In this article…
- What To Consider Before Replacing Your HVAC System (And What You Need To Know)
- When Should You Replace Your System And Not Repair It?
- Is It Time To Replace Your HVAC System?
So, you’re thinking about replacing your home’s HVAC system but want to be sure you’ve considered all you needed to before making the investment.
Maybe you’ve been repairing your system year after year and know it’s overdue for a replacement. Or maybe you recently moved into an older home and want to improve its efficiency with a new system.
No matter the need for replacing your HVAC system, it’s crucial to feel confident in your decision, especially when investing in your home. Before taking the time, energy, and effort to find a trustworthy company and determine which type of system is right for you, you want to be sure you’re ready for a system replacement.
At DEETS, we’ve been helping homeowners in Northwestern Pennsylvania find the right HVAC solutions for their homes since 2001.
From simple repairs and yearly tune-ups to full system replacements, we’re here to educate you on all you need to know before spending your time and money on any home investment.
If you’re ready to replace your HVAC system, you must be sure you’ve considered the right things to make a well-informed decision, and we’re here to help.
This article will outline the essential points to evaluate before replacing your HVAC system along with some red flags to look out for when searching for the right company to work with.
Then, you’ll be positive it’s time to replace your system and learn more about the benefits of replacing your HVAC before it’s too late.
What To Consider Before Replacing Your HVAC System (And What You Need To Know)
Asking the right questions before making any big decision is fundamental in the vetting process.
You want to be sure you do your research and check every item of consideration off the list before choosing to repair or replace your system and find the right products for you.
Let’s look at five things you must consider (and why you need to think about them) before replacing your HVAC system.
1. The Age Of Your Home
How long have you been in your home? How old was your home when you bought it?
If you’ve lived in your home for over 15 years and have noticed a decline in your HVAC efficiency, considering a replacement may be the way to go.
Or, if you bought an older home and have been repairing your system over and over again, investing in a new system may be worth it (and help you save on money and energy in the long run).
Why is this important to consider?
Determining the age of your home can also tell you how old your HVAC system is, whether you bought the home and the first system yourself or know your older home also came with an older system. This will help further your decision on whether it’s time to replace your system or not.
2. The Layout Of Your Home
Considering the layout of your home, including how many stories your home is, and the efficiency of your current system will help you determine if you need a new HVAC system or just some custom solutions to improve efficiency.
You want to think about the square footage of your home and the capacity of the blower motor. For example, if you have a multi-story home and have noticed poor circulation in one story, you may not need a new system but rather a secondary blower to help push the air to the right places.
If you live in a larger home and are thinking about potentially replacing your system due to circulation and efficiency issues, getting the opinion of a trusted HVAC expert in your area will ensure you get the proper care and repair for your home without wasting your time or money.
Why is this important to consider?
The size and layout of your home can directly affect the efficiency of your system. If your current system isn’t performing as well as it should or not keeping your home comfortable, it may not have the proper capacity.
Replacing your old system with a higher SEER rating or adding a secondary blower to your home will help improve air circulation throughout your home and keep things running optimally.
3. The Efficiency Of Your Current System
The efficiency of your current system is one of the largest determining factors of whether it is time to replace your system or not.
If you’ve noticed your home not heating or cooling as well as it used to, higher energy bills over the years, or increased dust and poor allergies in your home, these are tell-tale signs it’s time for a replacement.
Why is this important to consider?
The efficiency of your system is necessary to keep your HVAC running and your home comfortable.
If you’ve continued to make repair after repair to try to keep your system alive for as long as possible, investing in a new system with the highest efficiency will pay off in comfort and energy savings.
4. Your Budget
When making any large home investment, your budget is always top of mind and can’t be neglected. Just like with any home appliance, there is a variance in cost and quality, however, they have a direct relationship.
The highest quality system will be the most expensive, and the cheapest system will not last. You must consider the quality of the product, installation, and warranty you want for your new system that fits into your budget and will meet your needs.
It’s also important to note that most high-quality HVAC companies have financing options available, so even if a new system seems out of your price range, you may be able to finance your new system for a low monthly payment.
Why is this important to consider?
Your budget is one of the top aspects to think about before investing in a new HVAC system. Outlining your wants, goals, and needs for your new system along with your budget will help you to find the right company to work with that offers what you need, fits in your price range, and has quality financing options if needed.
5. The Time Of Year
Finally after considering the age and size of your home, the efficiency of your current system, and your budget, you also want to think about the time of year it is and if it is ideal.
The best time of year to replace your system is during the spring or the fall when the weather is most tolerable without a working system. This means if it’s closing in on winter or summertime, you may want to think about replacing your system soon before it’s too late.
Why is this important to consider?
The last thing you want is a broken AC or furnace when you need it most. Replacing it during the spring or fall will ensure you stay comfortable and safe during the extreme seasons.
It’s also important to remember that if your system is on its last leg, it may not be feasible for emergency repairs to be performed during harsh winter storms as technicians may not be able to safely get to your home.
When Should You Replace Your System And Not Repair It?
You know what to consider before replacing your HVAC system, but you also want to know whether it’s the right time to replace it or not. Sometimes a full replacement may not be the right answer.
You may only need to repair your system if…
- Your system is less than 10 years old
- You have a valid warranty on your system
- The repair is minor
On the other hand, you’ll want to consider replacing your system if…
- Your system is over 15 years old
- You’ve noticed higher energy bills over the years
- Your system isn’t performing as efficiently as it used to
Properly assessing your system’s issues and consulting a professional will ensure you receive the right care and maintenance for your system, whether it’s a simple repair or a full replacement.
Is It Time To Replace Your HVAC System?
Now that you know five important things to consider and why, you have a better understanding of whether it’s time to replace your HVAC system and can feel confident in your decision.
Before investing in any home upgrade, it’s crucial to thoroughly think through all checklist items to ensure you’re making the best decision for you, your family, and your home.
Considering the age and size of your home, the efficiency of your current system, your budget, and the time of year are essential factors to look at prior to replacing your HVAC system.
If you live in an older home, make frequent repairs on your AC and heating, and have noticed an increase in your energy bills, replacing your system either in the fall before the intense winter or springtime before the heat of the summer is best.
At DEETS, we’re here to help all homeowners in Northwestern Pennsylvania learn all they need regarding their HVAC system, from educating on when it’s time for a replacement to finding the right company to work with.
We’re here to guide you to make a well-informed decision when it comes to your home, and we aren’t here to convince you to replace your system if you don’t truly need one.
So, if you’ve been thinking it’s time to replace your HVAC system but aren’t sure if it will be worth it, you want to learn more about how a new AC and furnace can save both energy and money.
Check out this article that outlines the cost of common system repairs, the cost of replacing your system, how a new system can save you money, and how to know when it is worth it.
Want to learn more about replacing your HVAC system in Northwestern Pennsylvania? Schedule your appointment with DEETS today!
