Repair vs. Replace

With major home appliances, it can be tough to discern when to stop trying to fix them and start shopping for replacements. There are a lot of things to consider when spending a lot of money on these appliances — especially when you see brand new units with modern technology and the promise of better performance.

We suggest you step back for a minute and follow these guidelines for replacing your HVAC unit.

Age

The agreed-upon age range for HVAC units is between 10-15 years. However, this is not a guarantee. A unit can die out at eight years or live to be 18. But most units fall within an average life expectancy of 10 to15 years.

Be mindful of how old your system is, especially if you didn’t purchase it. As it nears the 10-year milestone, have it checked regularly by an HVAC technician.

Older systems are less efficient and likely lose more energy than a newer system would. This can contribute to higher energy bills, especially as the unit inches closer to retirement.

Age alone is not an indication of needing a new system. It merely means you should start getting prepared and know the associated signals that the unit is no longer functioning at full capacity.

Repair Frequency

A strong signal that it may be time to opt for a replacement is if you’re continually bringing the HVAC technician over for repairs. As units age, parts start to go — such as blower and pilot light.

If you’ve needed repairs several times recently, start to think about whether a replacement would be more cost-effective. Consult with your HVAC technician, who can gauge your system’s efficiency and give you suggestions on whether the repairs are still worth making. As repairs become more frequent, it starts to rival the cost of a new system, but you don’t want to have to lay out that money unless it’s the right time.

Safety Concerns

Safety is a top concern for you and your family, and your HVAC poses inherent, albeit, manageable risks. The most considerable risk is carbon monoxide — a natural exhaust fume created in gas furnaces. If the heat exchanger on the furnace is damaged, it could leak carbon monoxide, posing a health risk to your family. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, poisonous gas that can be fatal if exposed for too long.

If you have safety concerns, consult with your local HVAC technician, who may recommend a unit replacement as the best option.

Looking for Improvements

If your unit is not quite failing but reaching the end of its life, you may be looking to do an upgrade. A new unit is a great way to take advantage of HVAC technology advancements since you purchased your last system.

Newer systems are better equipped for home zoning, connection to smart technology, and are vastly more efficient. Efficiency is a significant benefit when getting a new system. Energy sources lose energy before sending it around your home, whether cold or warm. Newer systems are built to minimize the unit’s energy loss, ensuring that you get up to 98 percent of the energy produced (not including ductwork losses).

Efficiency improvements mean your system won’t work as hard to heat or cool your home, ensuring monthly savings on your energy bill. Setting numbers aside, if your unit is not heating or cooling your home enough, consult with your local technician to see if it needs to be replaced.

HVAC Replacement in Houston

When you choose Smart Air for your HVAC services in Houston, you’re getting years of experience and knowledge that will get the job done right. Contact us today at (281) 809-6444 to learn more about our exceptional service.