Your HVAC system is going to be one of the most important aspects of your home or office. If you take good care of it, then you can keep warm in the winter and cool in the summer. But when it stops working the way that you expect, then it is time to make some changes. If the problem is something minor, then a repair is just fine, and you can work with the right technician to get this done. If the problem is bigger and you have lots of them to fix, then you may want to work with the technician to figure out if it is time to replace the system and get something new.
But how do you determine whether your HVAC system needs to be repaired or replaced? This is a hard decision for most people to make, just due to the expense of getting a new home and some of the work and time that are involved. Let’s take a look at some of the factors that you need to consider to help you know whether it is time to replace your HVAC system or not.
Follow the 5000 Rule
Many people are going to want to try to repair the HVAC system rather than replace it. This is often the less expensive option because you can just replace a pair or do a small repair rather than paying for the whole thing. But if you are leaning to the repair, while not being sure if this is a good idea, you can follow the 5000 rule.
To keep this simple, you will multiply the age of the system by the cost of the repair. If the amount is less than 5000, then you can consider the repair. If it is higher than 5000, then it is time to save the money by doing a replacement. This is a simple calculation, but can save you a lot of hassle on repairing something that is about to die out on you anyway.
Things to Consider When Choosing to Repair or Replace an HVAC System
There are a lot of signs that you can look for to determine if you should repair your current HVAC system or if you are getting closer to needing to replace it. Some of the biggest signs to indicate that a repair is needed include:
The age of the system: Age is going to be important when it comes to whether you should repair the system or not. Most of the time, you can get 15 to 20 years out of the system. While some of the newer and energy-efficient systems can seem enticing to many homeowners, if your unit is under 10 years old, then it is probably best to go with a repair rather than replace it.
The warranty: If the warranty is still good on the system, then going with a repair makes a lot of sense. The warranty will step in and cover the costs of the repair, which can help you save more time for a new one down the line.
History of repairs: If this is the system’s first or second repair in the past few years, then you may want to start saving up for something new, but it isn’t time to replace it yet.
The performance of the system: If you haven’t really noticed that your indoor air quality or the efficiency of the system has gone down, then it is time to consider a repair.
Will you move: If you plan to be in the home for a long time still, then you will want to take a look at whether a replacement would be nice to improve your enjoyment of the property. But if you plan to move soon, then a repair from Rolando’s HVAC may be the best choice.
The efficiency of the system: Newer systems are going to be more efficient compared to some of the older ones. You can check to see how efficient your unit is to make sure that it is able to keep up with your needs.
Does My HVAC System Need a Repair?
There are a few signs to consider when it is time to look at whether your HVAC system will need a repair or a replacement. If there are some issues with the system, getting a technician over there as soon as possible is so important. Some of the signs to look for include;
Weak airflow: If the airflow coming out of the vents is weak, then you will find that the HVAC system is struggling to keep the home hot or cold. This is a problem as it will raise those utility bills through the roof.
Heating and cooling that is uneven: If some rooms in your home get hotter or colder than others, then this is a sign that something is off with the HVAC system.
Strange noises: You may hear a few noises from the system, but they should not be super crazy, either. If you notice banging, clanking, and grinding, then it is time to get it repaired.
Foul odors: You should not get any strange smells from your furnace or air conditioner. Musty ones can be particularly bad because this is a sign that there is some mold and mildew inside the system.
Short cycling: The system should not start and stop constantly. If you find that it is having trouble with this, then there is a lot of wear and tear on the system that needs to be fixed.
You want to make sure that your air conditioner is going to be in good working order for a long time to come. But before you can do this, you need to find the right professionals who will step in and provide you with all the heating, cooling, plumbing, and electrical repair, someone who can answer your questions and make sure that all of the maintenance and repairs are done the right way from the start. When you are looking for the right professionals, trust us at DEAR Services Heating, Air Conditioning, Plumbing, and Electrical Repair to be there to help you out. Contact our team today to get started.
