Machines usually have numerous mechanical parts that are designed to work together to perform a given function. These mechanical components usually have a similar life expectancy. When one of the components fails, the whole machine will develop different types of problems. While frequent breakdowns can be inconvenient, the cost of fixing breakdowns can be incredibly costly. Over time, there will come a time when you will realize that had you replaced the whole mechanical system; you would have saved a lot of money in repair costs. Ideally, machines that break down regularly should be replaced promptly. 

Even if your HVAC system is working fine, the energy bills you currently pay every month may be exorbitant, and could actually go towards acquiring a brand new unit, which is much more efficient and comfortable to use at home. Older HVAC systems use outdated technology that wastes a lot of energy, which can translate to a lot of money over time. Keep reading to learn about the terms used to compare or describe the efficiency of furnaces, air conditioners and heat pumps as well as learn how to estimate the savings you can make when you upgrade your HVAC system. 

While it may be difficult to advise you on when to replace your HVAC equipment, we can tell you the factors to consider when assessing your options. 

When Has Your HVAC Equipment Become Obsolete?

Age

The typical lifespan of an HVAC system is between 8-20 years. The wide range can easily be explained. There are several factors that can affect the lifespan of an HVAC unit, and consumers should know them all before choosing a new unit. They include:

Proper Equipment Sizing and Installation: Units that are properly sized and installed usually have a long life expectancy because they are never overloaded or overworked. 

Product Quality: It is a well-known fact that some equipment brands are higher in quality than others. Since cheaper units come with cheaper parts, they do not usually last a long time. 

Maintenance: If your equipment is poorly maintained, the system will have to work much harder and operate for long hours to meet your home comfort needs. It is important to note that air conditioners and furnaces have fans, belts, blowers, coils, refrigerants, thermostats, motors, belts, filters and many types of electrical components. These parts have to be maintained properly to ensure the machine has a long lifespan. 

Reliability

If you have had to fix your HVAC system several times over the last couple of years, you can say your system is unreliable. If the frequency of breakdowns increases, the cost of repairs will become unreasonable, so replacing the system will make much more sense. 

As you can see, there are many factors that may determine whether or not it’s time to replace your unit. Before making a decision, therefore, it is recommended you trust in the wise counsel of an experienced HVAC contractor, like FurnaceUSA Detroit. They can share with you what they notice in terms of the current condition of your HVAC system. Your contractor can also recommend the replacement of certain components to improve the condition, performance and energy efficiency of your equipment. However, you should not just rely on their word, let them show you what they see and justify their recommendations. HVAC maintenance is not rocket science, so the ideal contractor should be able to make you understand what your HVAC system needs without too much of a hassle. 

Consider The Big Picture

Most people do not even know how HVAC systems work. While there are many mechanical components, there are many other important components. For instance, the insulation and seals around windows and doors play a big role in boosting home comfort and improving energy efficiency. The ductwork and thermostat also play a big role, yet they are not part of the mechanical systems in HVAC units.

Replace For Improved Efficiency

While old HVAC systems can continue working for decades, their efficiency rating is mediocre compared to the efficiency of modern HVAC equipment. Furthermore, the government is always pushing manufacturers to improve the efficiency of HVAC systems. According to the government’s Energy Star program, property owners should replace HVAC equipment older than a decade. This is because the latest HVAC equipment is much more efficient than technology used ten years ago. 

If you are thinking of replacing a working system to boost energy efficiency, consider using the calculations provided below. The calculations will help you determine the amount of money you can save over time when you upgrade your equipment. If you have HVAC equipment that is particularly old, you may discover that the cost of replacing the unit is much less than the cost of repairing the old existing unit. 

Temperature Control

When thinking of whether to replace or repair your central HVAC equipment, it is sometimes good to think about the temperature control system in your unit. Temperature control is meant to boost comfort. If your system has a hard time keeping you comfortable, then it’s time to have it replaced. 

The ideal HVAC system should keep your home at 75 degrees in winter and 68 degrees Fahrenheit in summer.

When you go on the web and type ‘HVAC contractor’ into a search engine, countless contractor websites will appear. This is of little use because you will be overwhelmed by choice on offer, and be unsure which contractor to contact. Below, we will give you some advice to help you find a good residential contractor in your neighbourhood.

Top Tips to Locate a Local Residential HVAC Contractor

The HVAC system in your home is complicated. It is crucial when you are looking for and enlisting the services of an HVAC contractor, that the firm you select has quality engineers. These professionals should be well versed in the safety measures involved with handling oil, electricity and natural gas for furnaces; and air-con systems that use poisonous refrigerants, such as Freon.

1) Search Using Your zip Code: When you type in ‘HVAC Contractor’, put your zip code into the search field as well. This displays every contractor in your neighbourhood with business or website details published online. This substantially narrows your search down, making it simple to concentrate on the vital elements that come next.

2) Safety and Experience are top Priorities: Obviously, education is compulsory. However, there are stringent licensing needs as well, and technicians require a certain quantity of practical training. In the past, before most homes had air conditioning, the title of the job was just ‘furnace repair.’ Ever since ventilation technology has advanced significantly, HVAC technicians require a comprehensive knowledge of electric wiring, heating ducts, refrigerant units and combustion. Once you have searched for local HVAC technicians, ensure that the firms you add to your shortlist have the correct safety and work experience.

Injuries or fatalities can arise from certain scenarios, like carbon monoxide inhalation from a poorly maintained exhaust and ventilation unit. The technicians that are displayed in your online search have to be diligent, as far as safety is concerned.

3) Bonding and Insurance: As well as education, practical experience and the correct licensing, a firm that appears after you search for HVAC technicians should have a certain level of bonding and insurance. Any contractor who works on your premises ought to possess liability insurance. This way, you will be protected in the event of accidental injury or damage to your property.

4) Recommendations: Once you have selected some promising technicians after your online search, visit their website. The ‘About’ section of their website ought to list vital details, like licensing and education. Also, there should be a page of ‘testimonials,’ where previous clients talk about their experience of using the contractor. In addition, you could search randomly online for the firm and any feedback about it.

While you are searching for an HVAC contractor close to you, it is best to prioritize the technicians in your neighborhood, because you need one that is near you in the event of a major problem. Should your furnace malfunction or your air-con system die in the middle of July, when it is eighty-six degrees, you will want prompt service. Suffice to say; you want the most reputable engineer available as well, so make sure you do your homework.

Welcome to the Detroit Theater HVAC company. We offer furnace repair, furnace installation and heating services. Our heating and air conditioning technicians can advise and help you with keeping your home warm in winter, and nice and cool in summer.