Do You Need an HVAC Replacement or Repair?
Is your HVAC system not working? It’s difficult to know if you need an HVAC replacement or repair. Click here to know the difference and know what you need.
Your HVAC system is one of the most expensive (and vital) parts of your home when it comes to your comfort. Are you worried about your system?
In fact, more than half of your energy use is to keep your home cool in the summer and warm in winter.
Did you turn it on and it’s not working properly? Wondering if it’s time for an HVAC replacement? If so, let’s examine if you should just get a repair or prepare yourself for a new HVAC system based on these considerations.
Age of Your System
First and foremost, you need to consider the age of your system. The typical air conditioning unit has a lifespan of about 12 to 15 years, while furnaces have a life span of 16 to 20 years. Of course, this can vary based on the unit and if you completed regular maintenance.
If your equipment falls in these ranges, your HVAC life expectancy is almost to its end. Prepare yourself for additional repairs if you do not replace it, so you need to weigh the cost of additional repairs in the near future.
Cost of Repair
You definitely need to consider the overall condition of your HVAC system and your return on investment with repair costs. If your system performs well and rarely needs to be repaired, you may be able to repair the problem.
However, the cost of repair matters.
As a general rule of thumb, if the cost of repair is more than half the cost of a new one, it’s time to replace your HVAC system for a newer, more efficient version.
There are some items that can be repaired easily while others can break the bank.
If your air conditioner is not running and the repair is one of the following you may be able to go with the repair for now:
- Failed capacitator
- Blown fuse
- Blown transformer
- Low refrigerant levels (as long as it is not a serious leak)
- Clogged condensate line
If your furnace has one of these issues, you can probably repair:
- Dead blower capacitor
- Cracked heat exchanger
- Bad inducer drafter motor
- Improperly calibrated equipment
If the compressor on your air conditioner fails and is out of warranty, this repair is costly and you should replace the system.
Also, if your unit uses R-22 refrigerant and has a leak, you need to get it replaced. The EPA has stopped the production of HVAC systems that use R-22, and the price to replace R-22 is really high.
Having your systems serviced regularly will help them perform better and can help prevent larger issues. Your technician can find smaller problems before they become bigger problems.
Along with the cost of repair, you also need to consider the frequency. If your system needs repairs often, it’s time to consider getting a new system. You won’t have to worry about the next repair.
Cost to Run
Are your utility bills high? If so, this may mean that your systems are not efficient, and they are costing your more to run in the long run than having a newer, high-efficiency system.
As systems age, they require more power to run and provide the same warm or cool air. Parts begin to wear and show their age. Check the energy rating on your system.
The new technology allows systems to use less energy, which can save you anywhere from 30 to 50 percent on your utility bills. Look for an ENERGY STAR appliance to maximize your savings.
Ready to Replace One Unit
If you are getting ready to replace either an old furnace or air conditioner, you may want to replace the other at the same time if it is also older even if it still works well. You may need to replace the other soon anyway.
By replacing at the same time, you can save on the cost of labor, and you can get systems that work well together.
Quality of Air in Your Home
You may also want to consider the quality of your home’s air. Depending on the issue, would the repair help the quality of air? For example, you don’t want leaks to get into your ductwork and into your indoor air.
HVAC systems also impact your home’s humidity. If your home is overly humid during the summer, a new air conditioner can help reduce the moisture. An efficient unit will help reduce mold or mildew growth, and ultimately, improve your indoor air quality.
Conversely, if your home is extra dry during the winter, the humidity is too low.
Check Out Rebates for HVAC Replacement
If you are worried about cost, you can check out rebates and tax credits. You may be able to get local rebates from your utility companies since the new units use less energy. You should also ask about possible tax savings.
How Long You Plan to Stay in Your Home
If you plan on selling your home soon, you have a couple of considerations. You may be able to repair the problem. However, replacing the unit could be a good sales incentive for future buyers. Again, you have to weigh the return of investment on your repair.
You should get your real estate agent’s opinion on how much a new system would impact the overall price of your home, and go from there.
Looking for HVAC Service?
Whether you are looking at HVAC replacement or HVAC system repair, we are here for you. We can help evaluate your system and let you know your options and give our opinion on what makes the most sense.
Keep your home comfortable. It’s your sanctuary. Contact us today; we are here for you and your home.