One of the last things you want to do as a homeowner is have your HVAC unit replaced.
This is because this is one of the most expensive repairs that you’ll have to do for your home all at once. Keep in mind though, that the HVAC system serves a good purpose, and if you put it off too long, you’ll end up spending more money on it and not being comfortable.
According to ComfyLiving, the yearly American demand for AC in 2018 was close to 15.3 million units. Below are signs that your system is failing and it’s going to be time to get a new one.
Need More Repairs
One of the first signs that an HVAC system is starting to fail is when it needs new repairs. You’ve had to call your favorite technician out to change a few parts, and maybe they’ve been patching the system for a couple of years.
Eventually, there’s not going to be anything left to patch, and you’ll be spending a lot of money on a repair visit and then a new system. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, filters should have a dust-spot efficiency of between 35% and 80%.
If you’ve spent a lot of money on repairs and had an HVAC technician out to your home multiple times in a calendar year, it may be time.
Over 10 Years Old
HVAC systems usually have a lifespan of around 10 years, so if you’ve got one that’s lasted that long, look for it to stop working soon. You may go to turn on your system and it doesn’t work at all, or it attempts to come on, and could cause issues with your power box.
If you know it’s this old, you’ll need to start preparing yourself financially for a new system.
Always On
Do you notice that your system is always running? Even with good insulation and windows, your system seems to be working overtime like it can’t catch up. If you’ve noticed this a lot lately, then it may give out pretty soon.
This is an indication that it’s having to work a lot, and that will not last, especially as temperatures surge.
Heat gain and heat loss through windows are responsible for 25%–30% of residential heating and cooling energy use. If the windows aren’t any good, your system will stay on, and you’ll end up needing to replace both the windows and the system.
Making Noises
Have you noticed a new sound when your HVAC system comes on?
If you’re hearing like a knocking and clicking noise when the system turns on, it may be time to start preparing yourself for a new system. You can call out a technician and have them see if it’s safe to run until you can get a new one, or if your time is already out.
Increased Utility Bills
There is a big sign that many homeowners miss until it becomes very obvious and that’s the rising cost of the electrical bill. At first, it will start to rise slowly over a couple of years. However, when the HVAC unit gets to its last leg and it’s always running, then the electric bill will skyrocket.
Some homeowners have noticed that the bill may double and could call the company to come out and see if there’s an issue with the meter. The truth is that it may be with the system, and it’s working in overtime which takes more energy to run, thus increasing the bill.
After getting a new system, this utility bill will go down.
Don’t wait to have your HVAC unit replaced. It may cost a lot up front, but it will make your home more sustainable and efficient over time. You’ll start to get your money back out of it from monthly expenses and lack of repairs over the next few years.
You could take that money and reinvest it into other home projects or a business, whatever you need for your family.