Replace or Repair?
We’ve all gone through it: After a few decades, despite taking very good care of it, your car simply won’t start anymore.
Even if you did a good job with regular maintenance, and had it serviced whenever necessary, time has simply taken its toll and there’s nothing you can do about it.
In this situation, it might be that there still a way to get it fixed, but eventually, you know that you will need to trade your car in for a new one.
Just like it happens with your car, your HVAC system and plumbing should be regularly serviced, and eventually there will come a point in which they need to be replaced, even if you take good care of both.
When that time approaches, what usually happens is the homeowner starts to wonder about whether they need to get their units replaced or repaired. We get the question all the time.
The truth is there isn’t usually an obvious answer to that question. It all comes down to the type of equipment that you have installed in your home, and the kind of problem you’re having with it. Nevertheless, there are some basic signs which may suggest it is time to replace your cooling and heating system in your home.
High Energy Bills and Frequent Repairs
If you’re dealing with these, it is pretty likely that’s your equipment has become less efficient over time, and it might be a very good idea to get it replaced.
Too Much or Too Little Humidity
If you’re having trouble with humidity, again, it is pretty likely that your equipment has now become inadequate for your home or is operating poorly.
However, this can also be a symptom of leaky ductwork, which can make it too humid during the summer or too dry during the winter.
Strange Noises Coming from Your HVAC System
This can be a sign that your duct system is undersized, or maybe that there is a problem with your cooling equipment’s indoor coil.
Rooms Getting Too Cold or Too Hot
If your rooms are not at the right temperature, your equipment is likely struggling to do its job, which can be caused by inadequate insulation or duct problems.
Too Much Dust
If you’re having problems with dust, you probably need to get your ducts sealed. Leaky ducts pull dust particles from basements, attics, and crawl spaces, and distributes that dust throughout the house.
Boilers and Furnaces That Are Over 15 Years Old
Even if your heating equipment is working properly, it might be a good idea to have it replaced if it’s over 15 years old.
If you get your furnace and boiler replaced, they can be significantly more efficient than your old model. Energy star furnaces and boilers are known to be around 15% more efficient than modern conventional options.
Air Conditioners and Heat Pumps That Are Over 10 Years Old
If you’ve had these appliances in your home for over 10 years, they are probably consuming way more energy than necessary. It can be a very good idea to replace these with higher efficiency units, which will be able to save around 20% on your cooling and heating costs.
After replacing the old equipment, you are going to have a lot of energy savings. This could be the case with hot water heaters, furnaces, air conditioners, and heat pumps. Those made today are much more efficient than older models. Consider choosing products made by EnerGuide or Energy Star if you’re looking to save even more energy.
There are many things that you should take into account when it comes to deciding whether to repair or replace your units. We really recommend that you start by talking to a professional who can assess and service your equipment. They will be able to give you an estimate of the remaining life of your unit.
If your unit has failed or if you’ve been having trouble with it, you can also ask your technician for a price comparison between replacing or repairing it.
A good rule of thumb to use is to replace your equipment whenever the cost of repair exceeds half of its value.
Last but not least, it’s a good idea to try and extend the life of your equipment.
You can do so by keeping track of when your equipment was installed, and what type of regular maintenance it requires. Try and service your equipment in the best possible time, too – for instance, servicing air conditioner equipment in the spring, so that it works at its highest possible efficiency during summer.
It’s also a good idea to keep track of your warranties, and always follow every single manufacturer’s recommendation for your products.
If you’ve been thinking about replacing or repairing your equipment, give us a call today.
At Furlong HVAC Services, we have technicians who are experienced in all brands and models of HVAC equipment, and we are happy to be able to provide you with all the information you need to make the best decision. Contact us today!
