May 15, 2019
There are 13 cities in the world where you don’t need either AC or heat. The temperature is moderate and comfortable all year round.
However, for everyone who lives in the rest of the world — you either need one or the other (or both) or at least would prefer it.
Chances are you don’t think about your HVAC system too much. When it breaks down, however, it comes very strongly to the forefront of your mind.
Replacing an HVAC system is expensive, though, and something you’d like to avoid if possible. Check out this guide to knowing where you should replace or repair your HVAC system.
Consider the Problem
The first thing you need to do is try to figure out what the problem is. Let’s face it, many people let their HVAC system maintenance slide. They might not do it on purpose, but as long as the system is working fine, they just don’t think about it.
The air filter must be replaced approximately every 90 days for the average suburban household. However, if you have pets or someone with severe allergies lives in the home it is recommended to change it even more often.
Regardless, many people forget and a clogged air filter can make the system work too hard. At first, it may seem like the system is breaking down. Eventually, it will break down so at the first sign of trouble, check your air filter. Chances are a clean filter will take care of the problem.
If it doesn’t you may have to do a little troubleshooting to figure out the problem. Other common problems that can be easily repaired include a worn contactor and a damaged compressor.
Age
Another thing to consider when determining whether to replace or repair your HVAC is the age of the system. The lifespan of HVAC systems vary significantly according to the type of system but it will generally fall between 15 and 25 years (if you kept up with maintenance as you should).
Thus, if your system is already getting pretty old, it may be time to consider putting in a new one. At the very least, start squirreling away a few dollars each month so that you’ll be prepared when it does go out.
Compare the Cost
Of course, it depends a lot on the type of repair that is necessary. If the repair is simple and inexpensive, go ahead and repair it even if the system is aging. Let’s take a look at a simple formula you can use to figure out when a repair is worth it.
Get an estimate for how much the repair will cost. Then times that by the system’s age in years. If the result is less than the cost of a new system, it probably makes sense to simply repair it. However, if the result is more expensive, you’re going to be dumping money into a system that isn’t worth the effort.
For example, let’s consider this scenario. The cost of installing a new HVAC system varies widely. Some factors that influence the cost include the size of the home, location, the type of system, etc. In general, a new system will cost $3,000-$5,000 — and that’s not including installation.
For this example, let’s say that a new system plus installation will cost $7,000. You get an estimate for the repair at $500. If your system is 15 years old then take that $500 and multiply by 15. The result is $7,500. In this case, it makes more sense to buy a new system.
However, let’s look at how that same repair shows up on a system that is only 5 years old. The answer is only $2,500. In that case, you’ll be saving a significant amount of money by repairing rather than replacing.
Repair Frequency
How often is your HVAC system breaking down? The repair might be inexpensive, but if you just made a repair a couple of months ago and another one a few months before that your HVAC system is turning into an unnecessary money drain.
HVAC systems are generally sturdy and should last with nothing more than routine maintenance for many years. If you find yourself having to make repairs even as frequently as once a year then there is something wrong overall with your system.
You also may want to revisit your maintenance schedule. Constantly forgetting to change your air filter can cause damage to the system over time.
A clogged air filter suffocates the system. Imagine trying to do hard physical work with a towel over your face. You’d get tired and worn out pretty quick too.
Rising Energy Bills
Are you noticing your bills creeping up every month even though there haven’t been any rate increases? Many factors contribute to rising energy bills. Aging windows or siding may be reducing the energy-efficiency of your home or an old refrigerator may be gobbling up extra energy.
However, those types of changes will be very slow. Since heating and cooling account for approximately 43% of the average energy bill, increases in this system will have a bigger impact on your overall bill.
Thus, if you’re noticing rising energy bills it is worth checking out your HVAC system to see if everything is up to snuff.
Replace or Repair Your HVAC?
If you’re still feeling a little lost about whether to replace or repair your HVAC system, it’s time to call in the professionals. The friendly, knowledgeable repairmen at Temperature Pro Orlando can give you an honest assessment of your system and what you should do.
Feel free to contact us today to get started!
