In Ohio, our ever-changing weather means we rely on our furnace and air conditioning to keep us comfortable year round. The last thing you want is for your furnace to give out on a cold winter morning or your AC to stop in the middle of a heatwave. When your HVAC system needs a big repair to get back on its feet, it may be time to consider replacing it instead of investing in pricey fixes.
Should I Repair or Replace My HVAC System?
Let’s start by saying that this decision needs to be made on an individual basis. You need to look at the big picture before deciding whether putting money into fixing your current system makes more sense than investing in a new system. To help you decide what path is right for you, we’ve created a checklist to guide you.
The Repair vs. Replace Checklist
There are many factors to consider before committing to a new HVAC system. We understand it is a big investment, so you want to be sure it’s the right choice for your situation. Below are some questions to ask yourself to help determine whether it’s time to repair or replace.
How Old is Your Furnace or Air Conditioner?
On average, furnaces should last between 15-20 years and air conditioners 10-15 years. If you’re facing a large repair bill and your system is 10+ years old, it may be worth replacing the system.
How Much Does the Repair Cost?
One way to determine if you should repair or replace your system is to ask yourself:
- Are repair costs more than a third of the cost of a new system and your system is over 10 years old? It might make sense to replace it.
- Are repairs less than a third of the cost of a replacement and your system is under 10 years old? It probably has more productive years ahead, so try repairs first.
Have Your Energy Bills Increased?
Sometimes older systems become less efficient and can cause your energy bills to increase over time because the system is using more energy to keep up with demand. While this may not be a key reason to upgrade a functioning system, it’s something to consider as an additional benefit. Find out more about saving money by upgrading your HVAC system.
How Often Does Your System Need to be Repaired?
Occasional repairs are one thing, but if you notice the need for furnace or A/C repairs is increasing, it may be time to upgrade. The amount of money you are spending on multiple repairs could be going towards the purchase of a new system.
Is Your Home Still Comfortable?
As a system ages, it can become less efficient due to normal wear and tear. This can be reflected in how your home environment feels. Have you noticed:
- Inconsistency in room temperatures – some rooms are too hot, some are too cold
- Longer running times – your system has to keep running to meet your thermostat goal
- Humidity levels are off – your home is feeling sticky in the summer
Please note: These could be signs you just need a maintenance visit or repair. They don’t necessarily indicate a new system is needed, but combined with other issues mentioned above, could be important in your decision making process.
When Does Repairing Your HVAC System Make Sense?
If your HVAC system is fairly young and running efficiently, having it repaired is probably the way to go. Your furnace and air conditioning still have plenty of life in them, so investing in a new system wouldn’t make sense. As long as your repairs are infrequent and reasonable in price when compared with purchasing a new system, there is no need to invest in something new.
When Does Replacing Your HVAC System Make Sense?
If your HVAC system is coming toward the end of its lifespan, or surpassed it, and you’re facing frequent or expensive repair bills, it’s time to consider investing your dollars in a new system instead of patching up an old one. Your new system will also come with the added benefit of improved efficiency to help with energy costs and better overall comfort in your home.
Still Not Sure Whether to Repair or Replace?
We hope this checklist has helped you decide whether your HVAC system just needs a repair or whether it’s time to replace it. If you still aren’t sure what path to take, we’re here to help evaluate your situation and provide our expertise to find the right solution. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
