If you’re having issues with your HVAC system, whether it’s your heating unit or your air conditioner, you’ll want to have it looked at by our professional team of HVAC technicians to determine whether it’s in need of repair or replacement. Although repair is generally more affordable over the short term, replacement may be the most cost-efficient option–and in some cases, the only option.
The following are a few signs that indicate whether your HVAC system needs repair or replacement services:
- Age of your system – Even if repairs can temporarily address the issue, you might want to consider a replacement. Most AC units last between 10 and 15 years, while a furnace will typically last from 15 to 20 years. Once they reach this age, they’re more likely to continue experiencing problems despite your efforts to repair them.
- Frequent HVAC repairs – If you’re constantly paying for minor repairs, it may be time to simply replace the entire unit. While minor repairs may not seem like a major cost, they will eventually add up to the point where it’s more cost-effective to buy a new unit. Additionally, if your HVAC system keeps experiencing small issues, then it’s probably not going to stop having problems.
- Loud noises – If you hear loud banging noises, then it means that a component has broken or is about to break. Whether you can repair it depends on what the component is. For example, if it’s the fan belt, it can simply be replaced. However, if you hear something more akin to a rattling, there’s a chance your unit is just starting to break down and may need to be replaced.
- Improper operation – If your HVAC system runs continually or keeps starting and stopping, then your HVAC units may not have been sized correctly. For example, if it keeps running, then it’s too small to meet the needs of your household. If it keeps stopping and starting, it’s too big. You’re better off replacing the unit with one that is properly sized to ensure that it runs efficiently and effectively.
- Poor heating or cooling – There could be any number of reasons behind an HVAC system that’s not heating or cooling your home properly. In some cases, it may simply be an issue with your thermostat, which can be easily repaired or replaced. It could also mean that your compressor has failed, in which case you may need to replace the entire unit.
- Poor airflow – Poor airflow often results in uneven heating or cooling throughout the home. While this could simply be because the air filters need to be replaced, there’s a leak in the duct system that needs to be repaired, or because there’s a problem with the blower fan. It could also be the result of a bigger problem; for example, it could be the result of a compressor failure.
- High repair costs – You may find that there’s frequently the option to repair instead of having to replace the entire unit. For example, a failed compressor can be replaced so that you don’t have to replace the whole unit. However, when a compressor fails, it’s often recommended that the whole unit be replaced—especially in older models. This is because any repairs that cost more than half of what a new unit would cost are considered to be not very cost-efficient.
To find out if your HVAC system can be repaired or needs to be replaced, be sure to contact Unique Air Heating and Air Conditioning today!