Many people don’t think about their HVAC system a lot because it is one of those things that lasts for many years. They only start to think about it when it breaks down. One of the worst things that can happen is your HVAC system breaking down and you have to sweat as a result of the summer heat that needs cooling system or shivering during the low temperatures of winter.
One of the best investments you can make in your home is an HVAC system. While your goal is to have it run for as long as possible, you need to know when it is time to upgrade. There will be signs when your HVAC system needs to be replaced. Don’t ignore these signs because the system can fail at the worst time.
Utility bills increasing
While you can expect to spend more during the summer because you cool down your home, the bill should not be higher than what you were paying the same time last year. If you noticing your bills increasing, then it could have something to do with your HVAC system. The efficiency of your HVAC system reduces with time because of wear and tear. The corrosion and buildup of dirt are going to reduce the efficiency of the machine.
The efficiency of an HVAC system can drop by 5-10% with age. The moment you notice an increase in your utility bills, call a technician so they can have a closer look at the HVAC system and determine the exact problem. If your system requires extensive repairs, it might make more sense to invest in a new HVAC system.
Uneven temperatures in your home
Is one room in your home freezing while another is hot? Why is your HVAC system not maintaining the same temperature throughout the entire house?
If the system is too small for a house, it short cycles. The temperature in the house is satisfied fast and this results in the system shutting off. The humidity is going to remain and some parts of your home will remain stickier and warmer. You don’t have to worry about this when you get a new HVAC system.
A technician is going to have a closer look at your HVAC system to see whether there is a problem with the ductwork. The ductwork needs to handle the amount of air needed for the system to function properly.
The HVAC System runs constantly
The HVAC system goes into overdrive when your home needs to be kept at a comfortable temperature. I the system keeps running without stopping, it needs some attention. This could be a sign that the AC doesn’t have the capacity it used to have. Maybe the buildup of dirt in the system is causing it. It could also be the compressor not working as well as it should.
Even if the system manages to keep the temperature comfortable, the added cost is not something you want to deal with. You can make your home more efficient by replacing the system.
The HVAC system is getting old
There is no exact answer to how long an HVAC system is supposed to last. It is going to depend on how well it is taken care of and how well it was installed. The average is 15 years. Keep in mind that this average is calculated using those that last over 20 years and those that fail after six years. It is not a good idea to spend a lot of money repairing an HVAC system, especially if it uses an R22 refrigerant. No need to repair something that is going to be obsolete soon.
Michael Hope
Michael Hope is the founder of M&K Heating and Cooling Services. Michael’s experience has always been in the mechanical fields. In 1991, Michael moved to Nevada to work at the Nevada Test Site in the drilling operations for the nuclear testing facilities. After the Nuclear test treaty was signed in 1992, Michael retrained in the HVAC/R field and has been doing it since. Michael is currently NATE (North American Technical Excellence) certified. This is the only nationally recognized certification in the HVAC field.