We rely on our HVAC systems to keep our homes comfortable through years of changing and challenging weather. You can quickly rack up sky-high energy bills and repair costs without an efficient HVAC. While you can depend on a quality HVAC system for years, they all need replacing eventually.
It can be challenging for homeowners to spot the signs of significant HVAC wear and tear. However, recognizing the signs of an old, worn-out HVAC system will help you understand your system better. Identifying the signs you need a new HVAC system will help you respond quickly when repairs are necessary.
However, after a certain point, you may have to upgrade your system rather than perform repairs. Deciding when you should replace your HVAC system depends on a combination of factors. Before investing in an upgrade, consult with an HVAC professional. Once you recognize the signs of significant wear and get a professional inspection, you can decide if it’s better for you to repair or replace it.
Here are some signs to help you recognize when to replace your HVAC:
1. Your Energy Bills Increase
While everyone expects some energy bill changes as the weather shifts, a sudden, sustained spike in energy costs might mean it’s time for a new HVAC system. A worn-out, inefficient HVAC system will have to work harder to maintain internal temperatures, which uses more energy and drives up your bill.
The longer your system goes without a checkup, the higher your bills will get. Have the HVAC inspected to see if it’s time for a replacement. A new system will lower your energy bills back to what they once were or make them lower than ever before.
2. Your Unit Needs Constant Repairs
Occasional repairs are entirely typical. Every HVAC system will need minor repairs, replacements and tuneups to keep it working at maximum efficiency. However, you should look into a new HVAC system if you’re constantly calling in repairs on your existing one.
An older HVAC system will break down more frequently. Even if you replace the necessary components, the entire system is aging and will need an upgrade. It’s often more cost-effective to replace an aging system than continue repairing it. While a new HVAC system will cost more upfront, constant repair spending will add up quickly. You’ll spend far more time and money trying to keep an old system alive than you would on purchasing a new one.
3. Your HVAC System Is Old
While HVAC systems can last a long time, their expected life span is around 15 to 20 years with good maintenance. They can hold out for longer than their expected life spans, but you’ll increase your savings and comfort by upgrading. New HVAC models are much more efficient and effective than 20-year-old ones. Technology advancements offer improved efficiency through upgrades and smart technology, allowing you to save more energy without sacrificing home comfort.
Spending money on a new HVAC model will improve your home comfort and save you money in the long run. Older models often use more energy to work, driving up energy bills. As they age, they’ll use even more power just to do the bare minimum. If your system is near the end of its life, consider getting a new HVAC to enjoy.
4. Your Home Is Always Uncomfortable
Older, more run-down HVAC systems might consistently keep your house too warm or too cold. While it could just need maintenance, it’s also likely that your older system is no longer powerful enough to keep up with your home’s temperature demands.
If your HVAC system isn’t meeting your temperature needs, you will have to constantly adjust its levels. Constant adjustments might make your HVAC work harder without improving home comfort levels. Additionally, it will increase your energy costs — as the HVAC works harder to keep temperatures where you want them, it will use more energy. A new HVAC will help keep your home at the perfect temperature all year.
5. You Hear Unusual Noises
Are you hearing strange sounds or noticing unusual smells coming from your HVAC system? Strange noises and smells are a sign your system needs immediate inspection. A working HVAC system should make relatively little noise and produce next to no smell. Sudden unusual smells could be a sign of mold or melting wiring. Additionally, strange sounds might mean you’ve got an internal issue with your HVAC.
Contact a professional immediately if you begin hearing sounds or noticing strange smells. They’ll inspect your system and let you know if the issue can be handled with a repair or if it needs a complete replacement.
6. You’ve Neglected Maintenance
Getting and performing routine HVAC maintenance is critical to keeping your HVAC working for years. Failing to maintain your HVAC allows minor issues to grow into expensive problems. You should get your HVAC system professionally inspected once a year to help prevent issues. Additionally, performing regular HVAC checks on your own allows you to catch issues early. The earlier you or a professional spot HVAC problems, the less impactful, expensive and damaging they’ll be.
7. You Have Poor Air Flow
Sometimes, you might notice your HVAC system isn’t pushing air out through the vents. If you put your hands over the vents while the HVAC is working and don’t feel any air, you might need a replacement. Poor airflow makes the house uncomfortable and prevents the HVAC system from working efficiently. Upgrading your HVAC system will eliminate these issues and restore your home’s comfort.
8. You Notice Extra Dust
HVAC systems do more than maintain your home’s temperature — they also help with ventilation. A correctly-working HVAC system will keep your home’s air clean by filtering out dander, dust, allergens, debris and dirt. If you start seeing lots of dust around, your HVAC might not be doing its job. Getting a new model will dramatically improve your indoor air quality and keep dust from collecting around the house.
Upgrade Your HVAC With E.A.C. Heating & Air
With over 30 years of experience, residents in and around Hilton Head can trust the experts at E.A.C. Heating & Air to provide them with quality, lasting HVAC services. Our high-quality, energy-efficient HVAC systems work to keep your home comfortable year-round. At E.A.C., we strive to make essential HVAC services affordable to everyone. Our financing options reduce your utility bills without sacrificing HVAC comfort. If you’re interested in superior HVAC installation services, contact us online today.