How to Tell When It’s Time for a New HVAC System

These devices are a godsend in the heat of summer and the worst of winter, though of course can be used year-round depending on climate.

While the units last for years, they don’t last forever. It can be expensive to get a new system, but it’s cheaper in the long run if you consider a few key factors.

If you notice the appliance not keeping you cool enough, it may be time to get a new unit. Here are signsof yourr HVAC system needs replacement soon.

One of the most obvious signs that your device is on the out is when you notice your energy bills larger than they should be, and keep increasing, too.

It is natural for costs to go up and down by a certain amount due to seasonal changes (i.e., you use HVAC more in summer and winter). However, when you compare costs for the same month in different years, they should be fairly similar.

Higher bills indicate your HVAC system’s efficiency to be in decline. This occurs if you don’t service your system regularly, as maintenance increases lifespan of systems, keeping the heating and cooling units running efficiently. If you replace your HVAC, you should notice that energy costs drop significantly.

Another sign to be on the lookout for is when you have to keep getting an electrician or HVAC specialist regularly to repair your machine.

In particular, if you find that the repair costs you have to cover are not under warranty and end up costing you more than half the expense of a whole new system, it’s worth considering investing in a new unit.

Occasional repairs are normal and shouldn’t be too expensive. It’s when you need regular work done or when rare repairs are of the most expensive parts of the system and cost thousands of dollars, you need to think about the smartest way forward.

We think of heating and cooling systems as only for providing heat and cooling. However, the fact is they should also improve the air quality in your home by providing proper ventilation and removing dust, dirt, and other debris. They also are designed to keep humidity under control.

It’s time to start comparing new air conditioners in the market when you notice you have poor indoor air quality within your home. If you notice a rise in mildew, mold, dust, or humidity level in your house, it means the HVAC system may be damaged.

If you’ve recently noticed weird smells or unusual noises coming from your HVAC, this may be a cause for concern. Sometimes HVAC systems emit a funny smell when dust burns off within them, but if the issue continues, there could be a major problem.

Turn off your machine when you smell something weird and get the unit inspected soon to find out what’s wrong. Odd aromas can come from issues such as wires melting or mold in ducts.

Keep an ear for unusual sounds from the heating or cooling system. New, well-maintained older devices operate fairly quietly. But with time, components within units degrade, and you may hear squealing or grinding sounds. In such a case, turn off the unit and get it inspected.

As you’d imagine, the older an HVAC system is, the more likely it will need replacing. There’s no set age for this, as it depends on the quality of the unit, how much it has been used over the years, and how it was maintained.

However, gadgets more than ten years old usually need to be replaced. Once they get to 15 years, it’s more than likely that your heating and cooling system will need to be swapped with a new version.

Buying a new heating and cooling unit is not cheap and can take a chunk out from your savings. There’s also no point continually running an old, worn down, damaged, and possibly dangerous system that will end up costing too much. If you notice any of the signs, start considering options.