Is the HVAC system in your house past its prime?

5 Indices That Your Home's HVAC System Needs to be Replaced

How frequently do you consider your HVAC system? Most Virginia homes don't even notice it until it breaks, leaving them shivering in the cold and sweating profusely in the summer while trying to find the money for an expensive repair.

One of the biggest expenditures you can make on your house is an HVAC system. While it goes without saying that you want to keep it functioning for as long as possible, knowing when an upgrade is necessary is crucial.

The experts in heating, air conditioning, and plumbing at HVAC Repair Experts are here to provide some signs that it's time to replace the HVAC system in your home. If you do require new equipment, the Service Experts Advantage Program allows you to lease a brand-new, high-efficiency HVAC system that includes all maintenance, repairs, and components at no additional cost.

1. Your utility bills are still increasing

Even though it's typical to spend more on utilities during the summer when cooling your home, your bill shouldn't be much higher than it was during the same month the previous year.

According to Jim Hughes, senior manager of education and training at Service Experts, rising utility bills may indicate that it's time to repair your HVAC system. "Due to normal wear and tear, the system's effectiveness gradually decreases over time. The biggest loss of efficiency is brought on by internal corrosion and dirt buildup.

You can anticipate that as your system matures, its efficiency will decline by 5–10%. To find out if there's a problem with your HVAC system, call a specialist if you notice an increase in your energy expenses. If you want to improve the efficiency of your home, you might be better off spending money on a full replacement if it needs extensive repairs.

2. Your home's temperature varies from room to room

Even if it is cold in your kitchen, you begin to perspire as soon as you walk into the living room. Why isn't the temperature in your entire house constant thanks to your HVAC system?

"A system that is too big for the house can cycle quickly. According to Service Experts' vice president of sales, Jon Carman, the system turns off when the temperature in the house is satisfied too rapidly. However, the humidity will persist, and certain areas of your house will seem warmer and stickier. With today's technology and a new air conditioner, you wouldn't experience such hot and cold swings.

Hughes says that if your temperatures aren't always the same, you should also check your ducting.

"Warm and cool air is distributed to each section of the house by the ductwork. He said anyone that comes to replace your HVAC system must make sure the ductwork can manage the volume of air the system needs to flow.

3. Your HVAC system is constantly in use

Your air conditioning system may go into overdrive during the hottest parts of the summer to keep your house comfortable. However, if an air conditioner won't turn off on a typical day, it may need some care.

According to Hughes, it's a good sign that the air conditioner's capacity has decreased. "It might be affected by all the dirt that needs to be cleared away, and everything would need to be cleaned and rebuilt. Another possibility is that the compressor, which is the heart of an air conditioning system, isn't working properly.

Even if you like the temperature in your home, you won't be too happy with the extra costs associated with an HVAC system that is continually running. It could be replaced to improve the efficiency of your house.

4. The Age of Your HVAC System

If you ask your technician how long your HVAC system should last, they might not be able to give you an accurate answer.

Hughes stated, "It really depends on how properly it was installed and how well it's been maintained." The average air conditioning system is said to need replacement every 15 years, although that estimate also accounts for systems that last 20 years and fail after only six.

According to Carman, as R22 is being totally phased out by 2020, it is typically not worth the money to maintain a system that is nearing the end of its useful life.

Instead of purchasing an iPod, he added, "that's like attempting to repair a tape deck." Even in its amended state, "you have to consider whether you're mending something that will be outmoded."

5. Repairs cost a lot of money

Over time, routine maintenance will be needed to keep your HVAC system functioning properly.

Basic fixes include replacing components like the capacitor, which functions like a battery, or the contractors, which operate like electrical switches, according to Carman. But those are expensive repairs, so you might not want to do them if the compressor starts to give you problems or the coils start to leak.

He continued, "You might want to think about putting that money toward a replacement if the repair estimates are more than you anticipated." No matter the weather, a new HVAC system will keep your home warm and help you make the most of your home improvement money.