Are you wondering if you should repair or upgrade your home or business’s HVAC unit? As with any complex system in your home, air conditioning and heating units have an expiration date, after which they will no longer work efficiently or keep you comfortable. And, while there is no doubt that proper maintenance services help prolong the life of your home or business’s HVAC, all units eventually wear out. So, considering the costs associated, how do you know when a repair is sufficient to keep your unit operating, or you should replace it with an entirely new system?
What to Think About
There are many factors to consider when questioning whether to repair or replace your HVAC unit.
Age
If properly maintained and serviced, HVAC units in Florida have a general lifespan of around 10-15 years. On the other hand, a unit forced to work harder and is not adequately cared for could wear out after less time. A good rule of thumb is that you should replace it if you have had your current unit for 10 years or more.
Repairs
All HVAC units require some level of repair over their lifetime, But if your HVAC unit has frequently been repaired in the last few years and your Comfort Temp technicians predict that more servicing will be needed soon, a replacement is your better bet.
Costs
Newer HVAC units offer greater energy efficiency, which saves you money on your monthly utility bills. Further, when you weigh the cost you will spend on necessary repairs on your HVAC unit against the price of a new unit, paying attention to any offered warranties, you may find that it is more cost-effective for you to invest in a new system rather than paying costly repairs.
Size
As our HVAC knowledge has evolved, we have learned that if your home was initially outfitted with an improperly sized unit, it could affect how efficiently your unit runs and how comfortable your environment.
Know When to Replace
A few signs that your unit needs to be replaced rather than repaired are:
- Your HVAC unit no longer cools your home consistently, even after repair.
- The cost to run your unit has been steadily increasing over time.
Another indicator you need to replace your unit is if your current system uses R22 Freon. The EPA ruled that this refrigerant must be phased out, and as of January 1, 2020, it is illegal to produce or import. While it is legal for HVAC units currently using R22 to keep it, it would add unnecessary complications if your unit needs emergency repairs or fails, and R22 is only available through recycled materials or stockpiled quantities. You can get ahead of this issue by choosing to replace your unit.
Comfort Temp Helps You Decide
If you are still unsure of whether you can repair your current HVAC unit or need to replace it with a newer model, our Comfort Temp expert technicians are here to help. We thoroughly inspect your system and advise you on the best route to take, customized for your individual needs. Once we have determined together what will work best for you, we are your repair and installation team, here for you every step of the way. Contact us today to set up your appointment.
