You might need a new system if your existing unit:
- Is 7 years or older
- Needs frequent repairs
- Fails to heat or cool certain areas of your home
- Runs excessively or constantly turns off and on
- Produces unusually high utility bills
If your unit is more than 10 years old, there are 3 main factors that may encourage you to replace the unit.
Energy Efficiency: Units over 10 years old do not meet the same energy-efficient standards as modern units.
Warranty: Older units may no longer be covered under their warranty. This means that all costs of repairs will be out of pocket. This can be a costly hit to your home repair budget.
Dependability: With older units, you often repair one problem only to have another problem follow closely behind it. A new unit will provide the dependability you need for peace of mind.
Additionally, recent federal regulations now require that non-ozone-depleting refrigerants replace the chlorine-bearing refrigerants used in the past. If your system is running on R-22 refrigerant, that will become increasingly difficult to replace as time goes on because it is no longer being produced.
Balancing Cost
If you’re still unsure whether to replace or repair your HVAC unit, there are a few rules of thumb that can help you decide which route to take. Consumer Reports suggests that you balance the cost of the repair against the cost of a new unit. If the repair is more than half the cost of a new unit, go with the new unit.
Another calculation that can help you decide is the 5,000-rule. Take the estimated cost of repair and multiply it by the age of your unit in years. Is the number larger than $5,000? If so, you may want to consider replacing your unit. If it is less, a repair is probably the best way to go.
Have more questions? Need more information? Want to schedule an in-home consultation for a quote on a new system? Give us a call! We’ll take care of all of your home comfort needs…. after all, “You’re Comfort is ALWAYS Our First Priority!”
