Did you know that there are issues to look out for and signs you should replace your HVAC unit? Effects of climate change, primarily changing temperatures and extreme weather conditions, can be felt first-hand. This has made it increasingly important for homeowners to control the indoor climate. Heating and cooling systems are key installations that enable homeowners to warm their homes during winter, cool indoor temperatures during summer, and improve their indoor air quality.
Unfortunately, even with good maintenance practices and frequent professional air conditioner service, you will have to replace your HVAC system at one point. Old or damaged HVAC units won’t function optimally. They also contribute to increasing energy bills and poor indoor air quality. Here are some of the issues to look for and signs that you should replace your HVAC system.
1. Signs You Should Replace Your HVAC Unit: Aging System
Air conditioners are designed to last between 10 and 20 years. However, the HVAC lifespan depends on various factors. You should start thinking about replacing your HVAC system if it is more than 10 years old. While the system may be working, it is probably less efficient and consumes a lot of energy.
HVAC units manufactured 10 or more years ago use the R-22 refrigerant. This refrigerant is outdated and damages the environment. Upgrading to a new, modern unit reduces your carbon footprint and saves energy bills.
2. Increased Run Time
Increased system runtime is another of the signs you should replace your HVAC unit. You will notice the system starting up frequently or staying on longer before reaching the desired temperature levels. Increased running time often results from damaged coils and failing blower motors. Check these components before replacing the entire unit.
If your blower motor and coils function perfectly, increased running time is a sign that the system cannot efficiently produce sufficient air to regulate your indoor temperatures. Don’t hesitate to order a new unit if the system has the same issue even after repairing these components.
3. Signs You Should Replace Your HVAC Unit: Frequent Repairs
While most individual HVAC parts are replaceable and repairable, these components will wear out eventually, necessitating complete unit replacement. However, not all system components are worth repairing. For instance, replacement is better than repairing if the system motor, coil, or compressor fails. These parts are costly, and the labour required to replace these vital components is high.
While the initial cost of purchasing an entire system might be high, the costs of frequent repair can quickly add up. It’s more beneficial to invest this money in buying a new system. Once you purchase a new system, you should seek professional help during installation to get the most from your HVAC unit.
4. Increasing Energy Bills
While energy costs keep fluctuating, energy bills for the same period should be almost similar. While cold winters or hot summers can temporarily increase your energy bills, high or constantly increasing energy bills is a common sign that your system needs servicing or replacement. As heating and cooling systems age, their efficiency declines.
Endnote
Other signs that you should replace your HVAC unit include the presence of unusual smells, if it produces loud or odd sounds, or if you’ve noticed dust in your home. Air conditioners are among the more costly investments you can make for your home and it’s logical to ensure that you get the most from these systems. However, even with frequent maintenance, you will have to replace your HVAC unit at some point and it’s better to know in advance what the potential signs of the end of HVAC lifespan could be.
Find out where in your home it’s best to position your aircon and how to get more out of your air conditioner.
0
Leave a Reply