Your HVAC system is designed to keep the temperature inside your home at a comfortable level no matter what the weather is like outside. To ensure that your system stays in top condition, regular maintenance by a professional technician is needed. But if your unit is already several years old, should you consider a full heating and air conditioning replacement? This depends on certain factors.
Normally, you wouldn’t even consider a replacement if you were sure that your HVAC system was working fine. But sometimes, you might find yourself having a hard time setting your desired temperature on the thermostat or notice that your unit is operating louder than usual. These are just a few of the telltale signs that your HVAC system is in trouble, so there may be times when you need to pay for repairs.
Depending on what your AC repair technician finds, you may only need to pay for repairs to keep your system running in good condition. But if the repairs become more frequent and the costs continue to add up, it may be better to get a full replacement instead. To determine whether you should keep paying for repairs or replace your current HVAC system, you should be aware of these warning signs:
Your HVAC system is too loud when it’s turned on. As we mentioned briefly previously, a loud HVAC unit may indicate the need for it to be checked professionally. Specifically, the noise may be coming from the system itself as it works harder than normal to keep up with the cooling or heating demands of your home. This type of noise also determines what problem your current unit has. For instance, if the noise only occurs when you turn on or shut down the system, the compressor may be the problem. If you hear a loud rattling noise, this is often caused by debris that has gotten caught in the fan blades. As for a grinding noise you might hear, this typically signals that the bearings in the fan motor need lubrication or are in bad condition.
Your unit short cycles. Did you know that purchasing an HVAC system that’s too big or too small can lead to frequent repairs or even a premature breakdown? If you notice that your system turns off and on frequently while it’s running (known as short cycling), it may be too big for your home. Another sign is that your home quickly reaches a comfortable temperature but the HVAC system isn’t able to maintain it.
Finding the right size can be difficult if you don’t work with an experienced heating and air conditioning replacement contractor. They have the knowledge and experience necessary to determine what size system your home needs. They’ll consider numerous factors, such as the number of windows and doors you have, your home’s orientation and so forth.
Your HVAC system Isn’t energy efficient anymore. A steady increase in your monthly energy bills may also indicate a problem with your HVAC system. Keep in mind that your entire HVAC system accounts for around half of your home’s monthly energy consumption. Make sure your current system is at the very least ENERGY STAR certified and that you’re having it regularly maintained by a technician.
If you see a noticeable difference in your bills but you’re not yet sure whether your HVAC system is the culprit, you can always have it inspected by a trusted AC repair technician. There could be a faulty component that needs to be repaired or replaced, but there are also some components that may be too expensive to address. If this is the case, then it may be time to consider a full replacement.
Depending on the model you choose, many modern HVAC units are as much as 50 percent more efficient than systems manufactured 10 years ago. Heat pumps and furnaces have also become much more efficient in the last decade. If you’re concerned about high energy bills and also don’t want to frequently pay for costly repairs, now’s a great time to invest in a full replacement!
Constant humidity problems. If you’ve noticed that your home’s indoor air is too humid during the summer and too dry during the winter, you may be having humidity problems. This can be the result of your unit operating poorly due to age or a lack of maintenance, but it can be caused by leaky ductwork as well. Make sure that your home’s entire HVAC system is inspected by trusted professionals to ensure that it runs as well as it should.
Your HVAC system is old. Even if your HVAC system checks out and seems to be running fine, some of its components may already be at the end of their lifespan. With regular care and maintenance, most heating and cooling systems typically last around 10 to 15 years, while many furnaces have an expected lifespan of 20 years or more. Occasional repairs are to be expected, but these can become more frequent if the system is 10 years old or older. Maintenance expenses will become more costly to the point that it doesn’t make sense to keep your HVAC system running if the replacement parts become too expensive.
Your HVAC system uses outdated technology. Another reason why many professional AC troubleshooting system experts recommend replacing old HVAC systems is that their outdated technology may affect your home’s comfort and energy efficiency. For example, you might still be using an analog HVAC system that seems to be running fine, but many units also use an ozone-depleting R-22 refrigerant, which was gradually phased out and is now completely unavailable. This is mainly due to innovations and advancements in the HVAC industry, and simply means that this refrigerant will become more difficult and costly to obtain when you need to recharge your old HVAC system.
But it’s also thanks to the industry’s advancements in recent years that modern HVAC systems feature smart and digital technology systems. These are now easier to use and more energy efficient than ever. You’ll also benefit from more modern systems that offer integration with smart home technology like thermostats and zoning systems. This will enhance your home’s indoor comfort, increase its efficiency and help you save money on your monthly energy bills!
Air Products & Services is a top contractor that can provide a trusted, reputable AC troubleshooting system for your HVAC needs. If you live in Tarzana and nearby areas in CA, just call us at (818) 989-2030 or submit our online form.