When Should I Replace My HVAC System?

You count on your HVAC system to keep your Florida home comfortable all year round. So what happens when the equipment stops performing as it should? Is it best to repair or replace it? The answer depends on several factors. If you decide to replace your equipment, be sure to make your selection carefully. Then, add years to your heating and cooling system’s lifespan with preventive HVAC maintenance.

HVAC Repair vs. Replacement

It’s almost always best to consider an HVAC repair first. However, your technician may recommend a replacement based on the answers to the following questions:

• Is the system getting old? The average lifespan of an HVAC system is 10 to 20 years, depending on usage and maintenance history. If the equipment is malfunctioning and it’s over a decade old, you might be better off replacing it.
• Are your energy bills on the rise? Increasing energy rates are partly responsible for rising utility bills, but inefficient HVAC equipment is also to blame. Compare your statements from the past few years and see if your energy usage is steadily growing. This could indicate poor furnace and air conditioner performance, meaning you should put your money toward a new, high-efficiency system instead.
• What is the repair cost? If your HVAC technician estimates that a pending repair will cost half or more of what a new system would cost, they may recommend replacing it. This is especially true if your system is old and expensive to operate.
• How many repairs have you paid for recently? Your HVAC equipment shouldn’t break down multiple times a year. If you have already paid for a repair this season, it could be time to stop throwing good money at bad.
• Are you having any home comfort problems? Everything from high humidity to uneven temperatures to excessive dust could signal a significant heating and cooling problem. Sometimes, installing new HVAC equipment is the only way to combat these issues.

Factors to Consider When Replacing Your HVAC System

If you determine an HVAC replacement is in your best interest, consider these factors when selecting a new unit:

• Upfront cost: The first thing most homeowners consider is the sticker price. When comparing costs, be sure to take efficiency, size, and fuel type into consideration.
• Efficiency rating: HVAC energy efficiency affects how much you’ll spend on utility bills for at least the next decade. That’s why it pays to invest in high-efficiency equipment that will lower your energy bills. Your HVAC contractor can help you work out the payback period for different efficiency ratings.
• Utility rebates: Some energy companies offer incentives to customers who upgrade to more efficient systems. Contact your utility provider to see what rebates you may qualify for.
• System type: Should you opt for a traditional furnace/AC combo or invest in a heat pump? The answer depends on the climate where you live, what fuel you prefer, and the type of system you already have. Your HVAC contractor can help you make a cost-effective decision.
• System size: Sizing an HVAC system correctly is critical for home comfort and energy efficiency. HVAC contractors use formal load calculations to determine the best size based on home orientation, square footage, climate, air infiltration rates, insulation levels, interior heat gain, and other factors.

Extend the Life of Your HVAC System With Preventive Maintenance

Whether you decide to install a new heating and cooling system or repair your existing equipment, you can help your investment last longer with HVAC preventive maintenance. This important service involves inspecting, testing, and cleaning various components, which allows everything to run smoothly and efficiently. Maintenance visits also give your technician a chance to find and fix minor problems before they become major headaches.

Just like changing the oil in your car, routine HVAC maintenance can reduce breakdowns, improve performance, and add years to your system’s lifespan. As a result, the reasonable, predictable HVAC maintenance cost is well worth the investment.

You can save even more by signing up for an HVAC maintenance plan from a trusted HVAC contractor. Certified Climate Control offers three main plans, all of which include two 24-point tune-ups per year, priority service, duct sanitization, and no overtime fees for after-hours emergency service. Other benefits include repair discounts, system replacement credits, and free HVAC peripherals.

Schedule HVAC Services

Looking for HVAC installation, maintenance, repair, or replacement near Orlando? Turn to Certified Climate Control. We’re qualified to work on HVAC systems of all kinds and operate as a preferred dealer for Daikin, Bryant, and other leading HVAC brands. We also retain an A+ rating with the BBB and have won the Super Service Award nine years in a row. Contact us today to schedule reliable HVAC services in Orange, Seminole, or Volusia County, FL.