These are perplexing questions and it’s not easy to answer because every person has a unique situation. There are several factors that can help you to make a final decision, but there is no one-size-fits-all approach. The lifespan of an AC unit is 15-20 years, a heat pump tends to last for 15-15 years and a furnace can operate for 15-20 years. Regular HVAC maintenance will tend to keep the useful lifespan at the upper end of those ranges. But, a system will lose performance and efficiency every year after it’s installed and this is just a fact that cannot be ignored. In this article, we will take a closer look at this question to help you make an informed decision.
The Importance of Preventative Maintenance
Investing in regular maintenance for your HVAC system will save you money in the medium to long term. If you can defer the purchase of a new system for a few years, it can save you a lot of money. But, in the intervening years, you will save money on your energy bills because well maintained HVAC equipment has better energy efficiency. When the HVAC system is checked over by a technician, they may detect a more minor issue before it develops into a larger problem. This will save money because a minor fix is always less expensive than a major repair. Preventative maintenance will also reduce the chance of an unexpected failure when you need heating or cooling.
3 HVAC Repair or Replace Factors to Consider
When you have an HVAC system that has a loss of performance or energy efficiency, it may be easy to decide between a repair or replacement. But, if the situation is less clear, there are three factors that you can explore to help you reach a final decision:
1. HVAC Safety
The primary concern for all appliances and systems in your home should be their safety. If the HVAC system is unsafe, then it should be replaced, and this is especially true if a repair is going to be temporary and expensive. One of the more dangerous problems is a cracked heat exchanger in the furnace, which can release toxic carbon monoxide fumes. This can be tricky to detect because the cracks may open during heating and close when the heat is turned off. A carbon monoxide detector in the vicinity is a must, and a monthly test and regular battery changes are essential. A cracked heat exchanger can also be the source of a house fire, this problem affects many homes every year, and the consequences are often fatal. Other safety issues can include fault wiring and stuck valves which are easier repairs for an HVAC technician.
2. The HVAC System Lifespan
The age of your heating and cooling equipment can be a determining factor when you’re choosing between a potential repair and a complete replacement. We covered the average useful lifespans of these systems earlier in this article. If you cannot remember when the systems were installed, or you inherited them when you purchased a home, it’s a good idea to find out how old they are. In many cases, the HVAC technician will write down the installation date when they complete the job. So, if you look at the equipment you may find a label with the information that you need right on the unit. If you can’t, you can check inside the chamber door, there should be a metal ID plate with the serial and model number. If you contact the manufacturer’s customer service line, they should be able to give you the manufacturer’s date. The installation may have occurred later, but this at least gives you a ballpark figure on the age of the HVAC system.
If the HVAC unit is more than 20 years old, you may think that it should be discarded immediately. But, the life expectancy dates of the HVAC systems discussed earlier are averages, and there are exceptions to the rule. Around 50% of the units are likely to burn out by those dates, but the remainder will still work, and some may even have acceptable efficiency. The only way to truly assess the state of your HVAC system is to schedule a health check up and some preventative maintenance.
Another important factor related to the age of the HVAC system is the longevity of the equipment. This can be a tricky concept to explain, so we will look at an example to better illustrate how this works. Imagine that you spend three cold winter months every year for a decade using a furnace. Now, imagine using that same furnace in the same manner only if you’re living further south, and the winter months are less severe. The furnace in the colder climes will get a tougher annual workout when compared to the other furnace where it’s warmer. So, in certain areas, the longevity of the equipment will have a shorter or longer average lifespan.
3. Heating Efficiency
If the heating is not efficient, you may notice that some rooms are colder than others. Adjusting the thermostat doesn’t work, and an older heating system may be unable to heat the entire home at the same time. There may be a few reasons why this occurs; a dirty thermostat sensor or a clogged air filter can reduce the flow of treated air. But, if the system is older, it’s likely that the heating system is simply on its last legs, and a replacement is needed. It’s important to look at the Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) because older systems tend to burn more fuel, and yet they perform poorly. The AFUE should be as high as possible, and an older heating system may have a rating of 65% or less, which is untenable.
In Conclusion
If you’ve noticed a lack of performance and energy efficiency, it’s time to look at your options. More frequent repairs coupled with older systems may indicate that it’s time for a replacement. Regular preventative maintenance can restore some lost performance and efficiency, but this must be evaluated on a case by case basis.
If you want to upgrade or replace your HVAC system or you need some essential maintenance, contact your local heating and cooling specialist today.