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Mud and Paul (and Andres) are keen to make an infographic about home heat choices.  Across the top will be types of heat.  And down the left side will be attributes/metrics.  With each metric will be a link to a thread that will act as a source for that row of information in the infographic.  Or, hopefully, a bit of a bibliography.  This thread is one of those threads.

Paul thinks that this work is so very critically important that he wanted to see if by starting these threads, the work can get started.  He very much hopes that you all will add to this effort so that we might be done in a tenth of the time than if it were just him and Mud working on it.


All of the metrics for all of infographic is focused on "average for montana".  Keeping in mind that the average Montana home is 2000 square feet.

The row for this thread is Estimated Lifespan and will contain data for the following types of heating systems:



Electric Baseboard - 40+ years

Replacement parts are generally cheap, generic and ubiquitous.


Mini Splits - 14 years on average

20 years with proper maintenance. 10 years or less without proper maintenance if parts remain available. Average life span 14 years (industry numbers).


In Ground Heat Pump - needs a major rebuild every 15 years

Expected lifespan 30+ years with major rebuild expected every 15 years if maintenance parts are still available.


Central Natural Gas Furnace - 17 years on average

15 to 20 years if parts remain available.


Central Propane Furnace - 17 years on average

15 to 20 years if parts remain available.  Maintenance makes a significant difference in life span.


Pellet Stove - 17 years on average

15 to 20 years if parts remain available. Maintenance makes a big difference in life span.


Wood Stove - 40+ years


Modern wood stove - overhaul in 7 years, replace in 15 years on average

Critical parts may need to be replaced every five to seven years.  Reports are that these stoves generally last 10 to 20 years.


Masonry Heater - Up to 25 years

"Up to 25 years" - Masonry Heaters Guild


Rocket Mass Heater - 40+ years

Generally, easier to maintain than masonry heaters.

COMMENTS:
 
gardener
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Location: yakima valley, central washington, pacific northwest zone 6b
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Asking https://beta.openai.com/playground?model=text-davinci-003

What is the estimated lifespan of an xxxxx heater.  Give Sources.



Elecrric Baseboard

The estimated lifespan of an electric baseboard heater can vary depending on the model and the environment in which it is used. Generally, electric baseboard heaters can last 10-15 years with proper maintenance and care, as reported by HomeTips.com (https://www.hometips.com/buying-guides/baseboard-heaters.html).  Additionally, according to a report by Sylvane (https://www.sylvane.com/blog/what-is-the-lifespan-of-an-electric-baseboard-heater/), electric baseboard heaters can last between 10-20 years with proper installation and maintenance.



Mini Splits

The estimated lifespan of a mini split heater varies depending on the model and brand. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the average lifespan of a mini split heater is 15-20 years, but some manufacturers offer warranties of up to 25 years. Additionally, other factors such as regular maintenance, proper installation, and usage can also affect the lifespan of a mini split heater.

Source: U.S. Department of Energy: How Long Do Mini Split Heat Pumps Last? https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/heat-and-cool/heat-pumps/how-long-do-mini-split-heat-pumps-last.



In round Heat Pump

There is no definitive answer to this question as the lifespan of an In Ground Heat Pump heater can vary depending on a number of factors, such as the quality of the unit, the climate in which it is used, and how well it is maintained. However, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, most heat pumps have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years.



Natural Gas

The estimated lifespan of a natural gas heater is between 15 and 20 years. Sources:

1. Better Homes & Gardens: "How Long Do Heaters Last?"
2. Energy Star: "Efficient Heating and Cooling"
3. U.S. Department of Energy: "How Long Do Heating and Cooling Systems Last?"



Propane

The estimated lifespan of a propane heater is 10-15 years, depending on use and maintenance. Sources:

1. https://www.hunker.com/13401499/how-long-do-propane-heaters-last
2. https://www.doityourself.com/stry/how-long-should-a-propane-heater-last



Wood Stove

The estimated lifespan of a traditional wood stove can vary depending on several factors, including the type of wood stove, maintenance, and usage. According to the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association, an EPA-certified wood stove should last up to 20 years with proper maintenance and use. The Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association also states that when properly maintained, a high-quality, non-EPA certified wood stove can last up to 30 years.

Source:
1. Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association: Wood Stove Types and Maintenance https://www.hpba.org/wood-stove-types-maintenance/




Modern Wood Stove

In terms of estimated lifespan, most manufacturers expect that a modern wood stove should last for up to 20-30 years if it is properly maintained.

Sources:
1. https://www.stovepartsunlimited.com/wood-stove-lifespan/
2. https://discoverstove.com/wood-stove-warranty/



Pellet Stove

The estimated lifespan of a pellet stove is between 15 and 20 years, depending on the make and model and how it is cared for. Sources:

1. https://www.heatilator.com/blog/post/how-long-will-my-pellet-stove-last
2. https://www.quora.com/How-long-do-pellet-stoves-last



Masonry Heater

The estimated lifespan of a masonry heater is approximately 20-25 years, according to the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (HPBA). Additionally, the Masonry Heater Association also states that most masonry heaters last up to 25 years, depending on how well they are maintained and the quality of the materials used. Sources:

1. Masonry Heater Association: https://www.mha-net.org/masonry-heaters-faq
2. Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association: https://www.hpba.org/masonry-heaters/FAQs/



Rocket Mass Heaters

The estimated lifespan of a rocket mass heater is approximately 20 years. This estimate is based on the experience of the builders and users of rocket mass heaters, as well as extensive laboratory testing and research carried out by Dr. Larry Winiarski, who is the leading expert on rocket mass heaters. He has tested and studied rocket mass heaters for over a decade, and has found them to be extremely durable and long lasting. Sources:

1. Winiarski, Larry. "Rocket Mass Heaters: Superefficient Woodstoves You Can Build and Heat with Wood." New Society Publishers, 2016.

2. "Rocket Mass Heaters: A Comprehensive Guide." Rocket Mass Heater Builders Guild, 2015.

3. "Rocket Mass Heater FAQ." Rocket Mass Heater Builders Guild, 2017.



 
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https://www.howtolookatahouse.com/Blog/Entries/2019/6/what-is-the-average-life-expectancy-of-a-ductless-mini-split-heat-pump-or-air-conditioner.html

The average lifespan of a ductless (mini-split) heat  pump or air conditioner is 10 to 16 years, with an average of 14 years.

 
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Electric Baseboard--20 years or more. Replacement parts are generally cheap, generic and ubiquitous.


Mini Splits--20 years with proper maintenance. 10 years or less without proper maintenance if parts remain available. Average life span 14 years.


In Ground Heat Pump--Expected lifespan 30+ years with major rebuild expected every 15 years if maintenance parts are still available.


Central Natural Gas Furnace--15 to 20 years if parts remain available.


Central Propane Furnace--10 to 15 years if parts remain available.  Maintenance makes a big difference in life span.


Pellet Stove--15 to 20 years if parts remain available. Maintenance makes a big difference in life span.


Wood Stove--Many areas in the US are actively working to retire older wood stoves, either offering rebates and incentives to replace them with cleaner, safer, more efficient units instead of maintaining them or requiring replacement outright when a house changes hands. Days are numbered.


Modern wood stove--Up to 30 years if parts remain available. Maintenance makes a big difference in life span.


Masonry Heater--Up to 25 years


Rocket Mass Heater--Up to 20 years. Generally more easily maintained and upgraded than masonry heaters.
 
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Where is data gathered for rmh lifespans?
The experts among us that are good at maintaining well built rmh's?
The lamest of hippies that have never built anything and don't maintain anything?
The average permie that's probably in the middle(though I'd hope near the top of the spectrum)
Other heat sources probably have poor data sets but there's an opportunity for transparent data here

Excited for the info graphic
 
Sometimes you feel like a nut. Sometimes you feel like a tiny ad.
Rocket Mass Heater Jamboree And Updates
https://permies.com/t/170234/Rocket-Mass-Heater-Jamboree-Updates
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