We know replacing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) components is expensive. As with an older car, you must consider whether repairs of older HVAC pieces are wise given the current system’s expected worth, lifespan, and effectiveness. Their age and efficiency must be taken into account.
Age is a consideration when determining whether you should repair or replace an HVAC component, whether it’s a heating system, cooling system, tankless water heater, or gas fireplace.
The comparison to an automobile repair is valid. As a vehicle ages, its repairs become continual and more costly until, eventually, the owner faces a choice, another monumental repair or the vehicle’s demise. Those final three years of considerable repairs often end with the thousands of dollars in parts replacements going unrecouped in automobiles sold for parts.
It is usually more economical to borrow money or obtain financing for new HVAC pieces than hang on to an older component.
We are rarely financially ready for home renovations or house system repairs.
And yet, the exceptional efficiency of a new system brings you invaluable peace of mind. Regular maintenance/upkeep assures your investment remains its best for the longest time possible.
Financial savings in heating and cooling costs, greater system efficiency, and acknowledging climate concerns are just a few worthy reasons to replace your HVAC component if it is 10-15 years old.
A significant breakdown always happens at the worst time.
I recall two family members’ Christmass enduring sudden changes in focus due to furnace failures.
Replacing a compressor, motor, or heat exchanger costs thousands of dollars, including labour fees. At the point of significant repairs, your system will continue to go downhill.
Finding a reputable heating and air-conditioning sales and repair company is crucial to handling the concerns of your older ventilation, heating or cooling system.
Tips for choosing the right installer for an air conditioner
There comes the point when your old AC will stop performing its role, and you must carry it gently from this world.
If you’ve been using a maintenance technician you trust, ask about the air conditioning and heating products they carry (for future consideration).
Nowadays, online reviews are crucial to finding an excellent cooling and heating company that not only sells products but also installs them. A company proud of its staff associates is grateful with good reason. And likewise, so are satisfied clients.
It is helpful and efficiently-minded to use a full-service business.
How often should my furnace have maintenance?
Once a year, regular furnace maintenance assures it is performing at its best. A client-first company will offer maintenance packages that alleviate the responsibility of remembering to schedule those visits.
Not unlike a vehicle tune-up, quick and affordable yearly furnace maintenance is the key to preventing bigger and costlier issues in the future.
There are small things you can personally do that make a world of difference to your furnace’s performance. Changing your furnace filters every 2 months (more often if you own a pet) prevents the furnace motor from overheating from lack of air movement due to a clogged filter.
How much longer will our 20-year-old furnace last?
The question of the life expectancy of a furnace has to do with a few things: the quality of the manufacture, whether it has had regular maintenance, and its age.
A lesser quality furnace is affordable because below-average quality parts are used. These components fail more quickly than longer-lived superior parts.
A system that receives regular performance maintenance lasts longer than one that is neglected and not cleaned.
Your 20-year-old furnace is nearing the end of its life. You may get lucky and get a few more years out of it. Call a trusted HVAC company to help you with an older furnace.
Can we replace our furnace without replacing the AC?
Heating systems are complex, so the question of whether heating and cooling components should be replaced simultaneously is a great one to consider.
It is often a good idea to replace both at the same time. A new component will be high-efficiency, and you may notice performance issues between the systems.
It isn’t crucial to switch both if you prefer to wait. However, watch for increasingly costly repairs and change the air conditioner before spending much money on an older AC.
How do I stop my furnace from humming?
The solution to a noisy furnace can be as simple as lubricating motor parts, a problem with the blower motor, or as complicated as the possibility of the motor’s imminent failure.
The motor can overheat when airflow is hampered. This can be prevented with filter changes, quickly done by the homeowner, that keeps the filter clean and allows normal air movement.
Loose duct joints can make noise, although they are unlikely to hum. A visit from a technician may find a failed capacitor or a need to replace a belt. Contact us anytime.
How to tell if my furnace is overheating.
Overheating is almost always caused by longtime mismanagement of airflow through the furnace.
The homeowner or a maintenance technician must regularly replace the furnace filter every 2 months (more often if you own a pet). The furnace is forced to overwork against good air movement.
- You might notice a burning smell at a time other than when the furnace is first turned on (a burning smell is typical at the beginning of the furnace season from heated dust)
- The furnace may turn off.
- The blower motor can begin to hum when it cannot function due to a lack of air movement.
You must call an HVAC expert to assess the situation for repair.
Will a new furnace save me money?
Although a new furnace may not have the appeal of new kitchen cupboards, a new energy-efficient system is of more benefit than beautifying your kitchen for aesthetic reasons.
Even if your older furnace is currently working, it is likely wasting energy and costing you more in monthly heating bills.
Consider the following current and unavoidable future circumstances of an older furnace, and replacement now makes good financial sense:
- Energy inefficiency
- Inevitable costly repairs
- Supply chain product cost increases
- Environmental effects
What does servicing of an air conditioner include?
Before a maintenance visit, our office team discusses any concerns you have. We always talk to you about our assessment of your AC system before taking any action.
If your AC is older, it may make more financial, energy-efficiency, and ecological sense to replace it with an energy-efficient, cooling bill-saving model.
We will also inform you about scheduled Client-First Maintenance Packages that help you save money and keep your heating and cooling systems in tip-top shape.
During a regular service/maintenance visit, we typically check or clean:
- The air conditioner’s filter
- Water drain lines
- Evaporator coil and condenser
- Fan motor
- Compressor
- Thermostat
Are HVAC maintenance packages worth it?
More and more, the complications of everyday life mean it’s hard to keep track of preventative maintenance that keeps our heating and cooling systems running optimally.
Our vehicles also need regular tune-ups; however, we’re more easily reminded because we are in our cars every day.
Client-First Maintenance Packages offer three levels of protection depending on the age of your equipment. Maintenance packages are well-priced to provide you reminders for crucial testing and regular upkeep of your heating, cooling, water heater, or fireplace systems.
How to tell if my home AC compressor is bad?
Your air conditioner compressor is vital to its function. The compressor turns the low-pressure refrigerant into a high-pressure gas that passes through the evaporator coils giving you cooled air.
You are rarely given much lead time if your air conditioner compressor fails, but there are a few warning signs you should note:
- Rattling, screeching, or clunking noises.
- The condenser unit is vibrating; you’ll notice the metal housing rattling.
- Your AC isn’t starting (check the circuit breaker first)
You could damage your air conditioner more by letting it continue to run. Turn it off and call a local heating and cooling company.
What maintenance should I try by myself for my air conditioner?
Change the air filter. This is one of the easiest things a homeowner can do to help protect and keep an air conditioner working optimally.
The air filter is always located in your furnace since the air conditioner’s cold air shares the ductwork of your warm air furnace. Check the direction of installation before removing the original filter. Replace it at least every 2 months or more often if you have pets; their fur clogs the filters.
Clean and straighten the fins of the outside unit using a rounded kitchen knife.
Clean the outside unit condenser coil. Use a garden hose to spray from the inside outward.
If you need maintenance help, see our About Us page to get to know the trained and licensed team that is happy to help you with any heating or cooling concerns.
Peter Inch & Associates Heating & Air Conditioning is a client-centred sales and service company for the London and St. Thomas areas.
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