Should You Call For Heating And AC Repair Or Replace Your HVAC System? | Fort Worth, TX
Photo By CatLane at istock
A lot of things in life can make you groan, especially if you are a homeowner, but nothing hurts more than discovering you need a new HVAC system. That is why so many people call for heating and AC repair in Fort Worth, TX. Everyone hopes that they can repair their system instead of replacing it, but sometimes you don’t have any other choice. Your HVAC system is one of the most important home investments you will make, so replacing it is a very serious decision that you need to make carefully.
If you are continually a local Fort Worth, TX HVAC technician for help with heating and AC repair, it may be time to start thinking about replacing your system. There are a few other signs that can help you make this decision as well. Keep in mind that you should always consult with an HVAC technician before you decide to replace your unit.
They can offer you a wealth of experience and their professional opinion over whether it is wise to continue to make repairs or whether it is time to make the move and replace your system. In the meantime, here are a few signs that you should be on the lookout for if you are worried about the condition of your old unit.
The Age of Your HVAC Unit
Before making any major decisions you need to consider the age of your HVAC system. Most HVAC systems will last between 10-15 years which happens to be the same recommendation by the Department of Energy. The Department of Energy’s replacement recommendation is based on improving technology. If you have an old HVAC system you will likely get much better energy efficiency by simply updating it.
However, all HVAC systems have their own lifespans so you need to consider your model and its overall performance before deciding whether to replace or call for a repair. It is not unheard of for a system to last up to 20 years if it has been properly maintained throughout its lifespan. An HVAC system that is inspected annually, cleaned regularly, and has its filters changed on a timely basis will suffer less wear and tear over a system that has not had much done to it over the years.
Much like a used car, its overall performance is determined heavily by how well you treat it. Keep in mind however that even if an HVAC unit is carefully maintained it will not be able to hold a candle to newer models in terms of energy efficiency. Technology evolves every day and even an HVAC system that is only ten years old will be much less energy efficient than a new model.
This is why the age of your system plays a large role in whether you should replace or call for heating and AC repair in Fort Worth, TX. If your system is starting to age and requires an expensive repair, it may make more sense to put that money towards a new unit that will also save you money over time because of its enhanced energy efficiency. It is certainly something that you need to roll around before paying for heating and AC repair on an old unit.
Three common issues occur with an older HVAC system:
- It requires continual heating and AC repairs
- Your energy bills are higher than they should be
- You are uncomfortable because of uneven heating and cooling
If you can relate to two or more of those issues, it is time to skip out on repairs and start thinking about replacing your system. An HVAC technician can help you pick out a model that is suitable for your home and can remove the old system and install the new one.
It Seems Like You Are Always Making Repairs
Age is not the sign, it’s time to replace your HVAC system. If you are calling for heating and AC repair regularly, it is time to think about replacing your system. Every HVAC system will need repair at least a few times throughout its lifespan. That is not unexpected nor should it be alarming, but if you are on a first-name basis with your heating and AC repair guy, then it’s time to consider a new unit.
A good rule of thumb is looking at the total cost of a new system and comparing it to your estimated repair bill. Contact a heating and AC repair company and find out how much you have paid in repairs and what the new issue will cost you. If the total comes to over 50% of the cost of a new HVAC system, it is time to stop pouring money into the old system. You wouldn’t keep putting money into a junkyard car, so don’t do it with your HVAC system.
Energy Bills Seem to Keep Rising
Does it feel like your energy bills are continually rising and there is no reasonable explanation for it? Are you turning your AC up a few degrees in the summer to save money and still spending a little more each year on your cooling costs? In Fort Worth, TX, air conditioning is a necessity, so you need to make sure it is affordable. If your bills continue to rise then it is time to call to have someone perform heating and AC repair on your system.
Your energy bills should not drastically increase from year to year, and certainly not from month to month during the peak seasons. You do need to account for seasonal changes, but they can’t be blamed for heating bills that get higher every summer. Sometimes you can get away with a simple cleaning from a heating and AC repair company. Cleaning out your HVAC system is a great way to increase its efficiency. However, other times this is a sign that your unit is simply getting too old and is no longer able to perform the way it used to. At this point, you need to replace your system or continue to pay too much in yearly energy costs.
Your HVAC System Is Making Odd Sounds
A properly functioning HVAC system that does not need heating and AC repair in Fort Worth, TX will run relatively quietly. If your system is making a lot of noise this is a clear sign that it is time for heating and AC repair and possibly replacement depending on how long the noise has been occurring and how old the system is. If you hear the noise continue even after the repair agents come out to your home, it may be time to seriously consider replacing your system.
HVAC systems tend to have their own host of odd telltale signs that indicate something is wrong and it is time for heating and AC repair. Grinding and squealing are common noises and usually indicate that something is wrong with a component or part of your HVAC system. It also can indicate that a component needs properly lubricated. If you don’t lubricate the parts properly the problems can add up destroying your HVAC system in a domino effect. This is why you need to call for repair right away if you hear any of these noises.
Other common noises include screeching, rattling, and banging noises. A screeching noise usually indicates that something is wrong with the motor-bearing while a rattling noise indicates that a piece is loose which is ideal since a simple heating and AC repair visit can fix it. Banging sounds are the most concerning of all of the sounds because they indicate that something has broken down or is disconnected. If you want to hopefully save your HVAC system, you need to turn off your system and immediately call for a repair in Fort Worth, TX. Once again though, sounds all of the time indicate that it is time to consider replacing your unit because sometimes there isn’t a fix for an aging system.
You Are Never Comfortable with the Temperature in Your Home
Running your HVAC system year-round in Fort Worth, TX is not cheap. If you are paying the energy costs associated with running your HVAC system you should be comfortable while in your home. If you aren’t, this is a clear sign that it is time to consider replacing your system.
The purpose of an HVAC system is to regulate the temperature inside of your home. Regardless of how the weather is outside, your home should stay at whatever temperature you set your thermostat at. It should be warm on a cool winter night or comfortably cool on a hot summer Fort Worth, TX night. If this is not happening, or you are noticing hot and cold spots around your home then it is time to call for heating and AC repair to investigate the problem.
There are a lot of indications that temperature inconsistencies are being caused by an aging system. IF the system is simply no longer powerful enough to spread air evenly throughout your home there is not much else you can do in terms of heating and AC repair. In addition, you will probably be paying, even more, every month for less comfortable results which are even more ridiculous. No one wants to pay more for services that are subpar at best.
There are a lot of reasons for temperature inconsistencies, some of which heating and AC repair can fix and some that it can’t. These include leaking ducts, clogged air filters, a damaged thermostat, worn-out belts within the HVAC system, and a failing compressor. As mentioned, some of these can be repaired fairly easily by a repair professional such as a clogged air filter and a damaged thermostat. However, other issues like a failing compressor are so expensive that it doesn’t make sense to repair when you could buy a more energy-efficient model instead.
Poor Indoor Air
Does your air feel more polluted than usual? If you have allergies or any other breathing issues and notice that the air inside of your home is increasingly musty or causing allergy symptoms to emerge this may be a sign that your HVAC system is not cleaning the air in your home the way it should be. Your first step should be to call for heating and AC repair, as a simple duct cleaning service or filter change may help improve things.
If this doesn’t work, then you need to consider replacing your HVAC system because clean and safe air is even more important than being comfortable in your home. Your home should be a safe place to breathe and relax, and if it isn’t, then you need to take direct action. This is even more true if your HVAC system is over ten years old.
Common signs that something is wrong with your indoor air quality that is being caused by a faulty HVAC system include humidity issues, warping furniture or photographs, mold and mildew in areas other than the basement, an increased amount of dust around the home even with regular vacuuming, and or the appearance of severe allergy symptoms. This is even more of a sign if you notice that your allergies get worse when you are home versus when you are at work, in the car, or outdoors.
If you notice any of the above signs and your HVAC system is over ten years old it may be time to seriously consider replacing your unit. Either way, you need to call a heating and AC repair company for help. One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating of Fort Worth is always glad to come out and take a look at your system to see if replacement or repair is your best option.