When Should I Replace My HVAC Unit?

You may thank your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system for year-round ease. Your HVAC system keeps you warm in the winter and cool in the summer. In addition to bringing in clean air, ventilation helps eliminate dust and allergens around your home.

What happens when an HVAC system stops performing as well as it should?

Simply put, you and your family will no longer enjoy the same level of comfort inside your home, and you may notice an increase in your utility expenses. Repairing a system may be the answer to an efficiency problem. But sometimes, HVAC system replacement may need to be scheduled.

However, the question remains: how to tell if your HVAC system needs to be replaced or if a repair will solve the problem? Read on to find out the telltale signs that your HVAC system needs to be replaced rather than repaired.

Your HVAC System is outdated

Depending on different factors, a typical HVAC system has an average lifespan between 10 to 20 years. Even though your system is more than ten years old, it may seem to be functioning normally. It has probably become the least efficient and could cost you a lot more money.

Newer HVAC units are much more energy efficient. Due to their excellent efficiency, certain appliances can pay for themselves over time. System performance decreases with age. The more An HVAC unit runs, the more rapidly it degrades. When the cost of repairs, maintenance, and energy bills exceeds the replacement cost, it's time to invest.

You’re spending more on energy bills than normal

Your energy bills are likely to increase when you need more heating or cooling than usual. Temperature extremes in the winter and summer might lead to a temporary spike in energy costs. But what if your energy bills are climbing even though you haven't changed your usage patterns?

The gradual but constant cost increase might cost you a fortune over time. If this describes your situation, it's probably the right time to invest in the HVAC system.

The cost to repair will be greater than or equal to 50% of the cost to replace

If your HVAC system is faulty, the cost of repairs will tell you if you should invest in a new replacement. Experts advise replacing the unit if the repair cost is half or more of the cost of a new system.

Extensive repairs are a sign of an aging unit. It is not an efficient use of resources (time, energy, or money) to cover more than half the price of a new HVAC system.

You are unable to keep your home at a comfortable temperature

Having trouble maintaining a comfortable temperature in your house is a clear sign that it's time to replace your HVAC system. This involves having problems with both cooling and heating your home. It can't remove humidity when it's not working correctly, which might make your indoor environment uncomfortable.

The efficiency of an HVAC system falls as it gets old or becomes damaged. Unproductive machinery is useless since it can't perform its intended function. Homeowners should start considering replacing their HVAC systems when they can no longer maintain a comfortable temperature inside the home.

Bottom Line

If you aren't sure whether or not you need a new HVAC system, we recommend you get expert advice. Your HVAC system can be inspected by a trained professional to see the source of the problem. The expert's recommendation for fixing or replacing your equipment will depend on what they find. If you're still on the fence about whether or not replacement is necessary, getting a second opinion is always a good idea.

A qualified HVAC technician can evaluate your system and possibly find problems you were unaware of. Whether they suggest a complete replacement or repairs, the technician you hired should be able to help you go forward.

The replacement of an HVAC system is not something that you should attempt without professional assistance. Taking apart and reassembling HVAC systems is a complex and often risky task. You should always hire an expert if something needs to be fixed or replaced.