When to Replace HVAC System

HVAC replacement is a big investment to make but replacing your HVAC system before a breakdown could save you quite a bit of time and money.

Read ahead for a closer look at some of the signs that it’s time to replace your HVAC system.

5 Signs it’s Time to Replace Your HVAC System

If you notice any of the following signs, it may be time to think about replacing your home’s HVAC system.

1. Unusually High Energy Bills

If your energy bills are skyrocketing during the coldest and hottest months of the year, then you may want to think about installing a new HVAC system.

Older units can last for upwards of 15 years when they are properly maintained, but they generally lose around 5% of their efficiency per year no matter how well you care for them.

2. Your Home Is No Longer Comfortable

Older systems and systems that have not been properly installed often have a tough time keeping a home at a consistent temperature.

Homeowners may notice that their AC keeps turning on and off repeatedly or that certain rooms in the home are almost always too hot or too cold.

Even if your furnace or air conditioner is not damaged, these issues could still be the result of damaged ducts, clogged filters, or low fluid levels.

3. Constant AC Repairs Are Needed

No matter how often your HVAC system is serviced, you will most likely need at least a few basic repairs and replacement parts over the years. With a well-maintained system, however, these issues should only happen on the rarest of occasions.

If it seems that your air conditioner needs expensive repairs at least once a year, it might be time to move on. These costs can add up over time and you’ll end up spending more on repairs than a new unit would have cost. This is especially true with major repairs such as damaged motors and pumps.

The general rule of thumb is, if the cost of a repair is more than half the cost of a new air conditioner, you should replace it.

4. SEER Rating is Less than 12

The EPA banned the installation of air conditioners with a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio rating of 12 or lower. Switching to a higher rated system is not only better for the environment, but it can also save you money on your electric bill.

5. AC is More Than 10 Years Old

If your air conditioner is older than you, it’s time to upgrade. The general consensus is that air conditioners have about 10 to 15 years of operating before it’s time to throw in the towel.

There comes a point when no amount of preventive maintenance or repairs can help an AC that’s just too old. Most AC units will start going downhill rapidly after 10 years. If you have an older air conditioner, it may be time to replace it. Age is a common catalyst for a laundry list of potential AC problems including general inefficiency and increased energy bills.