HVAC
HVAC Replacement

If you are a homeowner, you probably wonder when and how to know it’s time to replace your HVAC system. After all, a heating and cooling unit can be a major investment, so it makes sense to hang onto it as long as you can. Unfortunately, just like any appliance in your home, your HVAC system is not going to last forever. Investing in a better unit and having routine maintenance regularly performed will have your system lasting longer than it would otherwise, but at some point, you will experience lesser efficiency and more significant repairs. The average lifespan of a home heating and cooling system is around 10 to 20 years, but once you are looking at a decade or more of usage, it is time to start thinking about a new unit.

Signs It’s Time to Replace Your HVAC System

Before we dive into the reasons why you should consider replacing your old HVAC system, let’s explore some of the signs that it is indeed time to do so.

  • A decade or older unit
  • Persistent strange sounds or smells
  • Constant repair required
  • Expired warranty
  • High utility bill
  • Not reaching or holding desired temperature
  • Incompatibility with current technology
  • Leaks
  • Type of fuel needed is getting harder to source

If you are experiencing even just a couple of these signs, it may be worth looking into a new HVAC system.

Reasons to Replace Your Old HVAC System

While you may be experiencing some of the signs listed above, if your HVAC system is not outright failing completely, you might be tempted to hold off on a replacement AC or heater. The fact is that there are myriad reasons to think about a new system even if your old one has not yet broken down entirely.

1. Lower Efficiency Means More Money Out of Your Pocket

The cost of energy just seems to keep getting higher, and global trends show no signs that prices are going to drop. That means that homeowners are going to need to make do with less. One of the best ways to do that is to embrace modern technology. An older unit that is running at its best still can’t compete with how energy-efficient some new models are designed to be. Chances are, however, that if you have an older unit, it is likely not running as efficiently as it did when it was first purchased. This is especially true if it hasn’t been receiving regular routine maintenance from a professional. A new unit that is energy-efficient and consistently maintained will save you money, keeping you and your loved ones comfortable more affordably.

2. An Expired Warranty Will Cost You

A warranty is an assurance for the consumer that the system should last at least as long as the warranty term. Should your HVAC system run into an issue during the warranty period, you are granted some recourse, provided that you have done your part to abide by the warranty terms. This means that a warranty provides a level of financial peace of mind since a customer is confident that, if there is a breakdown, they will not need to shell out a bunch of money. If you have an older system that is well beyond the warranty period, that means you will be footing the bill for any issues and repairs that come up. This can become quite a financial burden, so getting a system with a new warranty can offer peace of mind while saving you money in the long run.

3. Programmability and Versatility

If you have not checked out the latest in HVAC system technology, you might be surprised to find out just how convenient and seemingly custom-designed to your individual needs they can be. For example, most modern HVAC systems come with, at minimum, a programmable thermostat. These allow you to program how your home is heated and cooled in accordance with the needs of your lifestyle. This means that you can set your home to automatically change to a different temperature, depending on the times when people are typically at home.

Many modern systems also offer smart technology that you can control from your phone or another mobile device. If you leave for vacation without turning your air off or want to make sure that your home is at a particular temperature before you walk in the door, all it takes is pressing of a couple of buttons on a screen wherever you might be. All of this programmability and versatility can save you a great deal of money as well as making life less stressful and more comfortable.

4. Being Good to the Environment

If you are using an older model HVAC system, it could be running off of R-22. This type of coolant has been found to be extremely bad for the environment, and it is believed that its emissions could be a contributing factor in the depletion of the planet’s ozone layer. This layer is what protects us from the harmful radiation of the sun that can lead to health issues like cancer. Upgrading to a new system that runs off of R-410A, which is ozone-friendly, is the responsible thing to do for the environment and for future generations.

5. R-22 Is Also Expensive

While helping the environment should be enough of a reason to move away from the use of R-22, if you have to use this kind of coolant for your HVAC system, it can be quite costly. This coolant has become harder to source, and the current price is reflective of that. Filling up your air conditioner with R-22 can cost you several times more than a newer model that uses R-410A.

6. Repairs Can Become Cost-Prohibitive

One of the biggest reasons to move on to a newer model HVAC system is that once your system begins showing significant wear and tear due to age, you might find yourself dealing with repair after repair. At a certain point, when crunching the numbers, it could eventually wind up that the amount you are spending on repairs to your old system is greater than what you would be spending for a replacement. Should it get to this point, installing a new heater or air conditioning system simply makes the most sense.

Your San Antonio HVAC Authority

If you would like to speak to a professional about how to go about upgrading from your old HVAC system, our team at Air Authority, A Riteway Service Company is here for you. We have over 30 years of experience with heating and cooling, and we are committed to bringing the utmost satisfaction to every member of our community. You can count on us for the installation, repair, and maintenance of a wide range of systems. We are also adept at indoor air purification, heat pumps, and insulation.

To learn more about the new HVAC system options available to you, give us a call today.

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