Investing in a new HVAC unit for your home is a major decision and commitment. Like any big investment, it’s not a decision that you should rush into. You obviously don’t want to wait too long to pull the trigger; letting your aging system linger can result in all sorts of discomfort and financial stress. However, it doesn’t make much sense to get rid of your HVAC unit sooner than you need to, either. If your heating and cooling appliances still have a few productive years left, it would be prudent to get as much out of them as you can. When deciding on the right time to replace your HVAC unit, the goal is to find that middle ground. Ideally, you want to wait until the unit begins to deteriorate, but not much longer. To make this work, knowing the telltale signs of a declining system will prove extremely helpful.

1. The Unit Is Old

On average, most household HVAC systems will remain productive for about 15 years. If you’ve taken exceptionally good care of your unit, that number can increase by up to five years. Usually, you’ll only get those extra few years if you’ve stayed on top of system maintenance, consistently conserved heat and kept your ducts and vents clean year-round.

If you’ve had your HVAC unit for more than a decade, you should regularly be on the alert for signs of its demise. By itself, age shouldn’t be the sole factor in deciding when to replace the system. But, if your old unit starts to show decreased performance and efficiency, a new system would probably be a wiser investment than repairing the struggling one.

2. Frequent Repairs

When an HVAC unit is approaching the end of its productive life, it’s common for a variety of problems to begin popping up. These issues can range from minor malfunctions and loose parts all the way up to total system breakdowns. For one or two small problems, it’s not that big of a deal to have them repaired and move on. However, once they start to pile up, you’ll quickly reach a point where it would make more financial sense to invest in a replacement than continue paying for repairs. As these issues accumulate, the performance of the HVAC unit will likely suffer. You’ll probably begin noticing decreased comfort and increased monthly energy bills.

If your aging HVAC unit has experienced more than one or two problems this year, that’s a major red flag. If you’re in the Richmond Hill, GA area, you should invite one of our technicians at [company_name] to inspect the system. They’ll be able to advise you on whether or not it’s the right time to replace it.

3. Uneven Household Temperatures

When running your heating or cooling system, have you noticed that some rooms are more comfortable than others? On a hot Georgia day, maybe your kitchen is nice and cool, but your living room is still sweltering and humid. If you’re experiencing uneven temperatures around your home, the most likely cause is a problem with your HVAC unit. When your heating or cooling system is deteriorating, its air circulation will likely be hampered. Often, that will result in certain areas getting insufficient circulation.

4. Electricity Bills Inexplicably Rising

With a healthy HVAC unit, your monthly heating and cooling costs should be relatively steady from year to year. You’ll likely see predictable increases during the harsher weather of summer and winter, but those should coincide directly with how often you’re running the appliances. However, if you notice an unexplained spike or a long-term, steady increase, there’s likely an issue with your HVAC unit.

When your HVAC system is malfunctioning or deteriorating from old age, its efficiency will plummet, and it will most likely continue to decline indefinitely. If the unit is less than ten or so years old, a tune-up or repair will probably be your most prudent option. However, with an old system, you should seriously consider investing in a replacement.

When you need your HVAC unit inspected, tuned up, repaired, or replaced, you can count on our team of experts at [company_name]. Since 1980, we’ve been a reliable provider of heating, cooling, ductwork, and indoor air quality services for the greater Richmond Hill area. Our locally-owned and family-run business has grown from two employees to 20 and continues to expand. We strive to bring you the best customer service possible, as our goal is your 100% satisfaction. If you’d like to learn more about what we offer, give us a call at [company_name] today.