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 Older HVAC systems use outdated technology that wastes a lot of energy, which can translate to a lot of money over time.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.