Every appliance in your home has a lifespan, including your cooling and heating unit. It reaches a point when you can no longer repair the components of your heating and cooling unit. You cannot address even the slightest problems in your HVAC unit when it has already endured extensive wear and tear.

Deciding to replace your old system with a new HVAC is a tough and financially heavy decision, but when your comfort is at stake, then you have no alternative. If you get an upgraded system with lots of features, then it’s going to be a worthwhile investment.

So, if you aren’t sure whether you need to replace your heating and cooling unit, then look at these ten signs.

1. Your Heating and Cooling Unit Is Older Than 10 Years

The Department of Energy recommends that you replace your HVAC by the time it hits ten years. Many modern units are built for optimal performance and durability. But regardless of the brand, almost all the components are made to perform for up to 10 years.

Throughout this period, you have to carry out routine maintenance and address all issues as soon as possible. If you take good care of your unit, it might surpass the ten-year mark and serve you up to 15 years. But you should know that it won’t perform as well as it did in the first ten years since the unit will undergo normal tear and wear.

The rate of deterioration of your HVAC unit will depend on usage and maintenance. A heavily used unit is likely to wear and tear much faster than a rarely used one. The cost of operating an old and inefficient unit is also high, so you must consider replacing it as soon as possible.

You should also understand that the units made ten years ago will not match the latest ones when it comes to efficiency and performance. Many newer models come with digitized and programmable thermostats for smarter homes and ease of use. Buying newer models will mean upgrading to better performance and efficiency. 

2. Frequent Unit Breakdowns

The worst nightmare of every homeowner is dealing with a cooling and heating unit breakdown in the middle of a chilly or hot night. If your unit is not in good condition, repairs will be the order of the day. You’ll suddenly need to repair a certain component when you just had another one repaired not long ago. 

If you call your repair guys often to check some new problems with your unit, then it’s time to replace it. Carrying out a single repair might not seem expensive, but if you have to do it more often, the expenses will not be worth it. 

Sometimes you might add up all the money you’ve used to repair your unit in a single year and notice that it’s almost equal to buying a new one. If you do your calculations, it won’t make any sense to hold on to the old unit any longer. It will be better to invest in a new system and work on maintaining it well, so it serves you longer and better.

3. Your Heating and Cooling Unit Is Noisy

It’s a nightmare trying to catch some sleep at home, but the heating and cooling system won’t let you have a peaceful one. You can also imagine relaxing at home with your favorite movie, but the noise coming from the system is way louder than your TV. This can be annoying and inconvenient at the same time.

If your unit is producing more noises than normal, then this is a clear indication of failure, or it may be nearing the end of its lifespan. The noise may mean that there’s a loose or a faulty part in your system that needs checking. At other times, the main issue here could be that the unit struggles to reach its desired temperatures.

Before you make a rushed decision, get experts to diagnose the cause of the problem. If the noise persists even after some repair work, then you must accept that your system is old and it’s time to consider a replacement. Choose an upgraded system with a smoother operation this time, even if you have to spend a fortune on it.

4. Your Unit Uses Freon (E-22)

All air conditioner refrigerants using Freon are being phased out due to various environmental concerns. In 2020, the Environmental Protection Agency banned the production or importation of Freon (E-22) refrigerant. They want everyone to use more environmentally friendly refrigerants for HVAC systems like Puron (R-410A) refrigerants.

If your home still uses the old system with Freon refrigerant, know that you’re not promoting environmental sustainability. The good news is that many HVAC companies are now producing new systems which are ozone-friendly. 

The new units are known to run cooler as they absorb and release heat better than the R-22. The newer ones function at a higher pressure which increases their efficiency. These units are less likely to burn the compressors. 

The R-410A refrigerants are strong enough to withstand cracking and all the pressures from the environment. They’re reliable, capable of controlling humidity levels, and can keep your home free of dust, allergens, and mold.

If your system used Freon (R-22), it’s time to switch to the new refrigerant (R410A). It’s even the perfect time to replace if you’re facing problems with your new system or need to get refrigerant for your unit. This is the perfect time to go green with your heating and cooling unit.

5. A Sudden Rise in Energy Costs

If you’ve been using your heating and cooling system for a long time, then you must be familiar with how much energy it uses. When you notice a sudden rise in energy bills and the costs don’t go down no matter what you do, you need a new unit. Old units tend to work harder to reach the desired temperatures; hence, they use more power.

Usually, the initial cost of replacing your HVAC system is higher than the repair costs. However, you have to think of it as a long-term investment because you’ll save on the energy bills in the long run. Newer systems are much more efficient, and your savings will add up more quickly than you can imagine.

If you replace your old units with newer models, you’ll start saving between 20% and 40% on your home’s cooling and heating costs. If you’re looking for ways to reduce your energy bills, a more efficient cooling and heating unit will be your best solution.

6. Inconsistent Indoor Temperature

If your HVAC system is old enough, you’ll have a hard time keeping the indoor temperatures consistent. You might experience warm temperatures in one part of the house and cold in another part, even if it’s the same room. You might notice that the bedroom is too hot while the living room is cool.

Some things that might cause this issue include dirty filters, a faulty thermostat, low fluid levels, leaky ducts, or damaged motors. You should try to carry out air balancing before calling technicians. 

Sometimes you might not get consistency in temperature when your system is not powerful enough. It will not distribute the needed air in your space. You’ll experience even more of such issues if your unit is old. 

Upgrading to a modern unit will ensure you get environmentally conducive air. Good quality indoor air will make everyone comfortable.

7. The Repairs Are Too Expensive

If you have a faulty air conditioner, you have to consult with professionals to know the exact repair cost. Weigh the cost versus the amount you’d used in buying a new unit. If you see that the cost of repair surpasses buying a new system, then it’s time to replace it.

Replacing will make better sense if you have to repair more than a single component in your unit. The chances are that you’re going to deal with even more repairs in the future and end up spending a lot of money in the long run. Start shopping soon for the best HVAC systems for your home so you can save the money you’re losing on the expensive repairs. 

8. You’re Dealing With Dust Problems

Are you constantly dealing with dust problems that get even worse when your system is running? Your unit’s problem may be leaky air ducts which makes your indoor air dusty. According to the Department of Energy, leaky ducts tend to pull particles in the air from the basement, crawl spaces, and attic into the house.

You’ll deal with annoying dust problems, including dusty furniture, which tends to form only a few minutes after you wipe the surfaces. This can be even more dangerous for households that have people with allergy problems. Dust will not only make your house dirty but make breathing difficult for everyone in the house.

The first solution to this problem is to seal the ducts. However, if the problem persists, then you’ll have to accept that your unit is too old. Replacing it with a newer model will bring a long-lasting solution to your problem.

9. Poor Indoor Air Quality

Every homeowner desire to receive good quality air despite the season. The work of your heating and cooling unit is to ensure your home receives good quality air, but this doesn’t happen all the time. A faulty or inefficient HVAC system will not keep up with the air quality needs of your home.

It becomes harder for an aging unit to give you good quality air, especially in summer when the humidity levels rise. A functional and efficient HVAC system should ensure you breathe easily, even with high humidity levels. An inefficient unit will allow the accumulation of mold, mildew, and dust to get to your home, making it harder for you to breathe.

It can be dangerous for the entire family health to live in a house with no fresh air. If you notice that you’re having difficulties breathing, understand that your system is old and needs replacement. Act quickly because your entire family’s health will be at stake, especially the people with allergy problems.

10. Increased Running Time

A new system that needs replacement will not be efficient enough and will take a lot of time before reaching the desired temperature. It may also start up more often than normal. The problem may be bad coils, or the blower is not working as it should.

If you’re experiencing running problems, consider checking the parts that may cause the problem before replacing the unit. If the blower motor and the coils are all working well, then your system is no longer capable of circulating air in your home efficiently. It will require more time to reach your desired temperature.

If you allow this to go on for a long time, you’ll have to deal with high energy bills. Sometimes you’ll be forced to switch your unit on before you get home so that the house gets warmer by the time you arrive. To avoid such inconveniences, the best thing to do is to replace your unit.

When It’s Cheaper to Replace Than Repair

It’s a waste of money and time to hold on to a heating and cooling system that’s ready to quit. Sometimes the cost of repairs outweighs the cost of buying a new one, especially if your system is nearing the end of its lifespan. Upgrading to a new HVAC means you’ll get improved performance, more efficiency, and save a lot on power bills.

It’s best to call your HVAC service experts to inspect your unit and tell you whether it can still serve a few more years or it’s time to replace. 

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