For many homeowners, their HVAC system is out of sight, out of mind, until it fails, leaving you shivering in winter, sweating in summer or scrambling to get money to fund the repairs or replacement. Although you want to keep the HVAC system in your Fort Benning, GA, home or business functioning as long as possible, you may need a new one someday. Here are six common signs that it’s time for a replacement.
You Have Used Your HVAC System for Over 10 Years
Energy Star recommends replacing your heat pump or air conditioner if it’s more than 10 to 15 years old. Although durable, an HVAC system’s significant components deteriorate after 10 years, leading to increased repair costs and energy inefficiency.
State-of-the-art technology has enabled manufacturers to produce energy-efficient HVAC systems. Unlike the old models, newer systems have easy-to-use digitized and programmable thermostats, making your home or commercial building smarter.
Increasing Energy Bills
If you notice your cooling or heating bills keep rising every month, but you haven’t changed your daily routine, then it might be time to upgrade your HVAC system. Although energy bills tend to increase or decrease as the seasons change, this increment should not be significantly higher than it was during the same month of the previous year.
A deteriorating HVAC system can be the primary cause of rising utility costs. Its efficiency decreases over time due to normal wear and tear. Thus, if you get unusually high energy costs in a month when you didn’t expect them, it might be a sign that you need to service or replace your HVAC system.
Although regular maintenance, especially changing air filters every month, can help to increase the lifespan of your HVAC unit and keep it functioning efficiently, you will need to replace it at some point. Installing a new high-efficiency air conditioner plus taking other energy-conserving actions could reduce energy use for air conditioning by 20% to 50%, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
Higher HVAC System Repair Costs
It’s okay to have your HVAC repaired when it has a problem. However, if you find yourself emptying your savings account for constant repairs for an ailing system, consider installing a new one.
If the repair estimates exceed what you expected to spend or are greater than half the new system’s price, then getting a new one saves you money. A new heating and cooling system will help you budget wisely and restore comfort to your home or office regardless of the weather.
Unusual Noises
A properly functioning HVAC system should be relatively quiet. If you hear loud, aggressive sounds coming from your air conditioner, then it’s time to consider getting a new one.
Fans, blowers, motors and other moving parts of your HVAC system should work together without squealing or grinding. Unwanted and frightening sounds can alert you to a failing primary motor, coil or compressor.
Poor Air Quality
Beleaguered or old HVAC systems can allow excess humidity, dust and other allergens into your residential or commercial property. Any of these signs may indicate that your HVAC unit is beyond repair. Consider reaching out to a company that provides exceptional HVAC services to inspect your system and help you resolve the problem.
Increased Running Time
In most cases, you will notice that your old system starts up more frequently. Additionally, it may remain on for prolonged periods to reach the desired temperature. This situation can be a result of bad coils and failing motors, so you need to have a technician inspect these parts before you opt for a new installation.
If you establish that your blower motor and coils are in their proper working state, then these signs could mean that your HVAC unit can no longer function properly. Consequently, it needs more time to attain the desired temperature. If your HVAC unit runs for longer than it used to, even after repairs, then it’s time to install a new unit.
You’ll realize your old HVAC system is about to fail when it shows the signs mentioned above. If you believe it’s time to finally install a new HVAC system, reach out to us at Indoors Solution Inc. We’re a full-service HVAC company offering quality services, so we can help you with repairs and maintenance, too.
Image provided by iStock
