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HVAC systems are one of the most significant investments most homeowners will make while maintaining their property. That means there’s usually hesitation before replacing it, with many property owners opting to continue trying to repair a system that needs to be replaced. These eight signs are significant indicators that it’s time to consider replacing your HVAC system.
1. System Age
Gas furnaces tend to have an expected service life of 15 to 20 years. Air conditioners and heat pumps may last 10 to 15 years. As a system nears and exceeds this age, its performance will deteriorate.
The efficiency starts to wane because of worn parts. These wearing parts also need to be replaced to keep the system working properly. The result is that the older a system gets, the more likely you are to experience a mid-season breakdown. When you fail to plan for replacing an aging system, you’re more likely to need to replace it as an emergency, which limits your options and often results in higher costs.
2. Climbing Energy Bills
Aging systems will slowly lose their efficiency, causing them to consume more energy while trying to heat or cool your home. A spike in your power consumption is an indication that something in your HVAC system may not be functioning properly. If you see your energy slowly climbing over time without another explanation, your system may be silently telling you it’s time to trade it in for a new AC installation or replacement heater.
3. Repair Frequency and Costs
HVAC repairs are a necessary part of maintaining your HVAC system. However, those repairs become more frequent as the system ages, along with an increase in the complexity and cost of the repairs.
There are two ways to consider repairs when deciding whether to replace your heating system or AC. The first is if any one repair costs 50% or more of the cost of a new system. The second looks at your repair history. Add up the repair costs over the last two years and multiply that by your system’s age. If that exceeds the cost of a new system, you may want to consider a new system.
4. Inconsistent Performance
Your system should consistently heat or cool your home, both in terms of the temperature of the air produced and in distributing that air evenly throughout your home. If your heating and cooling system performs inadequately and inconsistently, it’s likely time for a replacement.
5. Excess Household Humidity
Both a furnace and an air conditioner will help remove humidity from your home’s air. When that humidity remains high inside your home, the system isn’t drawing it out, and likely isn’t effectively heating or cooling your home.
Indications of excess household humidity include:
- Condensation on your windows
- Peeling paint
- Clothes, linens, and floors that seem to remain wet
- Musty odors in your home
- Feeling sticky or clammy
6. Bad Odors
Your system should run without producing any odors. Even faint odors may indicate that the system is aging and needs repair or replacement.
Odors to pay attention to while your system’s running include:
- Musty or moldy
- Melting plastic
- Metallic
7. Short Cycling
A normal heating or cooling cycle typically lasts 10 to 15 minutes, occurring two to three times per hour. Short cycling is when your HVAC system runs shorter cycles than usual, more often. Short cycling may indicate the need for repairs or an improperly sized system. However, when combined with age, short cycling may be a strong indicator of an impending failure and the need for replacement.
8. Reduced Airflow
One of the problems that may cause inconsistent heating and cooling around your home is reduced airflow. While this is most often caused by clogged air filters or ducts, it may also simply indicate an aging or failing system.
The circulating fan controls the amount of air the system draws in and pushes back out. As the system ages, the fan may not spin as quickly, reducing the air flow through the system. Additionally, aging components, like fan capacitors, may also prevent the fan from operating effectively.
Bryant’s Heating & Cooling has been the HVAC service provider of choice around Fort Payne, AL since 1981. Our award-winning team provides heating and cooling installation, maintenance, and repair. Call to schedule an HVAC replacement consultation with one of our NATE-certified technicians today.
