It has been ten years since you signed the contract to install a new HVAC system. The service has been outstanding, and you can’t even recall the number of times people praised your HVAC system. Unfortunately, you’ve lately discovered that the system has become inefficient and takes longer to heat/cool your home. Although these aren’t convincing reasons to replace your old HVAC system, they could be your HVAC’s way of telling you that its heydays are over. But before you shop for a new HVAC system, find out the signs an HVAC system show when it is due for replacement.
It’s Struggling to Keep Your Home Comfortable
As an HVAC system ages, the components get old and less efficient, affecting the system’s overall performance. Even with scheduled maintenance, an old system won’t have the capacity to handle your household’s comfort demands.
If you note that your HVAC system takes more time to heat or cool your rooms or only heats/cools some rooms, talk with an HVAC contractor. Similarly, if your home has indoor air quality problems or mold is forming in your rooms, you might need to get a new system.
Higher Household Utility Bills
Your HVAC system runs more in winter and summer. If you keep records of your energy bills, check how much you spend on the last cold or hot season and compare it with this year’s bill. If you notice that this year’s bill is significantly higher, it could indicate that your HVAC is old and inefficient.
Normal wear and tear coupled with dirt buildup and corrosion make HVAC systems lose their efficiency rates eventually. A slight increase in energy bills year-in-year-out is expected, but when the bill hikes by a large percentage, you might need to install a new unit.
You’re Paying More on Repairs and Maintenance
According to experts, HVAC systems in good condition need yearly maintenance and repairs. As for HVAC systems that have lasted over six months, they need cleaning and servicing every six months. However, when an HVAC system hits ten years and above, the repair and service load might double. But if it’s in good condition, three to four times will be enough.
An old and worn HVAC system may not have the agility to stand heavy use for four straight months without comprehensive servicing and repairs. Your HVAC system is due for replacement at this stage, and keeping it will only lead to unmanageably high maintenance and repair bills.
Abnormal Odors and Sounds
Weird odors and sounds indicate a solvable problem, but they could also indicate a bigger problem. Most weird sounds and odors are caused by mold formation, burned-out wires, and damaged components. An HVAC expert can repair most grating, squeaking, grinding sounds, and bad odors.
However, if an expert checks and repairs the HVAC system to no avail, you might be looking at a problem only solvable by replacing the old system. Reach out to a qualified HVAC contractor to assess your system and recommend the best solution.
Unwanted Moisture and Leaks
Water leaks and moisture formation around your HVAC unit could indicate many underlying issues. HVAC units mostly leak water when the condensate pump or pipe is damaged. They could also leak water when the boiler drain leaks, the air filter gets clogged, or the ductwork insulation fails. In more severe cases, an HVAC system may leak when the refrigerant leaks. Leaking refrigerants should be addressed immediately as they could cause health problems.
Recharging the refrigerant, cleaning the air filter, unclogging the drain line, and insulating your ductwork can solve the problem. However, if your HVAC system still leaks after performing these repairs, you might need to replace your HVAC system.
HVAC systems have a projected lifespan of ten to fifteen years, but some units hit the peak lifespan of twenty years. So many factors will determine the lifespan of your HVAC unit, but if your unit shows these signs, you should consider having a boiler replacement. Professional system inspections and assessments will help you know if your system is due for replacement.
