Being a homeowner comes with a lot of responsibilities. Investing in your home maintenance and improvement can increase its value but deciding where to do that investment can be intimidating. Among all such tough choices, the HVAC system is the most important one. That’s because it takes care of your indoor comfort, can affect your energy bills, and costs a lot! If you are looking to find out answers to questions like “What is the best time to replace HVAC systems?” or “How old is too old?”, you have landed at the right place.
When the HVAC system breaks down, the first thing you should do is to clean its air filters, adjust the power supply, replace the thermostat, and hope for the best. If that does not work, you have to call professionals for air conditioner repair in Bismarck ND. There comes a time when repairs are not enough. Homeowners living in homes with old HVAC systems have to decide between replacement and repairs. Following are four signs your HVAC system needs to be replaced which are then followed by information on the best time of the year to purchase a new HVAC system for your home.
Signs It’s Time To Replace HVAC System
HVAC System Is Older Than A Decade
The first thing you should know is about its age. If your unit is getting older, you should start saving for a replacement already, especially when it has served you for a decade already. As the exterior units and some ducts of the HVAC system are located outside and constantly exposed to extreme weather conditions, it is subject to wear and tear. That’s the reason the life expectancy of an air conditioner is shorter than a furnace that is kept indoors. Old air conditioners last for about 10-12 years whereas modern systems are said to last for more than 15 years. Keep in mind that life expectancy greatly relies on regular maintenance and upkeep. So if you haven’t been very good at maintenance, you have to replace the system sooner than you expected.
Your Electricity Bills Have Skyrocketed
Your energy bill is a good indicator of your HVAC health. Unless there have been some drastic changes in your energy usage, your energy should be predictable for every month of the year. If you have been facing some glitches with the air conditioning unit and the bills have skyrocketed unexpectedly, it’s time to hire professionals for HVAC replacement. High bills indicate that the HVAC system is using a lot of energy to provide you consistent indoor temperatures. As the components wear off, the system gets less efficient in its performance and thus the system has to work harder to produce the same results.
Frequent Calls To AC Repair Services
Occasional breakdowns are okay but if notice that you need AC repair services frequently, pay attention to the patterns. For those who hire professionals for yearly HVAC tune-ups, the system should not break down during summers. Most of the issues are caused by a lack of maintenance. Once the issue has worsened to a point, temporary repairs are not enough. Even if you get it fixed for a while, it will break down. Recurrent repairs add up to be far more expensive especially when you have to pay the replacement costs sooner or later. At a certain point, it is economical to go for the replacement.
Your Air Conditioner Has R-22 Freon
US Environmental Protection Agency is phasing R-22 out of use because it has been attributed with several negative impacts on the environment. Starting from January 1, 2021, the production of Freon in the US has been banned. If you own an air conditioner that was installed ten years ago or before that, it is more likely to use Freon as the refrigerant. Although you are not required to replace the system right now, you should better prepare for the replacement. If you do not have knowledge about the type of refrigerant, consult an HVAC technician.
The Best Time To Replace HVAC System
Once you know there is no going around HVAC replacement, it’s time to consider the right time of the year to make the purchase. An unexpected purchase can be pretty unsettling for your yearly budget. Similarly choosing the right season will help you save your hard-earned money.
Replacing a system in the busiest season of the year often translates to high market prices for the systems, high installation costs, and a slower turnaround time. Not to mention the inconvenience of calling dozens of contractors and waiting to get an appointment. The off-season is the best time to replace your HVAC systems. According to experts, off-season ranges from off-season stretches from late September to mid-November and from early March to mid-May for most states of the US.
Hire The Best Technicians To Handle HVAC Replacement
Even the best companies for AC Repair cannot make up for replacements. If you are suspecting that your HVAC system is near its end, be proactive and start searching for competent HVAC replacement technicians. The professional competence of the installation contractor can make or break the deal for your investment.
