Three Signs it's Time to Replace Your Air Conditioning System
Posted on: 16 September 2020
The thought of doing a complete overhaul of your entire HVAC system is enough to send shivers down most homeowners' spines. In reality, the process isn't nearly as complicated, intrusive, or even as expensive as you might think, with most AC system installations costing between $3,000-7,000. While that may sound like a lot, the thought of it going out in the middle of a summer during 100-degree days while you have to wait a few weeks for it to be repaired might be even worse.Fortunately, there are several signs you can look for ahead of time to know if your system is on the brink of failure. If you see any of the ones listed below, call your local HVAC company to schedule an inspection and a full AC system installation, if necessary.
Your HVAC is Over Ten Years Old
The most likely cause of failure in HVAC systems is good old father time. Though most last between 12-17 years, it's a good idea to keep an eye on it after it crosses the decade mark, since repairs are more likely and maintenance is more necessary. Even if you can make various hvac repairs after it's ten years old, like patching ductwork and refilling the refrigerant, the chances of something major going out, like the compressor, is far more likely.
Your Energy Bills are Skyrocketing
Higher utility bills are a sign that something is breaking down somewhere and forcing your system to become overloaded, so if you've noticed that your energy bills have gone up significantly, you need to figure out the cause before something catastrophic happens to your HVAC system. If an HVAC system repair doesn't solve the problem, it might be the entire unit breaking down instead. If so, you'll need to make plans for a new AC system installation.
Your Repairs are Getting More Expensive
A good rule of thumb regarding just about anything in your home is that if your repairs cost more than 50% of the price of a new one, it might make more financial sense to simply replace it instead of repairing it. The same holds true for your HVAC system. Judging from the price points listed above, if you are spending a couple thousand dollars to repair your HVAC system, it's probably worth it to replace the entire unit, especially since you'll take advantage of a new warranty and new energy-saving features that can save you money in the long run.
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