The Dos and Don’ts of HVAC Replacement
Your HVAC system is one of the most important systems in your home. As a homeowner, you have to make sure it’s well-maintained to keep you and your family comfortable. Eventually, however, your system will reach the end of its serviceable life, at which point you’ll need to invest in a heating and air conditioning replacement.
Here Air Products & Services, your trusted professional HVAC company, explains the importance of HVAC replacement and provides some dos and don’ts to keep in mind when looking for new home comfort equipment.
Why You Should Consider HVAC Replacement
It can be difficult to tell whether your appliance needs repaired or replaced. In some cases, your technician may suggest heating or AC troubleshooting system services instead. To help you make an informed decision, here we share two signs that you need to upgrade your HVAC system:
- Aging – The average lifespan of your HVAC system is about 15 years. With proper maintenance, it can last even longer, depending on the unit you have at home. For air conditioners, it’s about 10 to 15 years, while furnaces can hold out a little longer than that. An old system that’s not functioning properly won’t run as effectively as before, and may even cause your monthly bills to rise significantly. If your system is nearing the end of its lifespan, it’s time to invest in a new unit for continued comfort.
- Poor air quality – The purpose of your HVAC system is to manage your home’s indoor air quality. It also plays a role in keeping indoor humidity in check and filtering out small particles. If your current system no longer functions properly, an HVAC replacement is the best solution. It’s also important to note that today’s systems offer add-ons such as home dehumidifiers, air purifiers and air filters to combat harmful indoor contaminants.
The Dos and Don’ts of HVAC Replacement
Once you’ve decided to replace your outdated, damaged HVAC system, it’s time to choose your heating and air conditioning replacement. Many factors come into play when replacing your system. To ensure you make the right decision, below we’ve shared some dos and don’ts you need to remember.
- DO prepare a budget ahead of time. When buying a new HVAC system, be sure to prepare a budget ahead of time. Energy-efficient units may be more costly upfront, but they can help you save money on your monthly energy bills in the long run. You may also want to get in touch with a local HVAC technician to get an accurate estimate. Consider the installation and equipment pricing carefully when evaluating the estimate.
- DON’T focus exclusively on the price. In addition to preparing a budget, remember that price isn’t the only factor that should dictate your decision to buy a new HVAC unit. It’s only one part of the equation that determines the overall lifetime cost. You must also consider the maintenance and operating costs, as well as the heating and AC repair costs in the coming years..
- DO know the correct size. You may think it’s smart to choose a large HVAC system for greater efficiency. In reality, however, a system that’s too big is less effective at keeping your home comfortable. The size of the HVAC system should be based on the square footage of your home. For instance, a two-ton system can provide climate control for up to 1,400 square feet of space, while a five-ton system can cover a space of 3,300 square feet. Thus, it’s best not to over- or underestimate the size of your system.
- DON’T forget to consider energy efficiency. As previously mentioned, energy efficiency is an essential factor to consider. Not only will this help lower your monthly bills, it will also greatly affect your HVAC system’s ability to keep your family comfortable. When choosing an HVAC replacement, look for ENERGY STAR®-rated products and the seasonal energy efficiency ratio, or SEER. A SEER of 13 is the minimum, while a SEER of 16 or above is energy-efficient.
- DO test the new system. It’s better to be safe than sorry. Although your system will most likely operate as it should, it’s best to test your new system to ensure it’s in sync and running efficiently. Before your technician leaves, they should also show you how to use it properly and provide maintenance tips. This way, you’ll fully understand the correct operation of your new HVAC system.
- DON’T wait for repairs. Many homeowners put off heating or AC repairs in an effort to save money. However, this isn’t as cost-effective as one might expect, and it can even potentially be dangerous. Repeatedly ignoring damage to your HVAC unit may cost more in the long run and put it at risk of a total breakdown. Contact an HVAC professional as soon as possible to determine whether it can still be repaired or a total replacement is needed.
- DO ask questions. An HVAC replacement project is a significant investment. To ensure that you’re spending your money on something worthwhile, remember to ask your technician questions. For instance, you may want to ask how long it will take to install the unit, as well as find out about the warranty or maintenance plan of your new system. You should also inquire how long the unit should last and if it’s ideal for your region’s climate.
- DON’T try to do It yourself. It can be quite tempting to save money by installing your new HVAC system on your own. However, this is a bad idea. HVAC installation is an extremely complicated process, and even the most knowledgeable DIYer can make serious mistakes. Without proper installation, a top-quality HVAC system will be rendered useless and won’t perform as it should.
- DO hire a trustworthy HVAC company. Instead of installing your new system on your own, you should hire an experienced, reputable HVAC company such as Air Products & Services to ensure your HVAC replacement project is successful. Our expert technicians will make certain that your new system is installed properly to maximize efficiency and increase the lifespan of the equipment.
Here at Air Products & Services, we’re determined to assist homeowners with their HVAC needs, including heating and AC troubleshooting system services. Call us today at (818) 989-2030 or fill out our contact form to set up an appointment. We proudly serve homeowners in Tarzana, CA.