FAQs to Determine if You Should Repair vs. Replace HVAC
The Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system is among the most expensive and vital parts of a home. This is the reason why homeowners are always in a dilemma on whether to repair or replace the system when it starts to display warning signs. When your heating and cooling system is underperforming, you immediately call your contractor as you are used to repairing the system.
Before deciding whether to repair or replace, you have to consider the cost, health, home comfort, and safety concerns. Let us look at what you should consider before repairing or replacing your HVAC.
The Age of your HVAC system
If you have been using your HVAC system for more than ten years, you should consider replacing it. However, most systems have a lifespan of about 15 years; therefore, if the system is not yet that old and only needs minor repairs, you might be able to get away without replacing it. But, it would be best if you considered the cost of repair vs. using that money towards a new system.
A system that is over ten years old and keeps breaking down should be replaced instead of spending more money on its repairs. Note that when using an older system, you are probably spending more on electricity bills than a newer model would consume. Technology has enabled the manufacturing of modern systems that are more energy-efficient, saving you a significant amount of money on utility bills.
Repairs Cost more than 50% of the Cost of Replacing
If you are still undecided about repairing or replacing your system that is more than ten years old, it will make more economic sense to purchase a new system. All HVAC systems need repairs one time or the other. If your system’s repair cost often costs more than fifty percent of a new system’s cost, go ahead and purchase a new system.
Increased Amount of Dust in the House
Apart from the delivery of heated and cooled air in the home, the HVAC system provides ventilation as well. An efficient system improves air quality inside the house. This is done by removing dust, dirt, pet dander, and keeping humidity levels under control. If, in recent weeks/months, you have noticed more dust in the house than before, it might be a sign that your system has reduced its efficiency in removing dust. It also may mean that you should consider cleaning your air ducts.
Accumulation of dust in the home is a danger to your family’s health as it can cause allergies and asthma. If you have small children or older adults in the house, you should immediately replace the system as they are more prone to acquiring respiratory diseases.
Inconsistent Temperature in the House
An HVAC system that struggles to provide consistent temperature in the home should concern the homeowner. Inconsistent temperature translates to your system being unable to supply conditioned air throughout the house.
Temperature inconsistencies are caused by several factors: low fluid levels, a broken thermostat, clogged filters, cracked ducts, improper ductwork installation, or severe motor damage.
Some of these issues, such as clogged filters and low fluid levels, can be rectified without replacing the entire system.
Contact Icon Mechanical to assess all the parts that are not working and determine if it would be better to repair them or replace the system. Opting to keep using the HVAC system as it is may continue to cause discomfort in your home in addition to increasing your energy bills.
Compare the Cost of Repair vs. Cost of a New System
Get an estimate of a new unit
Credible HVAC installation services will give you an estimate of a new system free of charge. They go further to help you compare different models and their energy efficiency. The estimates will help you determine the real cost of a new system and its savings on monthly utility bills.
Gather your utility bills
Retrieve your utility bills to determine the actual amount you are spending on energy with your current HVAC system. Pick peak summer months and compare them with the months when the AC is not in use and average the amount of a few months from each season. This will reflect the cost of energy consumed by the unit. Compare that with the estimated energy cost of a new unit and project the difference over a few years.
Add up the cost of repairs
You already have an estimate of what it will cost you to repair the HVAC unit. But, if the unit is over five years old, it will probably need another repair within two years. What’s the estimated cost after two years? The estimates will help you know how much you will spend with both options.
With an old HVAC unit, an AC replacement could be better for you. Current HVAC systems have incorporated technology in their manufacture to give you better comfort and safety for your family. The systems promote health as they remove dust and allergens more efficiently than older models. Contact your local HVAC installation service for a quotation on repairs or a new system.