Are you wondering when the right time to upgrade your HVAC system is? Below are some of the top clues that your system is in need of a replacement and how a new system will save you money in the long run!

Your System is 10-15 Years or Older

The Department of Energy highly recommends replacing your system every 10-15 years. This may seem a bit excessive, however there are a some really good reasons behind this guideline and the evidence shows that over time, you will actually save money. The main reason for this is the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio or SEER rating for AC units. This is calculated by taking the amount that a unit cools per year and dividing by how much energy it used. Therefore, the higher the SEER rating, the better the AC unit is for the environment and your wallet. As technology advances, the SEER ratings on newer models continue to increase. For instance, the federal minimum SEER rating jumped from 10 in 2006 to 14 in 2015. That is just a 7 year difference – imagine the energy savings after 10-15 years. Another consideration is that R-22 refrigerant is still being used in older units and has now been proven to be harmful to the environment.

Repair Costs

While the newest air conditioners are made to be more durable, their major components still cannot be guaranteed after 10-15 years of use. Even with regular preventative maintenance and servicing, your unit is still at risk for costly repairs after so many years. This is another perk of investing in a new system on a regular basis – avoiding expensive and untimely repairs! Just remember a relatively new system still needs regular maintenance to work as efficiently as possible. It is also important to consider that every home is different and requires a specific HVAC system tailored to the size, sun light exposure, airflow and duct size tolerance, number of windows, volume of insulation, and more! Its possible that your current HVAC system is not the best size and type to cool and heat your home efficiently.

Performance & Air Quality

Older HVAC systems often struggle to maintain consistent temperature. This can be a result of various issues such as a damaged thermostat, clogged filter, low fluid level, motor damage, or even cracked air ducts. Temperature inconsistencies typically mean that overall, your air conditioning system is lacking the power to supply air throughout your home. If left as is, your home will continue to be uncomfortable and your energy bills will be higher than usual. Your HVAC system is also responsible for providing your home with proper ventilation by reducing dust, dander and other debris as well as controlling humidity. If you are noticing more dust in your home, it could mean that your AC system is no longer working efficiently to remove these particles and improve your home’s air quality.

If you are having trouble with your HVAC system or would simply like our professional opinion, give us a call today or click here to schedule service. You may want to consider scheduling a tune up, explore options to improve your home’s air quality, or learn more about our preventative maintenance plan in preparation for the summer heat to come. If you are thinking about upgrading your system, you can call our office for a free estimate. Our team of HVAC professionals are here to help make sure your home is comfortable and your HVAC system is running efficiently this summer!

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