The HVAC system is one of the most expensive appliances in your home. It’s a long-term investment for your daily comfort and helps boost your property value. Although HVAC equipment is designed to last long, it will eventually need replacement.
However, before you decide to replace your HVAC system, there are things you should consider if your system needs to be repaired or replaced. This is because you can waste money replacing a new system that only requires some repairs, or you might decide to repair an old system, but the total repair costs could exceed the price of a new equipment. But how do you determine if your HVAC systems need a replacement already? To help you out, here are some things to consider.
The Lifespan Of The HVAC System
Before scheduling a new HVAC installation, it’s vital to consider the age and lifespan of your current HVAC system. A typical HVAC system has a lifespan of about 10 to 15 years, but it can even last longer if properly maintained.
Therefore, if your system is approaching that age and requires frequent repairs, it’s wise to replace the equipment.
However, if your system is below seven years old and no major repairs were done on it, repairing it will be a more cost-effective option. Experts recommend using the ‘rule of 5000’, where you multiply the age of the system by the cost of repairs. If the product exceeds 5000, consider replacing the system rather than repairing it.
For instance, if your repair bills amounting to USD$800 and your system is eight years old, giving you a product of 6400, then it’s more efficient to replace it. However, if your equipment is four years old, applying the same repair cost as mentioned, the product will be 4800. In this case, it’s best to contact qualified professionals like Bonita Springs, FL HVAC Installation for maintenance and check-up.
As your HVAC system ages, its overall efficiency will also be impacted. Older HVAC systems tend to be less efficient than new systems. If your utility bills are increasing, it may indicate that your system is old and needs replacement. In such cases, replacing your old system with an energy-saving model can save you more money in the long run.
Lastly, the changes in the weather will also impact the performance of your HVAC system. Here’s a quick video to learn how to use your HVAC system in different weather conditions:
How Long You’ll Stay In Your Home
Another essential factor to consider is how long you’ll continue living in your home. Replacing your unit is a bad investment plan if you’re planning to move in a few years. Even if your unit is old, avoid replacing it unless there’s a catastrophic failure.
If the system has issues, consider repairing it unless the repairs are too extensive that they exceed the cost of replacing the system. However, if you’re planning to sell your home, investing in a new HVAC system can be a good idea as it boosts your home’s resale value.
Choosing The Right HVAC Contractor
One of the essential factors to consider before replacing your HVAC system is choosing the right HVAC system installer. The service provider you hire can greatly affect the overall performance of your HVAC equipment. Even a high-quality system can’t work efficiently if not installed correctly. With many contractors available in the market, it can take time to land the right one.
Therefore, before hiring any contractor, ask for their licensing, insurance, and certification. If they’re licensed, they’re qualified and authorized to work in your locality. If they’re insured, you won’t be liable for any injury or damage incurred during the replacement process.
You can also consider getting recommendations from close friends and relatives or browsing social media accounts and websites to get reviews and feedback on a wide range of contractors in your area.
Unless you have a contractor you’ve worked with in the past, getting quotations from different contractors is advisable.
The Type Of Refrigerant In Your System
A refrigerant is a substance used in your HVAC system that allows the transformation between gas and liquid and brings out the cooling effect of your system. The type of refrigerant in your system can also determine whether you should replace or repair your system. This is because some models are no longer in use.
For instance, models designed to use R-22 have been banned because the R-22 damages the ozone layer and leads to global warming. This means a system using this refrigerant can’t be refilled or repaired. Therefore, if you’re still using a phased-out refrigerant, it’s essential to replace it with a new model that uses other refrigerants like R-410A, R-32, or R-407C refrigerants to avoid being stuck out without air conditioning in your home.
The Bottom Line
Those are some of the things you should consider before replacing your HVAC system. However, if you’re still overwhelmed by what to look out for before you replace your system, consider seeking professional help.
