An air conditioning unit has a 15 to 20 years lifespan, while a heat pump functions well for nearly 16 years on average. However, no matter how well you maintain your system, there will come a time when replacement is necessary. Requiring excessive tune-ups or repairs is a significant indication. However, this is not the only factor you need to consider before you say goodbye to your old unit.
Since an HVAC system replacement can be costly, it is necessary to ensure that your old system is nearly dead. If you are sure about replacement, we suggest contacting Williams Comfort Air to do the job for you. Below we shall look at several factors that indicate it’s time to say replace your HVAC.
Lifespan and Warranty
The age of your HVAC system should be able to tell you if it is time for a replacement. Since most furnaces and air conditioning units last around 15 to 20 years, it is necessary to closely monitor your unit once it hits 15 years of age.
If you had technicians and licensed professionals come over to install it for you, then there is a good chance they mentioned the installation date on your unit. However, if you cannot seem to find that, you can check the inside of the HVAC chamber door for a metal plate. This will have serial and model numbers inscribed on it. You can use these to ask the manufacturing company about the production date of your system.
Another essential thing to note is that a system older than 15 to 20 years does not necessarily require replacement. This is just an average, and your unit may last longer if it is well maintained. It is also possible for only half of your unit to fail while the other half may still be functioning well. Some other factors that increase life expectancy include:
- You did not use your furnace often
- You used either the heating or cooling component more than the other
- You did not use your HVAC system continuously
Safety Hazards
Most heating parts of HVAC units or furnaces become faulty over time. This can include a cracked heat exchanger, clogged valves, or faulty wiring. Cracks can cause carbon monoxide to seep into the air in your home. This is fatal and must not be ignored at any cost. Other faults can lead to short circuits, fires, and overheated parts. If problems continue to arise, cannot be fixed entirely, or are life-threatening, it is time to get a replacement. Make sure to reach out to a great contractor for a thorough inspection.
R-22 Freon Gas
The R-22 Freon gas is being phased out slowly, which has increased the price of this refrigerant significantly. If the air conditioning unit in your system has Freon, you will have to get a replacement eventually. This is necessary to make the switch to the new refrigerant R410A.
You will also need a replacement if Freon leaks or your unit is acting faulty due to R-22. New refrigerants are eco-friendly, are not CFCs, and do not destroy the ozone layer. Replacement means you can contribute to saving the environment and keep cool with reduced consumption of electricity.
Constant Repairs
Continuous repairs indicate the system has worn out and cannot perform as well as it initially did. A new unit will reduce the need for repairs and save you money on repair costs. There will be no need to call an HVAC technician either. While AC units will require repairs every so often, these should not be more than a few times each year. With a heating system, you can tell the furnace is beyond repair if it fails to heat all rooms to the same temperature.
Dust Accumulation
An HVAC system also needs to ventilate your home. Failure to do so leads to a drop in air quality and accumulates dirt, debris, dust, and dander. A failing system will also be unable to control the humidity levels in your home. Any change in humidity levels compared to the past is a huge indicator.
Noisy/Smelly
Unwanted noises like squeaking, grinding, or other unusual sounds indicate worn-out parts. You may want to consult a technician if your HVAC suddenly makes noise. Weird smells are a huge warning sign, especially those that feel like something is burning. This may indicate:
- Melting wires
- Moldy ducts
- Dust burning
- Other faults
- Energy Bills
Even though billing costs vary for each season, you should still receive a constant bill for similar seasons. A higher bill may mean reduced efficiency, and the problem could be fixed after servicing the unit. However, if your unit is too old, consider getting a new one.
Endnote
Uncomfortable temperatures, incorrect sizing, age, damaged thermostat, clogged filters or ducts, cracks, and low refrigerant levels are a few of the factors that call for an inspection of your HVAC unit. Make sure to hire a reputable HVAC technician to see if you need to replace your unit.
