Should You Repair or Replace Your HVAC System?

Your HVAC system is one of the most essential appliances in your home. In addition to regulating temperatures during cold and hot months, your system is also responsible for circulating fresh air through your home and removing stale, stagnant air.

Even with regular care and maintenance of your unit, there will come a time when parts wear out and you may find yourself in need of possible repair or replacement. How do you know whether what you’re facing is a small fix or a significant issue? The following information will assist you in making a decision as to whether you can tweak your system or should budget for a new one.

Repair or Replacement?

Taking a look at several factors around your HVAC function will reveal whether your HVAC system still has life or if you should prepare to move on. Consider repairing your system if you are experiencing these situations.

Active Warranty

If you have an active warranty on your system, consider making the most out of its extended contract by repairing and replacing smaller components of your system. Sealing up leaky ductwork, replacing a blower fan, or switching out condenser coils are all relatively small fixes when compared to the overall cost of replacement. Make sure you know what’s listed on your warranty coverage and adhere to all maintenance and inspection schedules to ensure that the terms of your warranty are still honored by the company you purchased it from.

Your System Is Still Young

The average age of an HVAC system is 15-20 years with proper maintenance. If your system is not performing efficiently and you’re only five years in, repair may be more beneficial than replacement. A quality HVAC system is designed to work long-term, and parts that fail while relatively new may be covered under warranty. Consult your HVAC professional to see what the best steps are for servicing your unit.

Repairs are Few and Far Between

If your repairs are few and far between, or if the nature of your repairs is minor, then you should consider fixing the issue before it becomes a more significant problem. Repairs will come up from time to time as parts wear out with constant use. Ask your service professional what to expect as you maintain and repair your system so you can budget for upkeep.

Is It Time To Replace?

There will be clear signs that your unit is heading toward complete system failure, especially if you have been staying on top of maintenance and repair. In these situations, it will be much more cost effective and energy efficient to install a newer, more efficient HVAC system in your home. Look for these signs that installation is in the cards for you.

Your Energy Costs Are Climbing

If despite your best efforts, your system is not functioning as intended, you’re likely to start seeing rising energy costs on your monthly utility bills. You may experience higher-than-normal humidity levels in your home and uncomfortable temperatures as your system struggles to keep up with heating and cooling demands. These are signs that your system is getting tired, and it may be time to consider a new installation to save you money and regulate your home more efficiently once more.

Frequent, Costly Repairs

As your system ages, it will become more and more costly to maintain. Larger components of your unit will break, leading to lengthy repair times and big bills that are difficult to justify, particularly as there are new technologies available to you. Having a conversation with a trusted HVAC professional will shed some light on the best steps to take to regain comfortable temperatures and reduce costly upkeep and repair costs.

Potentially Deadly Emissions

As your heat exchanger fails, potentially toxic gases such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide, and sulfur dioxide can leak. These gases can cause everything from minor irritations of the mouth and nose to loss of consciousness and even death. If your HVAC professional sees that you are at risk for these harmful emissions as your furnace continues to degrade, it’s time to consider a complete replacement of your system to ensure your safety.

HVAC Care: We’ll Help You Decide!

Still not sure whether to repair or replace your current HVAC system? Custom Air Inc.‘s committed, caring professionals will provide you with a thorough assessment of your system to determine the best steps for keeping you and your family safe and comfortable. Providing valuable services to clients in Piedmont and beyond, we offer HVAC repair, installation, and tune-ups. Our team also provides indoor air quality assessment, ductwork services, and crawl space encapsulation. We strive to provide HVAC services that work for you, your home, and your budget. Contact us today to set up an appointment with one of our qualified technicians.

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