Replacing your HVAC unit is a big deal since it’s no small purchase for your home or your wallet. But at a certain point, it becomes a better financial decision to replace the unit rather than continuing to pay for repairs. Throughout this blog post, we’re discussing the factors that will indicate it’s time for a new HVAC unit.
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HOW OLD IS YOUR CURRENT SYSTEM?
The first step in determining whether you should repair or replace your HVAC unit is figuring out how old your system is. Like every other appliance in your home, there is an estimated expiration date for your HVAC system, and if you have passed that date, then it’s time to consider a replacement.
According to Energy Star, replacing a unit that you’ve had for 10 years can save you up to 20 percent on heating and cooling costs. Additionally, newer models are simply more efficient than ones made 10 plus years ago. So even if your system is running smoothly, you could still be losing money because of inefficiencies.
There are a few things to keep in mind when purchasing your new unit, including the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rating and the Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating. A SEER rating of 18 is currently considered the most efficient rating, and the most efficient HVAC units will have an AFUE rating of 95% or higher.
WHAT PROBLEMS HAVE YOU ENCOUNTERED WITH YOUR CURRENT SYSTEM?
Some problems are easily fixed with routine maintenance, but others signal deeper problems.
INCREASING ENERGY BILLS
Did your energy bill seem significantly higher than last month’s? That might have something to do with your heating and cooling system. As your system ages, even routine maintenance and inspections won’t be able to keep it in tip-top shape like it used to; and an inefficient system means a more expensive system.
DECREASE IN COMFORT
Another sign that it’s time for a replacement is a consistent decrease in comfort within your home. If you’re constantly checking and adjusting the thermostat, even after receiving maintenance and scheduling repairs, then it’s time to consider replacing the unit altogether.
UNDERSTAND THE COST OF REPAIR
If there’s a specific part of the unit that is causing you problems and is replaceable, then it could be worth it to simply replace or repair that piece. However, a helpful tip to keep in mind is if the repair costs you half the price of a new unit, it’s more cost-effective to replace it. This is especially true if your system is on the older end of the spectrum.
CONSIDER THE INCREASING PRICE OF HVAC UNITS
There are a number of inflationary factors impacting HVAC technologies this year. Some of the most prevalent factors include:
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Steel demand has picked back up following the slow down during the pandemic, which is causing significant supply and demand disruptions.
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During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was an increase in the consumption of canned sodas, which are made from aluminum. This trend has increased the demand and therefore the price of aluminum across industries.
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Expiring tariff exemptions from China will increase the cost of steel.
TRANE XV AC
If you ultimately decide to replace your HVAC system, our recommendation is the Trane XV. There are three available models, each with different selling points, but overall the Trane XV is Energy Star qualified, efficient, quiet, effective, and a great value to your home.
If you have grown tired of inconsistent home temperatures, and never quite feeling comfortable, give our team at Hi-Tech Plumbing, Air & Electrical, Inc. a call. We’ll look at your current system, provide you with an estimate for either a repair or replacement and provide an honest recommendation. Visit our website or call us at (561) 220-3107 for all of your heating and cooling needs.