If you live in a house with an HVAC system, you know how important it is to maintain it. While machines break down with age, sometimes deciding whether you should get a repair or a total replacement can be hard.
When Does it Make Sense to Replace an HVAC System?
If you’re considering replacing your HVAC system, there are a few things to consider. First and foremost, if your system is more than ten years old, it may be time to replace it. In addition to the age of the unit, you should also consider whether or not your current HVAC system is functioning properly. It may be time for an upgrade if it’s experiencing frequent breakdowns or not producing enough heat during cold weather months. You should also consider other factors, like whether or not you have an existing warranty on parts of your current HVAC system and whether or not any upgrades would require additional products from different manufacturers.
With all these factors in mind, here are some situations where a new installation could potentially save money:
When Does it Make More Sense to Repair an HVAC?
Here are some situations where you may want to consider a repair rather than a replacement:
You’re not in a rush. If you’re looking for a quick fix and don't mind the idea of an HVAC that's been repaired, find a reputable contractor who can do the job at or below half the cost of buying and installing new equipment.
The repair is less than 10% of the cost of a new system. In this case, if it’s less expensive to repair your existing unit than replace it with newer technology, then going ahead with the repairs could make sense. However, keep in mind that over time your heating and cooling bills will likely go up as well—especially if you live in an older home—so if those costs increase enough to outweigh whatever savings were gained by repairing instead of replacing…well, then maybe buying new isn't such a bad idea after all!
HVAC Lifespan
The first thing to realize is that different makes and models of HVACs have different lifespans. The lifespan of an HVAC is determined by how much use it gets but also by how well you maintain it. If your HVAC system is used heavily, it may not last as long as it would if it were used less. For example, if you regularly live in a large home with many heated and cooled rooms, your air conditioner will work harder than if you live in a small studio apartment with no pets or children. That being said, some factors can significantly reduce the lifespan of your air conditioner:
Neglecting routine maintenance (such as changing filters once every three months)
Using improper cleaning products to clean the coils inside the unit
Problem With Patching Old HVAC Units
Considering repairing your HVAC system, it's important to consider the cost of doing so. While a wide variety of factors can affect the price of a repair, such as labor costs, availability of parts, and more, one thing is sure. Regarding simple math, replacing an old HVAC system is often more cost-effective than repairing it.
If you're looking at replacing your entire system because it's outdated or no longer works properly (and if so, we recommend doing so), keep in mind that most systems last approximately 10-15 years on average before they need replacement.
Additionally, older systems tend not only to be less efficient but also more expensive to maintain over time—which means that even if they're still working fine today, they might not be worth the effort down the road.
At Anderson Plumbing, Heating & Electric we know that making improvements to the home can take a lot of work, so let us help out. When it comes to installing a smart thermostat or any HVAC need, we got you covered! Call us today (334) 231-6980 and our team will be happy to help.