How to Decide to Repair or Replace Your HVAC
- susan4434
- Jul 27, 2021
- 7 min read
How much something costs is one of the most important questions homeowners must answer frequently. But overall comfort may win over price when it comes to a home’s HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) system.
An air conditioner or heating unit that does not work when the home needs it the most is uncomfortable for everyone. But knowing whether to repair or replace an HVAC system is a difficult question. The main factors in deciding to repair or replace an HVAC system are age, energy efficiency, repair costs and home structure.
Learning more about these factors will help you decide whether to repair or replace your HVAC system. Read on to learn more about how to assess your home’s needs and choose an HVAC technician for your repair or replacement.
Age of HVAC System
One of the most critical factors in deciding whether to replace or repair an HVAC system is to be aware of how old your system is. An HVAC system and its components usually have a life span of ten to 12 years. Therefore, if the system is at least ten years old, start thinking about possibly replacing the system.
An HVAC system that has already received several repairs has not been maintained or cleaned regularly or works harder than other systems may require a replacement sooner than the average lifespan.
To keep your HVAC system running well for a long time, keep up with essential maintenance such as changing air filters and regularly cleaning the air conditioning unit. Also, consider a professional inspection and check-up of the unit at least once a year.
Air Control of Northwest Arkansas offers a seasonal check-up program where a qualified HVAC technician cleans, inspects and runs important diagnostic tests on the unit.
Energy Efficiency
HVAC systems are a primary source of energy consumption in a home, so finding an energy efficiency system can save a significant amount of money on utility bills.
Manufacturers have increased the energy efficiency of HVAC systems over the years. A newer model air conditioner could save you 20% in energy savings. An older model will not only cost more in repairs but also costs more to operate.
Additionally, laws have changed that have also increased the energy efficiency of air conditioners. Currently, the federal government requires a minimum SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating of 13. In 2006, the requirement was a SEER level 10.
Homeowners have the choice of different SEER ratings when looking at air conditioners. Most manufacturers offer air conditioners with a SEER rating between 13-21. For example, replacing a unit with a SEER rating of 10 with a unit SEER 13 could save over $1,000.
One of the noteworthy changes in HVAC system manufacturing is the phase-out of the R-22 refrigerant. Refrigerant, located inside copper coils in the air conditioning unit, helps cool hot air. After 2020, R-22 refrigerant may not be available, and repairs related to the refrigerant will be costly. Therefore, if your system relies on this refrigerant and you are experiencing issues with your air conditioner, it may be a good idea to replace the unit.
Remember that no matter how efficient the air conditioner may be, the system’s efficiency depends on several factors, such as the size of your home, insulation levels, and the type of ductwork in the house.
Repairs Cost More Than a Replacement
One of the essential tools to help you decide whether to replace or repair your HVAC system is to see if the cost of repairs, either one-time or cumulative, is more than a new system and installation cost. When you have a repair done on your system, write down how much you are spending. Keep a running log of repairs and expenses.
If you have not kept up with the costs but have used the same service provider, they may have a record of your services and fees.
If your expenses are above $3,000, call an HVAC specialist to come to the house and estimate the cost of a new system and installation. Air Control of Northwest Arkansas offers free estimates. Customers always have the opportunity to ask for a second opinion and sign off on any work before the job starts.
Keep in mind the time you have spent living with a broken HVAC or waiting on repairs is a significant part of the costs. If you have spent a lot of time trying to fix your HVAC constantly, peace of mind may be an essential part of deciding to replace your current system.
Even if your HVAC system is older than ten years, you can avoid the most costly repairs with regular cleaning and maintenance. If you are maintaining your HVAC system regularly, have not needed expensive repairs, or your energy bills have not risen significantly, you should not need a replacement.
Structural Issues
If the HVAC system is struggling to keep up, the problem may be the size and structure of the house, not the system. Several factors determine what type and size heating and air units your home require.
For example, suppose you believe your HVAC system is not working the way you think it should. In that case, a professional HVAC technician can come to the home and evaluate your home to determine the correct size and type of components your house and your situation require.
Consider if your heating and cooling needs may have changed over time due to such things as more people or pets in the house or a recent remodel or addition.
A qualified HVAC technician can look at all of the factors that determine what HVAC system works best in a home. Technicians look at the number of people and pets living in the home, the home’s size, the number of windows allowing heat into the home, and other factors to determine if your heating and air conditioning units are the appropriate sizes to get the job done.
After a technician determines you need a larger heating or air conditioning unit, remember that the biggest or most expensive air conditioner does not fix all problems. Buying the largest unit will still only push out and dehumidify the air at the same level as a smaller unit based on the temperature you set the thermostat. Therefore, you will end up paying more to operate a larger system that will work at the same output level as a more appropriately sized unit would.
The amount of insulation in the home can also factor into how well your HVAC system controls the home’s climate. For example, if you notice your home is not staying cool in the summer or warm in the winter, this may result from insufficient insulation levels. Without the proper amount of insulation, an HVAC system will not work correctly.
Contact Air Control for a professional assessment of your home’s insulation levels.
Cost of Replacing
After you have determined the age, efficiency, home structure and repair costs, and you still have a question on whether to replace or repair your system, some other questions you may want to consider include:
Have you kept up with the maintaining and cleaning of the system? Have you replaced air filters regularly, received a yearly inspection and inspected the outdoor air conditioning unit?
Does the system seem to be working harder or not working as well despite repairs?
Are the repairs you have had on your system routine or minor repairs that most customers need to get done?
Are your energy bills rising significantly because of a price increase or consumer demand, or is your air conditioner or heater to blame?
What to Consider When Replacing
An air conditioner or heater can be a costly replacement for a homeowner. To make sure you get the most value, consider these tips:
Aim for replacing your unit in the Fall or Spring, before temperatures get too hot or too cold. First, you will not want your system to go down during extreme temperatures. Secondly, HVAC technicians are more likely available to replace units quickly than during their busy seasons.
Discounts may be available from manufacturers and HVAC installers during the Fall and Winter when business is at lower volumes. Manufacturers may want to get rid of old models or extra inventory.
Find a qualified HVAC installer who does not work on commission. Companies who give incentives to their technicians with commission may sell you more than you need.
Choose a reputable HVAC installer that ensures their installer, conducts background checks on employees, and hires only qualified and skilled HVAC installers. Also chose a company that installs and repairs HVAC systems.
Try to get a second opinion or an additional quote on the installation before purchasing and installing a system.
Final Thoughts
The primary purposes of a Heating, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning (HVAC) system are to provide comfortable temperatures, ventilate sufficiently and maintain good indoor air quality.
Suppose your air conditioner or heater is not working as well as it should. In that case, repairs to the system cost more than a replacement, your energy bills have risen, or your HVAC system is outdated, it may be time to consider replacing the system rather than repairing it.
Upgrading or replacing your home’s heating and cooling system is a valuable property investment that lowers costly utility bills and enhances comfort during seasonal extremes.
Trained and qualified to deliver optimum year-round climate control, Air Control provides high-performance HVAC replacement for all equipment brands. To ensure that your replacement system has the best energy efficiency and comfort, your Comfort Specialist will carefully assess your home requirements and comfort needs.
At Air Control, we understand that a new heating or cooling system is a significant investment, which is why we offer seasonal pricing specials and work with manufacturers on rebates and financing options. In addition, Air Control technicians do not work on commission, so you will they will not sell you anything you do not need.
For more information on repairing or replacing your heater or air conditioner, call Air Control at 479-756-0199 to schedule a technician to assess your HVAC system.
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