[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Even with proper care and maintenance, every HVAC system will eventually need to be replaced. Old or damaged systems can lead to serious problems for homeowners including poor indoor air quality, increased energy bills and decreased reliability during the winter and summer months. If you are not sure whether or not you need to replace your HVAC system, here are some of the signs you need to look for.
1. Your HVAC System Is Over a Decade Old
In general, you should replace your HVAC system every ten to fifteen years. Heating systems and air conditioners are designed to be durable and long-lasting. While minor components should be replaced more frequently, major components wearing down after a decade can lead to costly repairs that make replacing the entire unit a better use of your money. Sometimes replacing one major component now will only temporarily fix the issue and another major component might fail only months down the road.
Are you not sure how old your HVAC system is? Check the indoor and outdoor units to see if there is a manufacture date printed on the label. This date will tell you when the unit was created, so if the date is 10-12 years in the past, you should plan on potentially replacing it soon.
2. Repairs Exceed 50% of the Cost of a New Unit
For both air conditioning units and heating units, once repairs will cost over half of the price of a new unit, it’s a good idea to replace your HVAC system. It is normal to have small repairs over the lifespan of a heating or cooling unit, but as major pieces start to fail and you find yourself spending a great deal to fix them, you can find yourself spending more on repairs over the course of a couple of years than you would on a new unit. The money that you spend today to temporarily fix things could get your HVAC system working now, but there’s no guarantee that another critical and costly part won’t fail tomorrow.
3. Your Home Can’t Maintain a Comfortable Temperature
Old heating and cooling units often have trouble getting a home to a consistent temperature and keeping it there. This can have a variety of causes, including a broken thermostat component, clogged filters, motor damage, or duct damage. Exxel Mechanical Services can troubleshoot the problem with your HVAC system and recommend repairs. Depending on the amount of repairs needed, it could be a more cost-effective route to replace your HVAC system. New systems are designed to heat homes efficiently and maintain the same comfortable temperature in every room.
4. Your Energy Bills Are Climbing
There will always be slight variations month to month in energy costs as temperatures change and inclement weather occurs. However, you should see comparable energy bills from year to year when looking at ranges in the same temperature. If your bills are climbing year after year or suddenly spike, it’s a sign that your HVAC system might be losing its efficacy. As systems age, the parts inside of them can require more energy to do the same amount of work that they were doing before. Over time, this problem can snowball and lead to more and more energy being used. Particularly if you don’t have your system maintained on an annual basis, this might mean it is time to replace your HVAC system.
5. Poor Air Quality
The air quality in our homes is critical to our health and safety, particularly if you are working from home. The HVAC system goes beyond keeping you comfortable and also works to move air throughout your home. If you have a properly functioning HVAC system in good condition, it should improve your indoor air quality by filtering out dust and other debris. If your home has more dust than usual, you have odd smells coming out of your HVAC system or you find that the air is not as fresh as it should be, it’s a sign you should call Exxel Mechanical Services.
6. Freon Refrigerant
Older air conditioning systems might still need to be charged with R-22 refrigerant, which is also known as Freon. In 2010, the Environmental Protection Agency banned the sale and import of any air conditioner and heat pump systems that were pre-charged with R-22. Because R-22 is toxic to the environment, there have been increasing regulations around selling and producing it. Today’s systems do not rely on Freon for the most part, and the supply is dwindling and very costly. Most modern refrigerants are priced around $15 per pound, but the cost of Freon including labor can be $80-100. If your system still relies on Freon, Exxel Mechanical Services is happy to help you weigh the benefits of choosing to replace your HVAC system with something new.
7. Strange Noises
Another one of the big signs that you might need to replace your HVAC system is a furnace that makes strange noises. Whether you hear popping, banging, clanging or rattling, something might be wrong. In many cases, older furnaces make strange noises like these near the end of their lifespans. Additionally, the blower turning on and off often or blowing out cold air could signify that there are age-related issues present. Your heating system and air conditioner should be able to fully turn off before they kick on again later.
Call Exxel Mechanical Services to Replace Your HVAC System
Exxel Mechanical Services is here to support all of our residential and commercial clients and keep their HVAC systems in excellent condition. We can help if you need repairs or to replace your HVAC system. We are always available to help assess your system, provide you with a free quote or come out to restore your heat or air conditioning in the event of an emergency. To learn more or get a free quote, call us at 443-821-1040 or email us at bob@exxelmechanical.com. We look forward to keeping your family comfortable.
