When your HVAC system shows signs of deterioration, it may be time for a full replacement. But how do you know when you need to replace your HVAC system versus calling about a repair? Here’s what you need to know about maintaining your home’s comfort all year round.
What exactly does your HVAC do?
Your HVAC system is responsible for heating, ventilating, and air conditioning your home. It’s a system made up of a sum of equipment parts that maintains a healthy indoor environment throughout each season.
HVACs don’t only control room temperature, but also humidity and indoor air quality . Typical components of HVAC systems include heat pumps , furnaces , air conditioning units, ductwork, and other related equipment.
5 signs your HVAC system is due for a replacement
1. It’s ancient
Much like any other piece of tech or equipment, your HVAC system has a shelf life. The age of your heating and cooling system may be a good indication of whether you should opt for a repair or a complete replacement. Here’s how long the average piece of equipment lasts:
- Furnaces: 15-22 years
- Air conditioners: 15-20 years
- Heat pumps: 10-15 years
The manufacturer’s guides for your particular system might reflect differently, but if your system is in the above ballpark age, it might be time to invest in something brand new before back-to-back repairs add up.
2. Your utility bill keeps rising
During the summer, it’s expected that your utility bill climbs a bit, but if it’s noticeably higher than the previous summer, that’s when you know you’ve got a problem on your hands.
As your system ages, you can generally expect a 5-10% drop in efficiency . Keep in mind that’s over a handful of years, not just one summer. If you notice a sudden increase in energy costs, your system may be faulty, causing it to work harder than necessary. In that case, call a professional team , and they can advise on whether the fix is simple or you’re going to need a full replacement.
3. The history of repairs is long
Has your system already been through the ringer in terms of repairs? They add up over time, more than you might think.
If you’re on a first-name basis with the technicians at your local repair shop, it may be time to opt for a complete replacement instead of incurring repeated repair expenses. Generally, one or two repairs within a three-year period may indicate that your system is still in good enough condition to warrant another.
However, if you exceed the 1-2 repair count within a short time, replacement might be a more viable option for your home and your wallet.
4. Your system runs constantly
In the peak summer months and in the dead of winter, it might feel like your furnace and air conditioning unit are kicked into overdrive just to keep things at a comfortable baseline. But an air conditioner, in particular one that won’t switch off on auto, might need some attention.
It’s a clear sign that your unit doesn’t have the capacity that it used to, when it’s constantly on. It could be dirty and need a good cleaning, or it could be an integral part, like a damaged compressor that’s causing issues. The sooner you can find out which it is, the better. Even if you’re happy with your home’s temperature, you won’t be when you see the associated energy bill.
5. Temperatures are uneven throughout your home
Is it cold in the kitchen, but you’re sweating in the living room? Extreme discrepancies in temperature throughout the home are also a strong indication that your system may need replacement.
If your HVAC system is too large for your home, it could start short-cycling. This means the temperature is satisfied too quickly in a house, and the system shuts off soon after it kicks on. When this happens, the humidity remains, and it may feel warm and stickier in some areas of the home. A new system that’s the right size for your area will help you avoid those uneven swings in temperature in every room.
Unevenness in temperature throughout the home could also be due to your ductwork. If your ductwork is faulty, clogged, or dirty, it could be preventing warm or cool air from reaching where it needs to. Call a professional to confirm the culprit and determine whether you need a repair or full replacement.
Time for your replacement? Call us at Allard & Émond
Need a repair or replacement for part of your HVAC system? Our team at Allard & Émond is just one call away. We’ve been trusted in the greater Montreal area for over 40 years, and you can put your trust in us to take care of your home’s comfort, too, all year round. Contact us today , and a knowledgeable technician will be in touch to provide a quote.