Because your HVAC system has a limited lifespan, you will need to replace it at some point. Of course, it can be expensive to do so, which makes it tempting to put off a full replacement for as long as possible. However, at some point, you’ll see diminishing returns from your efforts to make stopgap repairs that will only last for so long. Let’s take a look at some common signs that it’s time to splurge for a new heating or cooling system.
The Current System Is Extremely Old
If your current HVAC system was installed in your home more than 15 years ago, likely, that it can no longer meet the need for a comfortable temperature. While it may continue to run for another year or two, it could also stop working entirely tomorrow with little or no warning. Additionally, your existing system is likely to be less efficient than newer models, which means that you could be paying more in heating and cooling bills than necessary.
As your system ages, it may break more often, which means that money that you could be putting into a new system is being thrown away on repairs. In most cases, repairs will only extend the life of existing components, which is a short-term fix. At some point, repairs will no longer be financially viable if the cost exceeds 50% of the cost of a new unit.
The folks at Woodward Heating Air Plumbing in Salem, OR, can inspect your current heating or cooling systems to determine the extent of any issues they are having. We may be able to recommend specific products that might be within your budget and that are good fits for your home. If you do decide to buy new HVAC components, we can install and provide maintenance plans that will keep your HVAC running effectively for the next several years.
You’re Tired of Uneven Heating and Cooling
As an HVAC system ages, it will begin to heat and cool your home inconsistently. Therefore, you may start to notice that it’s freezing in your master bedroom while it’s way too hot in your child’s room right down the hall. In many cases, you’ll notice that rooms on the ground level tend to be cooler than rooms on higher floors because heat tends to rise unless it is circulated properly.
In some cases, a furnace or air conditioner may have trouble keeping your house at a uniform temperature because they have not been properly maintained. For instance, if an air duct is full of dust or other debris, it may make it harder for warm or cool air to reach every room in the house. If a furnace or air conditioner has a clogged air filter or condenser line, it may also make it harder to heat or cool your home.
The HVAC System Wasn’t Properly Maintained
Changing an air filter a few days or weeks late is unlikely to cause serious long-term damage to your furnace. Similarly, failing to remedy a clogged coolant line the moment the issue arises is unlikely to permanently harm an air conditioner. However, if you go months without changing an air filter or maintaining a condenser unit, it can take years off of its useful life.
Even if you do eventually get around to fixing these or other issues, there is no guarantee that your HVAC system will work like it’s supposed to again. If relatively new components have a warranty attached to them, failing to conduct routine maintenance will void that warranty in most cases. Ultimately, you will have little choice but to replace the whole system and potentially pay for most or all of the cost out of your pocket.
The silver lining to springing for a new furnace or air conditioner is that it will come with a new warranty. It’s also likely that you can purchase a maintenance plan for your new system to ensure that you never forget to have your heating and cooling systems cleaned and inspected every year. During installation, your technician may also be able to talk more about which type of air filters to use or provide other useful basic maintenance information.
You Want a System That’s Easier To Control
New heating and cooling systems can often be controlled by smart thermostats that allow for various temperature settings. For instance, if you aren’t at home, the thermostat will automatically keep the house cooler. It can also be set to start raising the temperature a few minutes before getting home from work so that you don’t walk into a freezer on a cold winter’s day. Newer thermostats can also be controlled with a smartphone or similar devices, giving you even more power to balance your need for comfort with your desire to keep utility bills to a minimum.
It’s Getting Harder To Find Parts
Generally speaking, you’ll be able to find parts for a unit that is less than a decade old. However, beyond that, it may be harder to find what you need because of changes in technology or issues that make it harder to source what you need. If you have a unit that is more than two or three decades old, it may be impossible to find what you need in a timely and affordable manner. At that point, it may be easier to simply buy a new unit as opposed to hoping and praying that whatever workaround you’ve found will hold up.
You’re Trying To Sell Your House
If you are trying to sell your home, it’s typically easier to do so if it has a new HVAC system. This is because it is one less thing that a new homeowner will have to worry about after spending thousands of dollars on closing costs and other expenses. Furthermore, replacing your HVAC system shows that you take home maintenance seriously and that it is a safe and comfortable place to live.
Your Current Unit Wasn’t Right for Your House
Even if you aren’t selling your house, you want to make sure that it is comfortable for everyone living there. If your current furnace or air conditioner is too big or too small for your home, it may be unable to properly or efficiently heat or cool your home. You may also run into problems if your furnace is in an area of your house that is hard to access. Putting in a new system may allow you to put it somewhere that is easier to get to, which means it will be easier to maintain.
If you need HVAC replacement services, call the folks at Woodward Heating Air Plumbing today! In addition to HVAC services, we can also help improve your home’s indoor air quality by cleaning ducts in a timely and affordable manner. We can also help with any thermostat issues that you might be having or work with you during the construction of your new home.
