HVAC systems are a great addition to any home. They keep us warm in the winter, cool in the summer and enhance the air quality we breathe all year. However, the unfortunate truth about HVAC systems is that they can pose problems over their lifespan. When your system shows signs of trouble, it may be difficult to determine whether a repair or replacement is your best option.
Signs something is wrong with your HVAC system:
Some common signs that indicate something is wrong with your HVAC system include:
- Inconsistent temperatures throughout the house
- Malfunctioning thermostat
- Unusual noises such as clanging and scratching
- An inability to keep up on the hottest and coldest days of the year
- Strange smells
- Excess dust collecting in the home
- Dry or stuffy air.
While these are common signs that something is wrong with all systems, it is important to remember that furnaces, air conditioners and water heaters are all very different and require their own care and attention.
Should you repair or replace your furnace?
Replacing your furnace is a big decision. A good furnace should last fifteen to twenty years before it needs to be replaced. If your furnace is newer than fifteen years, repairs can typically be considered the most cost-effective option.
Another good rule of thumb is considering the cost of the repair. If repair costs more than one-third of a replacement furnace, then replacing might be a more cost-effective option in the long run.
If you are faced with the same repair multiple times throughout one winter, and the cost of repairs are adding up, it may also be time to consider a replacement unit.
Should you repair or replace your air conditioner?
Determining whether to repair or replace your air conditioner follows many of the same guidelines as a furnace. Having said that, living without an air conditioner for a short period of time is possible if necessary while living without a furnace in the dead of winter is not.
The typical air conditioner should last 15 years. If it is older than 15 years you have a simple answer – replace it. If you continue to repair problems on an air conditioner after 15 years you will spend more than the unit is worth and it would be more cost-effective to get a newer, more efficient unit.
If your utility bills are rising each month, this may also be an indication that it is time to replace your air conditioner, rather than repair it. Rising utility bills are a sign that your system is not energy efficient. Newer units have energy efficiency ratings to save you monthly utility expenses and leave a more environmentally positive impact. Repairs cannot make your unit more energy efficient; newer technology is the only way to do this.
Should you repair or replace your water heater?
Repairs are a good way to extend the life expectancy of your water heater. However, as soon as it begins to corrode, replacement is your only option. Water heaters cannot be repaired after they spring a leak.
The good news is that newer water heaters are designed to be more energy efficient, and their glass liners make them less likely to corrode prematurely.
Work With Trusted HVAC Experts Today
It is important to work with an HVAC company you can trust so that you are confident you are being provided with the most accurate information about repairs and replacements. At Guelph ClimateCare, we have your best interests at the forefront of our work. Contact us today for HVAC repair or replacement assistance.
