Are you spending more money on heating and cooling than you should? Then it might be time to evaluate your current HVAC unit. A poor running, inefficient unit could be costing you way more than you think. Here are a few things you should take a look at that will help you to determine whether you should replace your HVAC unit or not.
Knowing When to Replace Your HVAC Unit
If your current HVAC unit is several years old and has recently been breaking down, it might be time to consider buying a new one rather than to keep paying for repairs that are more of a waste of money than anything. As you’re looking over an HVAC system guide to help determine what to look for in your new unit, it’s also a good idea to brush up on the signs you need to upgrade to an entirely new unit rather than consider repairs.
Age
You know HVAC units aren’t meant to last forever, but how long should they last? Usually, an air conditioner only lasts roughly 20 years and furnaces 15, but that can vary according to the brand and how well you take care of your unit. Rather than wait a full 20 or 15 years before shopping for a new unit, do yourself a favor and start saving up for a new unit when your air conditioner is only 17 years or when your furnace is 13. This gives you plenty of time to save up and shop for a quality replacement without worrying about going without central heating and air during the coldest and hottest months of the year.
Poor Energy Efficiency
HVAC units that are more inefficient rather than efficient are often more costly than they have any right to be. Even if your unit isn’t all that old, it could come with the costs of an older unit. You can have an HVAC professional perform an energy assessment on your home to let you know for sure just how efficient your unit is. If you learn your HVAC system tips more towards the energy-wasting side of the scales, you might be better off cutting your losses and buying a new system, or at the very least looking for methods to improve efficiency as much as possible without having to purchase a new unit.
The Temperature Throughout Your House Is Uneven
Do you find that some rooms in your home are colder or hotter than others? The root of the problem could be that you have issues with your ducts, equipment has malfunctioned or you don’t have the insulation necessary to remain comfortable inside your home. Before buying a new unit, make sure you know for certain why some rooms are running hotter or colder; doing so ensures you address the exact issue rather than spend money on a brand new unit you might not actually need.
You Have a Coolant Leak
If an HVAC technician informs you that your unit is leaking coolant, it might be time to start looking for a replacement. This is because coolant leaks often lead to compressor failure, which can cost a couple thousand dollars to repair, and it can cost another thousand dollars to take care of the leak and replace the coolant. You’re much better off putting that money towards the cost of a new unit that doesn’t leak and has a brand new compressor.
Your System Is the Wrong Size
Sometimes, homeowners have units that are too small or too big for their homes, which can lead to insufficient heating and cooling. Unfortunately, to keep from spending more than necessary on future heating and cooling bills, and to keep from burning out your poorly sized unit too quickly, you might have to buy a brand new unit. It might also be possible to exchange the oversized unit for one that’s better suited for the size of your home.
While buying a brand new HVAC unit might be the last thing you want to spend your hard-earned money on, doing so could save you a lot more in the future. Use these tips and work with professionals to decide on your best option.
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Very well detailed. Couldn’t agree more on this post! Great!