In the summertime, when your home is at its hottest, you need to keep in mind that you must have your air conditioner properly functioning. If not, the temperature inside your home may not be cool enough for you to sleep comfortably.
The same goes for wintertime; when you’re freezing inside the house, you need to have your furnace on at all times. It will be hard to keep warm if it’s not operating correctly. When is the best time to have a new HVAC unit installed? The answer isn’t that simple, but there are some suggestions for times when it is worth considering having a new system put in.
1. Your System Is Older Than 10 Years
If you have an older HVAC unit, it would likely be best to replace that equipment altogether instead of repairing it. That’s because replacement units will deliver overall greater energy efficiency and performance than older units.
Older AC systems are also likely to use the refrigerant R-22. You should know that R-22 is being phased out as a result of the Montreal Protocol. The refrigerant is more potent than CO2, which is why it lowers temperatures effectively, but it also depletes the ozone. This is why most manufacturers are no longer making new central air conditioning units that use R-22. Even if you wanted to repair an older unit that uses R-22, for example, by replacing the compressor, you might be unable to find a replacement since manufacturers are no longer producing them.
2. Your System Is Working Poorly
If your HVAC unit is working poorly, that’s a reliable indication that you need to have a new system installed soon. A dependable system should help control the temperature in your home or business to your preference. During winters and summers, you want to be able to decide whether or not it’s warm enough or cool enough inside. You’ll also want the unit to deliver air in the right direction, which will help keep heating and cooling costs reasonable.
3. Your System Is Not Energy Efficient
If your air conditioner or heater is less energy efficient, this is another scenario that would indicate that you need to replace your system. You’ll want to look at how much power the unit uses because this will help you decide whether or not it’s worth replacing.
4. Your System Requires Frequent Maintenance
If you have an older HVAC system, it’s best to replace it. There are times when you might be tempted to go with repair work instead. However, if you notice frequent breakdowns that need repair work, you should look into replacing the equipment.
5. The Cost of Replacement Is Comparatively Lower
The cost of replacement is often lower than the cost of frequent repair work. If your system is 10 years old or newer, replacing the unit rather than repairing it could save you money on future heating and cooling costs.
6. Your System Is Not Environmentally Friendly
Almost all HVAC systems sold today are green systems, meaning that these models are designed to produce little emissions. If you have an old HVAC system that hasn’t been properly maintained, it might not be considered green anymore.
7. You’re Buying a New Home
If you’re buying a new home, one of the first things that you’ll want to do is have a new HVAC system installed if the current one is outdated. HVAC units can easily become obsolete within five years, and getting a new unit as soon as possible is crucial. When purchasing a new home, talk with your builder about installing an energy-efficient HVAC system.
8. You Hear Strange Noises Coming From Your HVAC System
Most homeowners don’t immediately think their HVAC system needs to be replaced. However, if you hear strange noises coming from your unit, it’s best to have that equipment replaced. When your HVAC system starts to make unusual noises, it can indicate an issue with the compressor. If the compressor in your system has been damaged, you could replace the whole unit.
9. You See Water Pooling at Your HVAC System
When you see water pooling at your HVAC equipment, that can be a sign there is a leak inside the unit. When water pools at these systems, it’s usually because the refrigerant lines have been damaged. That alone is a good indication that you should be looking into replacing the unit.
10. You Have Stronger Smells in Your Home or Office
Stronger smells in your home or office can mean mold forming inside the HVAC system. That’s not something you want to leave alone. When mold starts growing inside your HVAC unit, that can signify that it’s time for a replacement system.
11. You Notice More Dust Throughout Your Home
In some cases, you can see dust building up throughout your home. An HVAC system is supposed to provide proper ventilation. It should improve your home’s air quality by eliminating mold and dust and controlling the humidity. If there is an increased amount of dust, the system needs to be replaced since it is no longer efficient.
Bad air quality in your house can lead to asthma, allergies, and other respiratory issues, so keep your HVAC system working properly. Replace it when your system is no longer efficient and effective.
12. You Have Expensive Bills
When you have high heating and cooling bills each month, it’s time to consider replacing your HVAC unit. When an existing system isn’t working well, energy efficiency will drop significantly, and your heating and cooling costs will rise.
Regular maintenance is vital as that’s the only way to keep your HVAC system working well for many years. The moment you notice your equipment is not working as it should, you’ll need to have a certified professional come out and give it an inspection. If it turns out the system is in good shape, make sure to schedule regular HVAC maintenance appointments so that your system stays in optimal condition for as long as possible. Christian Brothers Air Conditioning, Plumbing & Electrical in Glendale and Phoenix, AZ, will help you maintain your cooling and heating systems.
When purchasing a new HVAC system, don’t wait until the last minute to get something installed. You don’t want to find yourself without a properly working AC in the middle of the summer. By scheduling an HVAC installation in the spring or fall, you can rest easy knowing there will be AC during summer heat without paying extra money for an emergency install on a sweltering day.
Buying a new HVAC system will ultimately save you money in the long run over continuing to use the same outdated, inefficient system. It’s best to have your new air conditioning system put in by a professional to ensure that it is installed correctly and safely the first time. Christian Brothers Air Conditioning, Plumbing & Electrical offers all the heating, electrical, plumbing, and air conditioning services you need to maintain your comfort. Contact us today for more information.
