An HVAC system helps to make your home as comfortable as possible. Without it, you’ll have to deal with unbearable weather conditions, which might force you to stay up all night, struggling to find a comfortable position to sleep in. With an HVAC system, you can control your indoor temperature, allowing you to move with ease without worrying about unpredictable temperature changes. However, machines often have a lifespan, requiring you to replace your unit.
Unfortunately, your HVAC unit will not last forever and will be due for replacement over time. To know if your unit’s up for a replacement, below are some signs you need to look out for:
- The Unit Is Above 10 Years Old
An average HVAC unit only has a lifespan of 10 to 25 years. But even if you aim to hit that 25-year mark, it’ll be best to replace your unit before it reaches its entire lifespan, especially if it’s already showing signs of damage. An HVAC company Fredericksburg or whichever you’re from, can help you decide as they inspect your HVAC’s condition and see if they’re still in good working condition.
However, if they report that your HVAC is slowly failing or the coolant is fully utilized, it might be the perfect time to replace the unit. While you can always replace the coolant, you need to evaluate whether replacing it will be cheaper than buying a new unit, especially since it’s possible you might deal with the same problem again.
- Experiencing Frequent Repairs
If you’re frequently repairing your HVAC unit, it might be a sign that you need to replace it rather than accumulating costs on its repair. Whether you just got an incompatible model or a faulty unit, if you need to schedule an HVAC repair at least a few times a year, it’ll be the best decision to replace your unit immediately.
While it might feel remorseful to replace an expensive unit, imagine the bigger problem it’ll bring if you keep it inside your home. Replacing to a more suitable unit allows you to free yourself from all of the inconvenience and troubles. And if you’re worried about what to do with your old HVAC unit, don’t worry—you can sell it or its parts if they’re still working well.
- Not Blowing Temperature-Appropriate Air
Your HVAC unit should be blowing hot or cool air, depending on how you set it. But if your room doesn’t reach the desired temperature within an hour, there’s most likely a problem with your unit.
There are plenty of reasons why your HVAC might be experiencing difficulty reaching your desired temperature. It could be an issue with the compressor or refrigerant. While you can replace your refrigerant, they can be more expensive, especially if you’re dealing with an older unit. Consider the refrigerant replacement cost and see how much a brand-new unit costs. If there’s only a minimal difference, then replacement would be a better option for your home and pockets.
- High Energy Bills
No one enjoys paying a high electricity bill. However, if you notice that your energy bills are abnormally high, especially during the peak of summer and winter, there might be something wrong with your HVAC system. However, you need to consider if you’re using excessive electricity or cooling a larger space. But if you maintain a certain temperature that’s enough to warm up or cool down the room, you need to check your HVAC’s condition.
If your HVAC works too hard to meet your temperature, the unit will consume more energy to fulfill your needs. Older units will have a harder time doing so, resulting in high electricity bills. If this is bothering you, you might consider replacing your unit with a newer one that has energy-saving features. This will help you to save money and prevent your unit from overworking.
- Poor Air Flow
Your unit should be releasing a good amount of airflow around the room. It helps to keep your home warm or cool, depending on how you set it. However, if you notice that it’s producing low airflow, your unit might be due for a replacement.
However, one thing that might come to your mind with poor airflow is that you only have a clogged filter that needs cleaning. While they can be an effective solution, it might not resolve the problem, especially if things are happening internally. Apart from a clogged air filter, poor airflow can also result from a broken blower fan or motor. Broken blower fans or motors can keep your home warmer or cooler than it should be. It can also force your unit to work harder, resulting in higher electricity bills.
- Producing Foul Odors
Your HVAC unit shouldn’t produce any smell inside your home. However, if you notice a musty smell coming out of your unit, it could be a concerning issue you should address immediately. A musty smell isn’t just irritating but also threatens your health, as this indicates the presence of mold and mildew inside your home. While a quick clean-up would be a good solution, this is only a temporary solution as it’s likely for the mold to return. When this happens, it’s best to replace your unit immediately.
- Creating Strange Sounds
It’s normal for your HVAC unit to create a low-level sound as it operates. It’s an indication that the machine is up and running. However, if the unit produces odd noises, it might be a sign of something wrong with your unit. Ideally, your unit shouldn’t create any sound that includes grinding, loud bangs, thuds, grating, whistling, rattling, or buzzing sounds. Any odd sound should require a quick inspection, and you should let the professionals handle the issue. They’ll be providing any necessary updates if a quick repair would do or if you’re due for a unit replacement.
- Damaged Humidity Control
An HVAC unit doesn’t just help to cool or warm up the room but also helps control its humidity level. But if you notice that your room has the same humidity level as the outdoors, then it means that your unit isn’t controlling your indoor humidity level well. In most cases, a recalibration should be enough. But a bigger problem might arise if the issue persists, which calls for a replacement.
Takeaway
Seeing the signs for an HVAC unit replacement allows you to prevent any issue from getting worse, as you’re getting a brand new one for your home. While it might be an additional expense, they’ll give your property plenty of benefits that your pocket will thank you for years to come.
