Heating and cooling systems are designed to keep the temperatures in your home comfortable and safe, and they are a sound investment that will add value to your property. However, just like any piece of major equipment, with time and natural wear and tear, your HVAC unit will need to be replaced. If you have noticed your heating and cooling system is not working in prime condition and wonder if it is time for a new installation, here are a few signs.
HVAC repairs happen more frequently
If you are calling for AC repairs more often, then it may be time to get a new installation. As a heating and cooling system ages, you will find that repairs will be necessary when you notice the signs such as strange sounds, odd odors, and poor to no air flow. Some of these AC repairs will be minor and very affordable, but the longer you try to keep an older unit working, the more complex the repairs will become.
When you start to notice you are calling a technician often and the repairs are only getting more expensive and major, you should go ahead and have a complete inspection to find out if it is time for a new unit. If it is, go ahead and request a quote and start researching features such as thermostats.
Energy costs have gradually risen
If you have started to notice that your energy bill is on the rise, it is time to take a good look at your HVAC system. When it is not running efficiently, then it is working overtime, and that will make an impact on your bill. Pay attention to when the unit is turning on and off, and what the airflow is like. If you notice a change in any of these things, then call in a pro to run diagnostics to locate the problem and either correct it or give you an estimate on a new unit.
The HVAC system is the wrong size
If you recently had a new installation, but notice issues such as water build up or frost around the outside unit or desired temperatures not being reached, then you may have the wrong size system for your square footage. Be sure when you hire a company to install an HVAC system that you check their credentials and make sure they are reputable. The best will always use precision and accurate measurements so that you get a successful installation the first time.
The system is over ten years old
If your HVAC system is over ten years old, you will want to start paying closer attention to the way it is performing. While it should last longer than a decade, you will still need to be more mindful as it ages and look at energy bills, repair history, and comfort levels to ensure it keeps working properly. Have it serviced yearly, and make sure you speak with the pros about your options when it is time for a new installation.