HVAC Resource Guide
Should I repair or replace my HVAC? It’s a common question — and you need to weigh several factors to make the decision. One of the most significant factors is the lifespan of your unit. According to EnergyStar, an A.C. unit lasts about 15 to 20 years. On average, a heat pump perseveres for 16 years and a furnace functions generally between 15 and 20 years.
Ventilation, air conditioning and heating systems require regular maintenance for them to work efficiently. You’ll likely need tune-ups and repairs for them at some point during their lifespan. However, no matter how much preventative maintenance you put into your HVAC system, there comes a time when repairs aren’t enough anymore and it’s time for a replacement.
A full AC or heating system replacement can be costly. Therefore, you’ll want to consider if your old system is on its last breath before having it replaced. In many circumstances, you can have your AC system or furnace repaired to enable it to run effectively.
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When to Consider Replacing Your HVAC System
Besides evaluating and weighing the above factors in deciding whether to repair or replace your HVAC system, take a look at these five signs which could indicate a replacement is in order:
1. You’re Seeing More Dust Accumulating in Your Home
Your HVAC unit not only cools and heats your home, but also provides ventilation. When your system runs efficiently, it improves the air quality in your home by eliminating things like:
- Dust
- Debris
- Dirt
- Dander
It also keeps the humidity in your home under control. If you begin noticing more dust accumulating in your home and higher humidity levels than you previously experienced, it could indicate your AC unit isn’t efficient enough and may need a replacement.
2. You’re Hearing Strange Noises
A well-maintained AC unit and furnace should run fairly quietly. As your system starts getting older, you may begin hearing strange sounds like squealing or grinding. You’ll want to have your technician come in and inspect your unit if you start hearing unusual sounds.
3. You’re Smelling Unusual Odors
The same goes for unusual smells. While an odd smell coming from your AC unit could just be dust burning off, it could also be things like mold in your ducts or wiring melting. It could also be something even worse. You need a proper inspection to determine if it’s time to replace your system.
4. Your Energy Bills Continue to Increase
Although you’ll experience energy cost changes during different seasons, overall, your bill should be relatively similar each month during off-season times. An energy bill continuing to increase is a common indication your system needs servicing or replacing.
The efficiency of your unit eventually declines with age, which makes it essential to have it serviced regularly — at least once a year. Your AC unit’s lifespan will increase with regular maintenance and continue to run efficiently. However, as it gets older, you might need to replace it.
5. You Feel Uncomfortable in Your Home
If you’re finding it difficult to keep your home cool or warm, it could mean a couple of things:
- You have an incorrectly sized unit or an improperly functioning unit.
- It may be a sign of aging.
Either way, you want your HVAC unit to do what it’s supposed to. If it’s not going to cool down your home or warm it when you need it to, you may want to consider a replacement. Older HVAC systems, as they age, naturally begin to struggle to maintain a consistent temperature in your home. This could be due to numerous issues like:
- An inaccurate thermostat
- A damaged thermostat
- Clogged filters
- Motor damage
- Cracked ducts
- Low fluid levels
Inconsistencies in temperature usually mean your AC unit isn’t powerful enough anymore to cool your home or you have improperly-installed ductwork. Regardless, if you decide to keep your AC system to save money, you’ll only end up living in an uncomfortable home environment. You’ll also continue to see your energy bill grow.
A Word on Air Leaks
Before investing in a new HVAC unit, you may want to check your home and HVAC unit for expensive air leaks. An air leak could be what’s causing the issue with your HVAC system and will likely be less costly than replacing it.
Also, have an energy-efficiency professional come to your home and perform an energy assessment. This assessment could be either conducting a walk-through of your home with a clipboard or performing a thorough audit, pressurizing your home with a blower-door test to detect energy leaks. You may qualify for state discounts or rebates to have insulation installed in your home. Some utility companies also subsidize the cost of these energy efficiency assessments.
Since sealing leaks and insulating your house properly will help your HVAC system operate more efficiently, you might find you don’t need a replacement yet. However, if you do get a new unit, it can be sized accurately to help it run more efficiently, saving you a lot of money on upfront expenses and future energy bills.