degradation. Understanding the mechanisms, patterns, and consequences of HVAC system aging is essential for building owners, facility managers, maintenance professionals, and anyone responsible for the long-term operation of these critical systems.