Replacing vs. Repairing Your HVAC Unit
When a furnace or air conditioner begins to fail, a homeowner must decide whether to repair the existing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system or replace it entirely. Replacing an older, inefficient system with new equipment provides a more dependable unit with increased energy efficiency, but replacement can be costly. Repairs extend the life of current equipment at a lower price point, but continual repairs on an aging system may be a poor long-term investment. Careful consideration of several key factors can help guide homeowners toward the ideal solution for their needs and budget.
Before Replacing or Repairing your HVAC system, Examining Equipment Age
The age of existing HVAC equipment provides significant insight into whether repairs or full replacement are most prudent. Specific guidelines include:
* 0 to 9 years – As equipment less than 10 years old likely has considerable useful life left, repairs are strongly recommended over replacement.
* 10 to 13 years – Some heavily utilized systems wear out in about a decade regardless of maintenance. However, with proper preventative care over the years, repairs may allow further use.
* 14 to 20 years – Most experts agree this age range reflects the average lifespan of well-cared-for HVAC systems. Breakdowns at this point often indicate replacement may be the better option.
Comparing Repair Cost to Replacement Cost of a HVAC System.
Before investing in repairs for aging equipment, homeowners should consider the repair cost versus that of full replacement:
* Less than 50% of replacement – If current HVAC systems are less than 10 years old, or 10- to 13-year-old systems have been properly maintained, repairs amounting to less than half the replacement cost often warrant moving forward.
* More than 50% of replacement – High repair bills prove difficult to justify regardless of equipment age. However, replacement is recommended if repairs exceed 50% of the cost of new equipment, especially in systems over 10 years old.
Evaluating Frequency of Breakdowns
The regularity of system breakdowns also contributes to determining appropriate action:
* Less than once a year – An otherwise smoothly running system experiencing an isolated breakdown should in most cases be repaired.
* Once a year or more – Frequent and recurring major repairs may indicate replacement with new HVAC equipment is the more sensible route for homeowners to take.
Reviewing System Efficiency Ratings
Before investing funds into repairs, homeowners should also assess the energy efficiency ratings of existing equipment which impact operating costs:
* Air Conditioners – Units rated 14 SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) or higher operate relatively efficiently. Upgrading a 15-year-old 12 SEER unit to a new 16 SEER model could reduce cooling costs by 25% annually. Current equipment tops out at 25 SEER for even greater potential savings.
* Furnaces – Systems rated 80 AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) or above also offer reasonable efficiency. Replacing a 20-year-old 60 AFUE furnace with a new 90 AFUE unit can lower heating costs by up to 33%. Some cutting-edge furnaces now achieve 98 AFUE.
Tracking Changes in Energy Bills
Trends in monthly energy bills also provide insight:
* No major increases – Steady energy costs over time often indicate the HVAC system remains in good working order, and investments in repairs may make sense.
* Sudden spikes – Significant and unexplained rises in heating and cooling bills frequently point to equipment decline and may necessitate replacement.
In the end, careful analysis of the age, efficiency, cost factors, and overall operation of existing HVAC equipment must guide homeowners toward the most strategic long-term investments – whether in much-needed repairs or upgraded replacement systems for optimal performance. Consultation with qualified HVAC service technicians assists greatly in accurately assessing options.
The Benefits of Proper Maintenance
Routine maintenance serves homeowners well in improving HVAC system reliability, efficiency, and longevity. Industry experts estimate nearly half of all major equipment failures could be prevented through regular upkeep. Adding preventative care into the annual home maintenance routine can extend the lifespan of heating and cooling systems by years. Key steps include:
* Replacing air filters every one to three months
* Pruning plantings and removing debris around outdoor condenser units to maintain ample airflow
* Ensuring furniture, floor coverings, and window treatments do not obstruct air returns and supply registers
* Scheduling semi-annual professional maintenance check-ups to keep HVAC equipment operating at peak efficiency
Seeking Professional Assistance
The complexity involved in diagnosing HVAC issues and weighing repair and replacement options underscores the importance of seeking experienced professional assistance. Bryant Heating and Cooling stands as one long-trusted Central Ohio provider of such services.
Founded over 30 years ago by expert technician Ron Bryant, the company brings decades of hands-on experience across all major HVAC equipment manufacturers. Bryant Heating and Cooling specializes in comprehensive repair services, leveraging state-of-the-art diagnostic tools to accurately identify both apparent and hidden issues. Once problems are fully assessed, the Bryant team outlines various solutions, guiding homeowners through recommended actions based on budget, priorities, and optimal return on investment. Routine maintenance agreements also promote early identification of problems, optimizing performance and useful lifespans of existing systems.
