Should I repair or Replace My HVAC System?
May 04, 2023
Your home’s HVAC system is important to your way of life. Not only is it significant to the value of your home, but your heating and air factor into your monthly energy costs, so anything you can do to keep those costs down and prolong the life of your HVAC is worth your attention.
Many think of yearly HVAC maintenance as an added luxury, but the truth is, having a professional care for your HVAC system regularly can add years of use while ensuring it performs at its greatest efficiency.
So, when you or your technician notice signs of more significant issues, you have to weigh the pros and cons and ask yourself, “Should I repair or replace my HVAC system?” Read on for advice on how to make that choice.
WHEN SHOULD I REPAIR VS. REPLACE MY HVAC SYSTEM?
Is it time to replace your HVAC system, or does it just need some minor repairs done? Consider the following:
AGE
While HVAC systems can last 10-15 years on average, the cost and frequency of repairs increase as a system ages. Minor repairs make sense for the first 10 years, but in later years, replacing expensive parts is less valuable, and a new system makes the most sense.
RELIABILITY
While age and reliability are closely linked, you’ll find that maintenance and repairs make sense for a system that has generally been reliable for years, until those repairs become more frequent and costly.
COST
When maintenance and repair costs start to add up, a homeowner is no longer getting the best value out of their HVAC. It’s time to view cost as an investment in a more efficient, higher-quality HVAC instead of patching up a unit that will only continue to deteriorate.
EFFICIENCY
The cost of repairs isn’t the only way an older unit can eat away at your budget. As they age, HVAC systems become less energy-efficient, which means higher utility bills and a greater environmental impact.
SAFETY
Homeowners think of HVAC as a matter of comfort and necessity, but delaying repairs or replacement can affect your family’s safety. An aging or poorly maintained system can impact the air quality in your home, and mechanical issues or shorts in the wiring can become increasingly dangerous if not addressed.
MAINTENANCE
A consistent maintenance plan with a professional HVAC service will help your system last long and perform best. But if it starts to require more than the usual cleaning and system checks, it’s time to consider whether it makes sense to keep sinking money into an older unit.
If you find the frequency of repairs rising, ask your professional HVAC service company about the best options for a new system for your home. With regular, ongoing maintenance service, your HVAC expert will help you keep a proper maintenance history so you can see the condition of your HVAC’s major components over time and best determine when to start thinking about a new unit.
NOISE
If you are kept awake at night from loud buzzing, grinding, squealing, or rattling noises coming from your AC or furnace, it may be time for it to go. While you should always check to see if it’s repairable, noises can indicate more long-term issues with your HVAC system.
UNDER WARRANTY
If your HVAC system is under warranty, it’s a good idea to take advantage of any system repairs or replace major components that are covered when your service expert identifies an issue. If the system is no longer under warranty, you should discuss your options with a technician.
POOR AIR QUALITY
A working HVAC system should remove particulates from the air and control your home’s humidity. Unusual odors—like the smell of mold, visible dust in the air, a noticeable rise in humidity indoors, and an increase in your allergy symptoms are just some of the signs your HVAC is having issues that are affecting your indoor air quality.
You want to be sure and have a technician check it out right away, as it could be a short in wiring, overheating components, or multiple issues.
There’s no way to be sure of the cause without having a professional take a look. If the source of air quality issues is severe, it may be best to replace the whole system.
SHORT-CYCLING
When an HVAC turns on and off more frequently than it should, many things could be going wrong. It may just be an issue with the thermostat or the need to replace an air filter, which could be an easy fix. But it could also indicate electrical issues, poor ductwork, or other problems.
There’s a good chance minor repairs will solve the issue. Your HVAC professional will be able to find the solution for you.
WEAK AIRFLOW
Weak airflow can result from dirty air filters or be a sign of more serious mechanical issues. In either case, it can cause the unit to work too hard to heat or cool your room, resulting in high energy bills. You should definitely talk to a professional to determine the cause.
FOUL ODORS
If you smell mold, a burnt smell, or a chemical odor in the air, these are all signs of serious issues with your HVAC that need attention. They may only require a repair, but it may be time for a replacement if the repair is too expensive.
AC BLOWING WARM AIR
If you turn on the AC in the summer and it blows warm air, there’s a chance you’re just low on refrigerant and need an HVAC technician to fill the chemical back up. But this may also be a sign of more serious issues that require a full replacement.
HUMIDITY
A properly functioning HVAC will control the humidity level in the air in addition to conditioning the temperature. If there is excess humidity in the home, it can mean several things, but if the cause is that your unit is either oversized or undersized for your home’s square footage, a replacement may be the best solution.
COMFORT
If your HVAC system is on the fritz, regulating your home temperature is more challenging. It may heat or cool your home unevenly, causing additional discomfort. As a result, it takes longer to heat your home in the winter and to cool it in the summer.
FINANCIAL INCENTIVES
If your HVAC is 10 years old or more and repairs are required more often, it’s a good idea to talk to an HVAC expert about any potential specials on a new unit. You can also keep your eyes open for seasonal sales that make it easier to afford. Many HVAC companies offer financing plans to help with the decision as well.
Talk to one of our experts about our discounts, coupons, and special financing plans available!
CURRENT SYSTEMS AVAILABLE
If you’re sitting on the fence about continuing to maintain your aging HVAC system, you should weigh the many benefits of today’s advanced HVAC systems. Newer units use less energy while providing better heating and cooling capabilities. They often come with advanced features like smart thermostats and automated programmability.
FUTURE MOVING PLANS
Trying to decide whether to continue paying for repairs for your current system or replacing it with a new HVAC can be impacted by whether you plan to stay in your home for many years to come, or you plan to sell your home in the near future. In some situations, you might even want to equip your home with a sought-after, highly efficient system to increase your home’s appeal to a new buyer.
If you’re unsure whether to repair or replace your HVAC, get in touch with our experts today!
COSTS TO CONSIDER WHEN REPAIRING OR REPLACING AN HVAC SYSTEM
Costs to repair or install an HVAC system will vary from one home to the next.
MAINTENANCE COSTS
Cleaning your furnace can cost between $50 and $300 or more. This depends on your furnace’s current condition, when it was last cleaned, and what parts need to be cleaned.
Individual fans must be cleaned, filters checked, and debris cleared from parts like the ignitor and flame sensor. Your system will undergo a final check to see if it’s running properly. Cleaning supplies, the time spent by skilled technicians, and travel fees may be part of the bill.
Talk to us about our professional service plans today!
REPLACEMENT COSTS
If you replace your HVAC system, these factors will affect the cost:
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Labor fees
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The required system size
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The brand you choose
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Your home size
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The unit’s efficiency
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The length of your air ducts
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Your home’s age, state, and design
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The difficulty of removing your old HVAC system
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The climate and weather
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The cost of disposing of your old HVAC system
Every installation is unique, so be sure to contact an HVAC professional at YES! for an accurate quote. 844-216-9300
9 COMMON HVAC REPAIRS
Whenever your home HVAC system is having a problem, the first thing to do is to get it checked by a licensed technician. Never rush to replace your HVAC system without getting a professional opinion. It’s possible that a heating and cooling system repair will resolve the issue.
These are the 9 most common furnace and AC repairs:
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Air filter replacement
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Thermostat repair
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Blown fuses and tripped breakers
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Clogged condenser and dirty evaporator coils
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Continuously running blower motor
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Ignition issues
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Mechanical wear and tear
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Water leaks
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Refrigerant leaks
WHY YOU SHOULD GET YOUR HVAC SYSTEM REGULARLY SERVICED
AC units and furnaces should be inspected yearly to ensure they’re in good condition. Doing so helps you avoid high repair costs and premature replacement. Technicians will check all of the major components to ensure they’re in good condition, clean air filters and other parts, and make you aware of potential future issues to plan for.
Quality maintenance helps you get the best value from your HVAC, prolonging the life of your system while helping you gain maximum efficiency year-round.
WHAT TO DO WHEN IT’S TIME TO REPAIR OR REPLACE YOUR HVAC SYSTEM
If any of the aforementioned signs are sending you a strong signal that it’s time to repair or replace your HVAC system, don’t put off contacting the experts at YES! For additional information on HVAC services, call our team at 844-216-9300 and speak with a technician today.
Read our frequently asked questions below to learn the answers to the most common questions people ask us.
