Is it Time to Replace Your HVAC System?

For many homeowners (especially those with older homes), the spring can be a nerve-racking time when it comes to their home’s HVAC systems. After many months of running the furnace, it’s time to turn the AC system back on. The big question is whether the air conditioning will turn right on without a hitch or if there is yet another homeowner expense lurking right around the corner. As the title implies, the purpose of this blog post is to answer the question “is it time to replace my HVAC system?” Below we hope to outline some key warning signs as well as some other crucial considerations to keep in mind during this decision making process.

The Warning Signs:

An HVAC system replacement is rarely an expense that anyone looks forward to. It is important to remember that it can sometimes be more costly to repair an inefficient system instead of replacing it altogether. Luckily, there are some typical warning signs you can keep in mind that may indicate it is time for a replacement:

Failure to Cool: Let’s face it- If your system is not generating cold air or if it is no longer cooling your home evenly, there is likely an underlying issue. This warning sign seems obvious on paper, but this type of change can be quite subtle over time. Whether or not a repair will suffice is dependent on the problem, but the older the system is the more likely a replacement will be in order.
Your Bill Itself: A healthy practice no matter where you live is to keep track of your heating and cooling costs on an annual basis. If you notice a significant increase in your cooling costs, this should stand out as a red flag. AC units often become less efficient over time which may unfortunately be reflected in your home’s cooling bill. While variations can be expected on a yearly basis, a significant increase in your bill may serve as an indicator it might be time to replace your system.
Strange Noises: The sounds created by AC units typically turns into a white noise that goes unnoticed for most homeowners. It is not uncommon if you notice your AC unit generating a low-humming noise when you turn it on at the start of the cooling season. However, if you notice loud clanking, creaking or even a grinding noise, you should definitely schedule a service appointment. A well-versed HVAC technician should be able to diagnose whether or not a repair is viable, but this should stand out as a noticeable warning sign for your system.

Other Considerations:

Determining whether or not you need a replacement or an HVAC tune-up is your first step when you’re confronted with these warning signs. Next, you’ll need to consider a variety of factors if you do decide to replace your system. These include but are not limited to:

The Timing of Your Install: Installs are typically costly, but you will be thanking yourself during the heat of July/August if you proceed with your new air conditioner install in the spring timeframe.
The Brand You Select: There are many competitive HVAC systems, but the brand you select will likely be impacted by your total budget. A few brands we always recommend include Mitsubishi, Ruud, Rheem and Carrier.
The Company you Choose to Install Your System: Local HVAC companies will have varying skill levels and credentials when it comes to install work. At Aero Energy, we’re proud to maintain Ruud Pro Partner status as well as Mitsubishi Diamond Contractor Preferred status. We also recommend you check out reviews on sites such as Google and Facebook with any provider you consider.

A system replacement is a big decision which is why we’re here to help! If you’re interested in learning more about our services or scheduling a free consultation, please give us a call at 1-800-998-4311 or submit an inquiry form here.