Your ducted air conditioning system is a significant investment. It will determine your utility bills (both during summer and winter months), as well as your level of comfort while in the home. Many homeowners struggle with old and worn-out systems that operate at less than optimal levels. This often results in frequent and costly repairs as well as lower air quality.
It can be challenging for any homeowner to make the decision to install a new HVAC unit. It is often a significant investment, but the benefits are widespread. If you're struggling to make this decision, there are several factors to look out for in order to make your decision easier.
High utility bills
Perhaps the most obvious indicator of an ineffective unit is an unusually high utility bill. If you find yourself spending significantly more in order to cool or heat your home, this could point to a worn-out HVAC system.
Remember that heating and cooling costs account for close to 50 percent of your home energy consumption. If you ignore this warning sign, you can end up spending more than you would otherwise invest in a new ducted air conditioning system.
An HVAC system that is over 10 years old
Older HVAC units have a life span of between 10 and 20 years. If you're currently experiencing frequent problems with your unit, and it is more than 10 years old, it is time to explore a replacement.
Newer units are more energy-efficient, easier to use and more effective for the home. In fact, you can enjoy innovative features such as zoning in your home when you install a new unit.
Frequent and costly repairs
Most heating and air conditioning repairs are not cheap. While mild problems such as tune-ups and clearing clogged air ducts can be quite affordable, more significant issues such as a broken compressor or leaking refrigerant fluid can be quite costly to fix. If your air conditioner is frequently in need of such costly repairs, it may be time to consider investing in a new one.
Frequent repairs can add up to supersede the cost of a new unit altogether. Carefully keep track of the condition of your unit and consider replacing it if it's costing you an arm and a leg to maintain.
You desire more advanced features
If you find the new features of HVAC systems exciting, then replacement is the way to go. There are numerous benefits of investing in a new unit, such as smart thermostats that allow you to control the unit from remote locations or air filtering features that can eliminate allergens from the surrounding air.
Hello! My name is Jake. I am the kind of guy who finds out about a subject and then who must learn everything he can about it. A subject I have focused on in recent times is HVAC. This might seem a little strange. However, my interest was sparked when an HVAC contractor visited my home to install a new air con system. He was really friendly and he took the time to answer my questions. Since then, I have been doing everything I can to learn about HVAC. I hope you enjoy reading what I have written on my blog.