Good heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems (or HVAC) help you create comfortable temperatures in your house and improve air quality. The problem is these devices aren’t built to last forever, and sooner or later, you’ll need to replace your HVAC system with a new unit.
Below, we will discuss six scenarios when it’s time to replace your HVAC.
The Lifespan of an HVAC Unit
Before discussing the main reasons for an HVAC unit replacement, we must first talk about how often you should replace the system. The average lifespan of these devices is around 15 to 20 years. Depending on your location and climate, the system may show signs of aging at around ten years. In Florida, the humid weather certainly can do a number on your unit, so opting for top-notch HVAC repair in Miami can go a long way in keeping that lifespan between said 15 to 20 years.
The Reasons
So, without further ado, here are the six main reasons to ditch your old HVAC system for a new one.
To Replace It With a More Reliable System
As the unit ages, it becomes more prone to problems and less reliable. Excessive use can also wear down your unit’s parts. For instance, if you use the air conditioning for months on end, the unit will constantly be working to provide the cool temperature that makes those hot months bearable.
To Improve Energy Efficiency
An HVAC unit replacement also makes sense if you want to save money on utility bills or look for a more environmentally conscious way. If you have an old HVAC system, it’s probably using Freon as a refrigerant, which is less energy-efficient than R410 that the new models use.
As you may know, the federal government is also transitioning out of using Freon, which makes getting a new HVAC unit that much more sensible.
A new system can reduce air-conditioning energy by 20% to a considerable 50%. All in all, new HVAC units are simply better for the environment as they use more effective refrigerants.
Cheaper Maintenance
While you can prolong the life of your old HVAC system by taking good care of it, changing the air filters often, and clearing out the unit, as it ages, it will require more and more repairs.
In the case of a 10-year-old device, repair costs can be just as high as the cost of a new HVAC unit. When you do the math and see that you’re in the red, an HVAC unit replacement should be the right move.
On that end, frequent maintenance can also be a telltale sign of when to replace your HVAC system. A solid system shouldn’t require more than two maintenance sessions per year. If your device needs more than that, it might be good to upgrade to a new HVAC system.
To Improve Room Temperatures
When to replace your HVAC? A surefire sign that you need to install a new unit is when the old one simply can’t control room temperature that efficiently anymore. Old systems may struggle to keep room temperatures consistent because of faulty thermostats, clogged air filters, cracked air ducts, motor damage, and a myriad of other problems.
If you are experiencing such issues with your old HVAC system, it’s time to change it.
To Get a Quieter System
If you want more peace and quiet at home, replace the HVAC system, especially if it’s older than ten years, with worn-down parts.
Grinding and squealing sounds are clear signs that upgrading to a new HVAC system is time. Squealing means that the condenser’s fan motor might be working too hard, or the motor of the blower is about to give up.
Buzzing could indicate loose parts, a broken compressor, or refrigerant leaks. While most of these problems could be fixed, it’s often more sensible to replace your HVAC system with a new one, as repair costs might end up being unreasonably high for what it’s worth.
To Improve Air Quality
Many people don’t know, but a good HVAC system isn’t only suitable for heating up and cooling down your house. It is also a source of ventilation for your home. An old HVAC system might not be capable of fulfilling that role, leading to a myriad of problems down the road if not addressed in time.
An old system can lead to several issues and here are only some of them:
- Dust accumulation: if you see a lot of dust collecting throughout your home, chances are something’s wrong with your old HVAC system. The unit should provide clean air for you. Buying a new HVAC unit can be a great idea in that sense since new devices are often capable of cleaning the air of dust, pet dander, airborne allergens, and other debris. If one of your family members suffers from allergies, an HVAC unit replacement would be a logical upgrade.
- Odd smells: When you smell a burning odor coming from the HVAC unit, it’s most likely because the accumulated dust is burning off the furnace. The issue can be more severe in other cases, like an electrical fire or mold/mildew buildup. Funky smells shouldn’t be taken lightly, so scheduling an appointment with a specialist is pretty much crucial. While it’s not imperative, you might end up having to buy a new HVAC unit, especially when the smell is related to a worn-down part.
- Carbon monoxide poisoning: An old HVAC system can pose various health risks, and one of them is carbon monoxide poisoning. Older units might have cracks in the heat exchangers. If the cracks are deep and large enough, they can leak carbon monoxide into the air. Since this compound is odorless and has no color, you should have a carbon monoxide detector installed to uncover potential leaks. As you know, poisoning from carbon monoxide can have fatal consequences, so have your old system inspected regularly or have it replaced with a new, more improved device.
- Humidity: A new HVAC unit will be more energy-efficient, meaning that it will do a better job of reducing the humidity in your house. As a Florida resident, you’re pretty much aware of how humidity affects your body’s capability of cooling down at night. Getting a new unit can help you better regulate the temperature and reduce moisture in the air, helping you make the humid Florida heat more bearable.
Have a Professional Take a Look at Your System
Even if your HVAC system is on the older side. If it had been taken care of and regularly maintained, it’s still running great, without any problems. However, if you experience any of the problems above or look to save on repair costs and utility bills, investing in a new system is more than sensible.
On a more important note, air quality can impact your family’s health, so getting a new unit can go a long way in keeping your loved ones healthy and happy.
Whether you are looking into getting a new system or looking for air conditioner services in Miami, the experts at Chills AC are more than happy to help you.
