There are Many Warning Signs that Indicate if it’s Time to Replace Your HVAC
Like most other household products, HVACs eventually wear out and eventually will need to be replaced. And while having regularly scheduled maintenance on your HVAC unit will extend its lifespan, normal wear and tear will cause your energy system to become less efficient and gradually less effective at adequately conditioning the air in your living spaces.
If you’re not sure when your HVAC unit has passed its prime and needs to be replaced, there are clear signs and symptoms that indicate you need a replacement.
7 Signs That You Should Replace Your HVAC Unit
1) Increasing Energy Bills
If you are seeing your monthly energy bills increasing out of proportion to your HVAC usage, then it might be time to consider purchasing a new energy system. Although utility costs will fluctuate somewhat in response to seasonal usage, they should be comparable to the previous year.
A deteriorating HVAC system is often the reason for escalating energy costs.
2) Increasing Running Time
As your HVAC gets older and approaches needing a replacement, you will likely observe that it starts up more frequently. It could also stay on longer so it can reach the desired temperature. Increased running time can also happen as a result of bad coils or a failing blower motor. You might want to inspect these parts prior to ordering a new installation.
If your coils and blower operate well, then this could point to your HVAC unit no longer producing and circulating the air efficiently in your home or office. Because of this, it takes longer to reach the desired temperature. It is time to replace your HVAC if the system continues to run for a considerable amount of time more than it did in the past.
3) Your HVAC Makes Loud Noises
As your HVAC gets older, it is not unusual for it to operate louder with age. However, if you notice the following noises, this could be an indication that you need to replace your unit:
- There is noise as the air conditioner starts to operate
- The blower is humming louder
- The furnace is groaning and banging
Many times, these particular noises can be explained by a loose part or a part that needs to be replaced. Then there are instances where the noises could signal problems with blowers, motors, fans and other critical HVAC parts. If these noises persist after repairs, it probably means it is time to replace your HVAC.
4) Your HVAC is More Than 10 Years Old
If you’ve been in the market recently to purchase an HVAC unit, you probably noticed that new HVAC units are Energy Star rated or energy efficient. So if you have an energy system that is more than a decade old, you likely are not operating an energy-saving system.
It’s worth noting that an energy efficient unit can save as much as 40 percent or more on your monthly energy bills. Newer HVAC units also come equipped with easy-to-use digitized and programmable thermostats that save households at least hundreds of dollars a year.
5) Your HVAC Requires Excessive Repairs
Even if you have all the necessary repairs done to your energy system and abide by regularly scheduled maintenance, after so many years specific parts in your HVAC unit will wear out and cause mechanical failures.
When you experience a certain number of repairs, it begins to approach or exceed the cost of a replacement HVAC unit. For example, when a compressor, motor or coil fails, replacement can be a much more viable option than contending with these more costly repairs, especially if it is an older unit – more than 10 years old.
While there could be some initial sticker shock that comes with the cost of a new HVAC unit, you’ll find that excessive repairs can total a hefty sum that will drain your pocketbook over time. That money is better invested in a new energy system, especially if it has the potential of saving you a lot of money with its energy efficient features.
6) You Don’t Have Regularly Scheduled Maintenance Services
It can’t be overstated how important it is to perform regular maintenance on your HVAC system, as it prolongs the lifespan of your machinery and saves you money in the form of fewer costly repairs. You should, at minimum, have two maintenance services completed every year on your energy system.
Remember that preventative maintenance on your HVAC system detects problems before they turn into expensive repairs. Routine maintenance provides opportunities for your certified technicians at Apollo to adjust parts as needed rather than replace them, giving you a significant cost savings in the long run.
7) Obsolete Technology
During the past 25 years, the air conditioning industry has undergone a major shift in the refrigerants they use in air conditioning units. Older HVAC units used R-22 refrigerant, commonly known as Freon. New units utilize R-410A, which goes by the brand name, Puron.
If your HVAC system is at least ten years old, or certainly more than 15 years old, you are not taking advantage of this significant new technology.
Puron keeps your unit operating cooler as it absorbs and releases heat more efficiently than R-22. What’s more, R-410A can function at a higher pressure than R-22. Only the newer HVAC units can handle Puron, as air conditioning systems have to be built specifically for R-410A refrigerant. Another benefit of this new technology is that air conditioners equipped with R-410A refrigerant are much less likely to burn out their compressors. They are also better able to sustain cracking and other stresses.
When you replace your old HVAC unit with a new energy system you will enjoy greater reliability from your unit. Aside from that, these new units also do a better job at controlling dust, excess humidity, allergens, and mold. All of this means you have an HVAC unit that reliably delivers cool air on hot summer days, and better air quality, in an ultra-efficient manner.
Look to Apollo Heating and Air Conditioning for Expert Maintenance of Your HVAC
Look to the HVAC experts at Apollo to ensure your energy system is in excellent condition and operating at optimal efficiency so you can stay cool and comfortable this summer. Our experienced team of highly trained technicians will work with you and exceed your expectations during HVAC repairs and A/C unit replacements.
Apollo field technicians will work closely with you in deciding what HVAC system is the best, and tailor it to fit your unique needs and preferences! We are committed to delivering premium quality HVAC service, maintenance, products, and documentation in Kennewick, Pasco, Richland, and beyond!
Learn more by contacting Apollo Heating and Air Conditioning! Call us at (509) 396-COLD (2653).
