When Should I Replace My HVAC System?
Your HVAC system is an important part of your home. You want to make sure that it lasts all year round, keeping you warm in the winter and cool in the summer. But when it stops working, you may be left behind and very uncomfortable in your own home and you need to replace your HVAC system immediately. No matter where you live, you want to make sure that your HVAC system is going to last you a long time.
In many cases, when something does go wrong with your HVAC system, a simple repair is enough to get it back up and running. But as your system gets older, you may find that it is time to consider going with a new system, rather than spending all the money to get it repaired all the time. But with the average cost of a new HVAC system being between $4850 and $9400, you may be wary about picking out a new one.
There are a few signs that you should look for to help you know whether it is time to replace your HVAC system or not. Some of the signs include:
You are Repairing It All the Time
If you have the HVAC technician over all the time to replace a part or repair some of the system, then it may be time to just replace the whole system and get it over with. Even though it can be a big bill, replacing the HVAC system can be more cost-effective compared to making a ton of repairs to it over the next few years. When you replace the HVAC, you will be able to do one big bill and then have peace of mind knowing that the system is going to work well for a long time to come. Compared to a bunch of smaller bills, it may even save you some money on the system as well. You should talk with your trusted technician to figure out whether it is a good time to replace the system rather than repairing it all the time.
Increased Running Time and Inconsistent Temperatures
You may have noticed that your system takes longer to achieve the right temperature for you. It may turn on more often or it unevenly heats and cools the house. These are all signs that the system is not working the way that it should and you need to consider whether it is time to replace it. This one can be hard because sometimes it is just an indication that you need to do routine maintenance. Make sure that you clean the coil on the system regularly and change out the filters each month or so to help the system work to its optimal levels.
Loud Noises as the Reason to Replace HVAC System
You should not notice loud noises out of your system when it is running. There is some humming or light noises when the HVAC system is running, but if you hear something that seems unusual or new, then you need to pay attention. And if there is screeching, banging, hissing, or rattling going on, this is a sign that something is wrong with the system.
First, you should check whether the air filters are clogged and dirty. Sometimes replacing these will solve the problem. Furnaces are likely to make a bit of noise for you and are not completely quiet. But if you have recently repaired the unit and you still hear these unusual noises, then it is time to fix it and maybe look at a new system in your home.
Cracks, Soot, or Rust are Reasons to Replace HVAC System
You may need to take the time to look over the system itself. Do you notice that the furnace is rusting or the coil looks more worn out? Is there more rust or soot around the system than usual? Are there parts of the system that crack? These are major signs that the system is getting older and you may need to work on getting it replaced. It is not uncommon for the cabinet of the furnace to rust if there is some kind of leak in the air conditioner above it. Your first step should be to take a look at the HVAC system to see whether there are any leaks or other problems that are going on with it to avoid issues with the whole system later on.
Energy Bills are Higher
Another sign that you should look for to determine whether it is time to replace your HVAC system is the amount of your energy bills. If you start to notice that your energy bills are higher than usual, it could be a sign that your system is not as efficient as before. This is something to expect with an older unit, if you do not maintain the system, it is possible that it will lose its efficiency faster than before.
A good way to tell whether the system is about to go out or not is to look at some sudden spikes that show up in the HVAC system. These should not be related to intense cold fronts or heat waves that have gone on in that time. If you look at the bill and it is a lot higher than what you were expecting, then this is a sign that you need to get a technician out there to check on the problem. They will be able to take a closer look at the system and let you know whether a simple repair will be enough or if you need a new HVAC system.
When you think it is time to replace your HVAC system, then it is time to contact our team at Egberts cooling and heating. We will come and help you check out your HVAC system to ensure that you will be able to stay cool in the summer and warm in the winter. We can even assist you if it is time to replace your HVAC system and get it working as strong as ever before. Whether you need a repair or the whole system replaced, our team will answer your questions and make sure that you are good to go anytime of the year. Trust us for all of your HVAC system needs.
