It’s stressful when your HVAC system in Hope Hull, AL, has a problem. You worry how much the repairs will cost or if you need to replace it. Here are seven signs it may be time to replace your HVAC system rather than continuing to sink money into repairs:
Your HVAC System is Past Its Prime
The average furnace has a service life of 15 to 20 years, while you can expect an air conditioner to last 10 to 15 years. As your system nears the end of its expected service life, it’ll need more repairs as its efficiency decreases.
By the time your system has completed its anticipated lifespan, technology will have improved, usually offering improved efficiency. Not only will a replacement save you money on repairs, but it can also lower your energy costs.
Longer Run Cycles
As your system ages, its efficiency naturally decreases. Airflow restrictions throughout the system and malfunctioning components are the culprits. The result is longer run cycles to achieve your set temperature.
Longer run cycles have two primary consequences. First, they increase your system’s operating costs. Second, they add strain to the system and its components, leading to more repairs.
Increasingly Frequent Repairs
Your HVAC system’s components will eventually wear out. While some degrade more quickly than others, all will eventually fail. Therefore, it makes sense that as your system continues aging, it’ll continually need more repairs.
If you’re calling for frequent repairs and your system has not yet reached the 10-year mark, you have another problem. This could be anything from airflow restrictions to an improperly sized system.
Cost of Repairs
As the number of repairs increases, so will the costs associated with them. Just like repairs for your daily driver, there’s a point at which it makes more financial sense to replace your system.
The simple way to determine this is by multiplying the cost of the repair by the age of your system. If the result is more than the cost of a new system, you’re better off replacing it.
For example, if your repair costs $1,200 and your system is 12 years old, that would be $14,400. The average HVAC system costs between $4,000 and $10,000, so it may be the right time to consider that replacement.
Planning to Relocate
Think about how quickly you may want to sell your home, and consider moving up your replacement. One of the considerations potential home buyers have is the major repairs a house will need once purchased. If the HVAC system is more than 10 years old, they know it will be less efficient and need more repairs.
According to the National Association of Realtors, the average return on replacing your HVAC system is about 85%. This ranks third in terms of both what appeals to buyers and the expected return.
Unusual Noises
Another key indicator that it may be time to replace your system is the noises it makes. Aside from the sound of the circulating or condensing unit fan, your system should be nearly silent.
If you hear any loud sounds, they indicate a problem needing attention. On its own, a sound doesn’t necessitate a replacement. However, the problem causing the sound may warrant a replacement based on the cost calculation previously discussed.
Irregular or Neglected Maintenance
Your system needs routine HVAC maintenance to operate efficiently and reduce component failure. Most manufacturers require professional maintenance as a condition of their warranties because this is so important.
If you haven’t kept up with routine maintenance, your components will fail more quickly. This significantly increases the repairs you’ll need.
Your HVAC system is too important to wait for a catastrophic failure before replacing it. Call Air Conditioning by Luquire to schedule your new HVAC installation.
Image provided by iStock
