Top Signs That Your HVAC Needs Replacement

There is no such thing as an HVAC that lasts forever. It does not matter if your heating and cooling system is the most expensive or advanced equipment in the world; the fact is it only has a specific time where it still can function efficiently. This means that after that time, you need to have it replaced.

(photo credit: OasisHeating.com)

Both the U.S. Department of Energy and majority of manufacturers and leading brands of heating and cooling equipment agree that you need to replace yours at the end of its expected service life. That end is from 10 to 15 years for air conditioning systems while furnaces and boilers are to last from 15 to 20 years. But that’s not the only contributory factor. Sometimes, you might have to replace your HVAC for other reasons other than its age.

This is what we’re trying to discuss in this post. Let’s start with Angie’s List suggestions in the article “Is It Time to Repair or Replace My Air Conditioner?”

Consider the age of your A/C

The age of the unit plays a critical factor, highly rated HVAC technicians say.

“We use a 5,000 rule,” says Brad Wentz, owner of Buckeye Heating & Cooling in Worthington, Ohio. “You take the age of the equipment and multiply that by the repair cost. If the number is more than $5,000, then you should consider replacement. For example, a 10-year-old unit with a $350 repair equals $3,500. It’s OK to repair.”

Energy Star recommends upgrading to an energy-efficient unit if your current A/C is 10 or more years old. Many HVAC technicians say they typically recommend replacing units if they are 15 years or older, while Jeren Hamlin, owner of Airtech Heating & Cooling in South St. Paul, Minnesota, says the average lifespan of an A/C unit is about 14 years.

In Thomas’ case, HVAC experts say she should replace the unit because of its age and cost of the repair. (She decided to buy a fan, by the way).

Read this article here.

As we mentioned in the beginning of this post, the most important consideration is really the age of your system. It won’t do you any good if you stick to something that is already consuming twice as much electricity or energy.

This time, let us see this very valuable set of information from a leading authority in energy use, EnergyStar.gov:

Your equipment needs frequent repairs and your energy bills are going up.
Your cooling or heating equipment my have become less efficient.

Some rooms in your home are too hot or too cold.
Improper equipment operation, duct problems or inadequate insulation could be the cause.

No one is home for long periods of the day and you do not have a programmable thermostat.
Install a programmable thermostat or have a good contractor install one and instruct you on its use — to start saving energy and money while they’re away or sleeping.

Your home has humidity problems.
Poor equipment operation, inadequate equipment, and leaky ductwork can cause the air to be too dry in the winter or too humid in the summer.

Your home has excessive dust.
Leaky ducts can pull particles and air from attics, crawl spaces and basements and distribute them throughout your house. Sealing your ducts may be a solution.

Your heating or cooling system is noisy.
You could have an undersized duct system or a problem with the indoor coil of your cooling equipment.

Your score on the Home Energy Yardstick is below five.
That means your energy use at home is above average and you’re probably paying more than you need to on energy bills.

Article source here: https://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=heat_cool.pr_checklist_consumers

Those things above essentially sum up the most common reasons or signs that a replacement is indeed the only option for you. Remember that most of them aren’t really your fault because any equipment will deteriorate and cease to function when they’ve been used to their maximum ability and life.

(photo credit: AngiesList.com)

Finally, in this article called “6 Signs That Your Air Conditioning System Is In Need Of Repairs,” from Home Warranty Reviews is on the sound and odor. It means that if you smell something that’s new and hears something that seems not right, then it likely means your HVAC may be broken or it may be nearing the end of its life.

Strange Sounds

Squealing, grating, grinding sounds from your air conditioner might be a sign that you need a replacement unit. These noises imply that something is wrong inside the unit. Failure to service the unit could result in a pricey breakdown.

A squealing noise means that the belt has slipped out of place. It may also indicate that a metal component in your air conditioner requires more lubrication. A grinding sound may mean that your motor’s bearings are broken.

Strange Odors

Pungent or foul smells from your air conditioning vents normally means that your conditioner’s wire insulation has burned out. Musty smells generally indicates that there is mold inside your unit or ductwork which must be taken care of without delay.

In order to keep away from these issues, it is important to maintain your air conditioning system habitually. It is a costly appliance and must be cared for to add to its lifespan and lessen the need for pricey repairs.

Even if your unit doesn’t need replacement, getting it repaired or serviced can boost up its efficiency and save you money.

Most repairs on air conditioners are quite simple, but homeowners frequently avoid calling a technician as they fear a large bill. In case your AC unit is new, you may find that the repair is covered under a manufacturer’s warranty. Even if it is not, it is good to fix a small problem quickly than to delay and let it grow into a larger problem.

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Armed with all those signs we talked about, you now have a clearer perspective as to the status of your heating and cooling system. While you may have what it takes to see the signs, it is a lot better to call in an HVAC professional to help you assess your situation. A reliable HVAC company will tell and explain to you if it’s really time to have your equipment replaced.