Should you repair or replace your furnace? What about your air conditioner and water heater? As a homeowner, you don’t have to understand your entire HVAC system to know whether a replacement is right for you. Instead, use our guide to help you decide!
Signs that Something is Wrong with Your HVAC System
Common signs that something is wrong with your furnace, air conditioner or water heater include:
- Uneven temperatures throughout your home
- Malfunctioning thermostat
- Unusual noises coming from the appliance
- Difficulty holding temperatures on extreme weather days
- Odd smells coming from the appliance
- Excess dust collection
- Dry or stuffy air in your home.
While these are some of the common signs that something is wrong, there are many more signs that a professional can identify for you.
Plus, it is important to remember that furnaces, air conditioners and water heaters are all unique pieces of equipment and may differ between models.
Should You Repair or Replace Your Furnace?
When something goes wrong with your furnace, don’t panic and splurge on a whole new system right away. Replacing your furnace is a big investment.
If your furnace is less than fifteen years old, it can likely be repaired. Well-maintained furnaces last fifteen to twenty years on average.
However, you should also consider the cost of the repair. If the repair will cost more than a third of the cost of a replacement, you may get a better return on investment if you replace the unit altogether.
If this is the first time dealing with a repair on your furnace, a replacement is likely not necessary. However, if you repair the same break several times in the same year, the cost will add up, and in the end, it won’t be justified. In this case, it’s time for a furnace replacement.
Should You Repair or Replace Your Air Conditioner?
A well-maintained air conditioner should last approximately 15 years. If something goes wrong with your air conditioner after fifteen years, just replace it. You’ll end up replacing it soon anyway.
If you are noticing that your utility bills are rising each month, this is another indication that it is time to replace your air conditioner rather than repair it.
Older models of air conditioners cannot achieve the efficiency of new air conditioner models. Investing in newer technology will provide you with benefits that repairs simply cannot. In the long run, you’ll save money.
Should You Repair or Replace Your Water Heater?
Water heaters are rarely repaired. If the metal starts to corrode, replacement is your only option. Also, water heaters cannot effectively be repaired after they begin to leak.
If you must replace your water heater, there is an upside. Like furnaces and air conditioners, new water heaters are designed to be more energy efficient and offer a longer lifespan.
At Advantage Airtech ClimateCare, we have your best interests in mind. We can help you decide to repair or replace your furnace or other HVAC equipment. Contact us today for advice or for HVAC repair and replacement.