When Should You Replace Your HVAC System?
HVAC systems aren’t built to last forever, and homeowners need to decide when to retire an old system in favor of a newer model. However, since a brand-new HVAC system and installation will require a substantial budget, some owners opt for repairs until the bitter end. While we thoroughly recommend repairing systems when possible, it might be better to install a replacement in some cases.
If your current HVAC system is on the fritz, use this guide to determine when to replace it.
Age of the system
Energy Star has released a simple rule of thumb to assess whether HVAC systems are profitable to repair. AC units over ten years old and furnaces that are more than 15 years old are ripe candidates for replacement. If the system is working relatively flawlessly and doesn’t need any repairs, homeowners can still use them. However, ACs generally don’t last longer than 15 years, and any repairs on an older model are often fruitless.
Homeowners also need to consider how much their old systems cost them (higher utility bills and routine maintenance). There have been significant improvements in the industry in recent years, and newer models require less power to run. Therefore, they are much more energy and resource-efficient. The decrease in monthly bills could easily make up for the costs of replacing and installing a new HVAC system.
Older HVAC systems also use the obsolete R-22 refrigerant, which depletes the ozone layer and is a potent greenhouse gas. Newer HVAC models in the USA and across Europe use refrigerants safer for the environment, like mixtures of R-409A, R-410A, R-438A, R-507A, or R-134a. Since older refrigerants are scarce on the American market, repairs and refills also become costlier.
Frequent repairs
If the current HVAC system requires considerable repairs or needs frequent checkups to work at optimal capacity, consider replacing it. Multiply the repair costs with the current age of the system. If the total is above $5,000, we strongly recommend looking for a replacement. Multiple $1,000 repairs can quickly pile up and get more expensive than installing a brand-new model.
Lack of features
Modern HVAC systems also have additional features to improve energy efficiency and home comfort. Functions like multi-stage compressors and integrated humidity control reduce overall energy consumption and can improve indoor air quality and temperature “feel.” An older model usually can’t keep up with the times and might not fare well with increased global temperatures and cooling needs.
House renovations
Suppose the house has gone under significant reconstructions or rescaling since the installation of the original HVAC system. In that case, the new space might be too much for an old system to handle. While remedial measures like booster pumps can slightly increase airflow potential in ducted HVAC systems, they are not a permanent fix. An undersized furnace or AC unit won’t provide enough climate control for the entire house and lags behind, requiring more power to run, and it succumbs to wear sooner.
Do you need HVAC services?
If you have any questions or concerns about the current HVAC system or are considering replacing it with a newer model, get help. Contact a professional HVAC installer for an expert opinion, installation quotes, and financing options.
Fix My Air DFW of Fort Worth specializes in residential and commercial HVAC services including routine maintenance, installation, and repair. All makes/models. Call us at (817) 439-9811.
