Welcome to this informative article about home / blog / upgrading or replacing HVAC system: Better than fixing one piece at a time. A major decision homeowners often face, which we’ll be delving into in this piece. A crucial part of this consideration involves factoring in the money involved in the different options of either repairing or replacing. This way, our customers bring value to their homes.
- Knowing whether it’s a better value to repair or upgrade your HVAC system or to replace it can be confusing. The price of parts and technician labor over multiple breakdowns can add up, making it a more cost-effective option to purchase a new unit. This is especially true in a climate like ours where air conditioning is practically a necessity and units are constantly in use. A number of factors, including the cost of replacement parts, the quality of the ductwork and ventilation system, and the lifespan of your hvac systems should be considered when making the decision to invest in a new AC installation. A professional contractor can assist in this assessment.
- In today’s technological era, when issues with your HVAC system arise, seeking professional advice can have several benefits. Things like the size of your home, the type of gas furnace in use, and the number of times you’ve had to call for repairs can impact the life of your equipment and its efficiency.
- In the face of rising temperatures, an efficient air conditioner is not just a luxury for homeowners, it’s a necessity. Selecting the best HVAC contractor can factor heavily into the operation and longevity of your system.
- During this article, we’ll pay a virtual visit to the hot attic spaces where your HVAC unit is kept, exploring the process of making choices and considering the many variables that come into play when making such decisions. A heat pump or a compressor may be one of the many things that you may need to take into account.
The age and condition of your HVAC unit, much like any other technology in your home, is one of the biggest factors to determine whether it’s worth repairing. A good guideline in the decision-making process is the 5000 Rule in which you take the estimated cost derived from an expert’s inspection of the needed repair and multiply it by the age of your unit in years. If the outcome equates to more than $5000, it’s worth considering upgrading to a new one. Questions about the level of functionality of the current unit are crucial information for this consideration.
Replacing HVAC System Or Repair It
How Old is Your Unit?
As we consider temperature control in the home, we must give considerable thought to humidity and heat management. If your HVAC unit is more than 10 years or older according to Energy Star, you should consider investing in a new energy-efficient one. An upgrade could save you significantly on your energy costs. An easy estimate can be made by observing the reduction in the thermostat dial on the HVAC unit.
Consider the Cost of Refrigerant
Like a hidden treasure in the attic, you may discover a coolant leak if your unit needs additional refrigerant. This can tip you off to a potentially costly issue, with costs running between $40 and $175 per pound for R-22 refrigerant or other refrigerants.
Other Considerations
As we continue our exploration in this article, we also emphasise the importance of considering some other additional factors. Is your unit as efficient as it used to be?
Give us a call at The Cooling Company to discuss air conditioning improvements and anything else you need for your HVAC system. We’ll give you an accurate appraisal with all the heat pump, compressor and temperature considerations necessary.
As we wrap up our in-depth article visit, we remind tenants to get approval from their landlord before initiating any A/C repairs or upgrades. Each decision must be made on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the HVAC unit’s current condition, potential rebates, and the associated costs, including potential savings offered by energy-efficient upgrades.
