Did you know that heat-related illnesses tend to be higher in small urban and rural areas than in urban centers, according to recent data from the Public Library of Science (PLOS)? And to think that a crisis could’ve been averted if a person had known when to replace their HVAC system.
Homeowners and businesses: especially in Sarasota, Florida, keeping your cool is paramount. But, we get it. How do you know when to replace an HVAC system versus make a small repair?
If you’re wondering to replace an HVAC system, you’ve come to the right place. Join us!
In this article, we’ll highlight five tell-tale signs that an HVAC system needs replacing, as well as other helpful answers to any HVAC system-related questions you may have.
Let’s dive in.
5 tell-tale signs that an HVAC system needs replacing
| 1. Utility bills climb 2. Temperatures are uneven throughout the house 3. The HVAC system is running nearly day and night 4. The HVAC system is more than 15 years old 5. You spend a great deal of money on repairs |
1. Climbing utility bills for an HVAC system
While spending more money on utilities when you’re trying to cool a home is normal, the bill shouldn’t be a great deal higher than it was in the same month last year.
If you notice your utility bills rising more than usual, the issue could be with the HVAC system itself. Build-ups of dirt and corrosion on the inside of the unit could cause the loss of efficiency (and therefore the rising cost of utilities).
Expect that an air conditioner and heater unit will lose about 5-10% of its efficiency as it ages. That’s normal.
But if you see a drastic peak in the cost of utilities, you’ll want to reach out to an air conditioner repair and maintenance specialist. If you need extensive repairs that could exceed the HVAC unit’s value, you might be better off replacing the unit outright.
2. Your HVAC unit produces uneven temperatures in your home
Picture this: you’re moving through your kitchen and cooking in a cool, temperate environment. But, as soon as you go to your bedroom, the room feels like a sauna.
The temperature can’t possibly be ten degrees cooler on one part of the home than the other. The issue is likely the heating and cooling system.
If you notice your HVAC unit cooling part of your home cool but not the other, you may need to replace the unit. Sometimes, air conditioning systems run in short cycles, causing the system to turn off.
As a result, humidity remains, meaning that certain parts of the home feel warmer or stickier than others. Also, if the home’s temperature is inconsistent throughout the house, the issue could be with the airflow through the ducts.
Since ducts carry warm and cool air to each area in a home, if the ducts become clogged or dirty, they’re likely to be less efficient. To keep your home comfortable, consider annual maintenance on your AC unit or investing in a new HVAC system outright.
3. The air conditioner (and/or heater) run near day and night
During the blistering hot summers and cold winters, a cooling and heating unit may work overtime to keep a home comfortable. But, if you notice that the HVAC system won’t turn off on a mild day, you may want to consider the cost of a new air conditioning and heating unit.
Likewise, the culprit could be dirt that’s clogging the system, compressor issues, or needed ductwork.
Though the unit might be working well with a repair, consider the cost of a new, energy-efficient HVAC system as an alternative to an HVAC repair.
4. Your HVAC system is 15 years or older
The reason we say 15 years is because most HVAC systems last about 15 years. In fact, some HVAC units last 20 years or more.
The longevity of an HVAC system depends on how well the system has been installed and maintained over the years.
If you have an older HVAC system — and you notice that it’s on its last legs — you may want to replace your HVAC system. Purchasing a new HVAC system may even save you money in the long run versus repairing the system time and time again.
5. You’re spending a great deal of money on repairs
Speaking of repair work, if you find your AC unit isn’t blowing cold air — and you’re repairing your HVAC system time and time again — you might want to consider replacing it.
Keeping an HVAC system running means conducting repair work at least once a year. Some repairs — like capacitor replacements — are cheaper than others.
For example, coil or compressor replacement costs a pretty penny. A clogged air filter change? Not so much.
If you find that the cost of the HVAC repair exceeds what you had in mind, you might want to consider replacing your home’s HVAC system.
Pro tip from the Straightforward Professionals
Have you been considering a new HVAC system? Many air conditioning repair contractors offer end-of-the-year specials.
You can find huge discounts on Energy Star-certified air conditioners among other A/C units with your local HVAC pro. Ask us about our end-of-the-year specials.
We have tons of discounts on new Carrier systems, A/C units, and much more. To see what our new HVAC systems look like post-installation, feel free to browse photos of our new HVAC installations on our Facebook page.
Need a hand with HVAC unit repairs?
In summary, if you notice you’re forking over a hefty chunk of change for repairs, your HVAC system is creeping up there in age, and the temperature isn’t holding steady throughout your home, you may want to consider installing a new HVAC system.
Also, if your unit is almost always running or resulting in higher utility bills, you’ll want to call an HVAC professional to troubleshoot the source of the issue.
For all things HVAC installation, maintenance, and repair-related, reach out to the Straightforward Professionals at Streamline Heating and Air. We’d be happy to show you our everyday low-priced, top-quality HVAC systems.
To get started on your new HVAC system — or to learn more about our HVAC services — reach out to us today at (941) 356-6872 or office.streamlineac@yahoo.com.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about HVAC system replacements
What are some other signs that it’s time to replace an HVAC system?
You know it’s time to replace an HVAC system when you see these issues with your HVAC system:
- Your home has humidity problems.
- Your home is filled with excessive dust.
- Your HVAC system is noisy.
What are some common repairs needed on an HVAC unit?
When an HVAC system malfunctions, repair work can range from a simple parts replacement to a complex overhaul. Some HVAC components tend to cost more than others.
Some of the most common HVAC parts needing replacing include:
- Thermostats
- Ignition mechanical parts
- Fans
- Freon
- Filters
If your HVAC unit is acting up, contact an HVAC pro to troubleshoot the issue. They can provide you peace of mind and straightforward solutions to your home’s climate-related issues.
How do you know whether to repair or replace an HVAC system?
The answer isn’t always easy. But, in general, you want to consider whether the cost of the repair is more than half the cost of a new unit.
If the cost of repairs is more than the new unit, you’ll want to replace the unit. You can also use 5,000-rule.
Multiply the cost of the repair by the age of the unit (in years). If the number is larger than $5,000, you may want to consider replacing your HVAC unit.
If the cost is less than $5,000, you can opt for repair work.
