When Should I Replace My Home’s HVAC System?

Congratulations! You’ve reached your 15th anniversary of living in the great city of Fredericksburg, Virginia. Life here has only improved over the years, but while the rest of your home may look as new as the day you bought it, your HVAC system is likely feeling that age. If age, falling efficiency, and costly or frequent repairs are compromising your comfort and your budget, it may be time to replace your HVAC system.

Old Age

With regular HVAC maintenance, most systems will last around 15 years. After your air conditioner has outlasted that lifespan, energy efficiency will start to fall and utility bills will start to rise. Investing in frequent repairs and continued maintenance will inevitably cost you more than simply replacing the unit.

Falling Efficiency

If you’ve noticed your home becoming less comfortable, despite maintaining the same thermostat setting, your HVAC system is likely becoming less energy-efficient. As your air conditioner ages, or as issues escalate, your system will strain to maintain comfort in your home, which will only exacerbate problems and cause energy costs to spike. However, since many factors can contribute to discomfort or high utility costs, call an HVAC company to evaluate whether you’re better off replacing your system.

Frequent Repairs

Your HVAC system should generally run efficiently if you schedule professional maintenance twice a year, once in the spring and once in the fall. Surprise issues may call for the occasional repair, but you shouldn’t be paying for repairs every month. At some point, you’ll need to decide if the costs of such frequent repairs outweigh the cost and benefits of a new system. Those frequent repairs will likely only become more frequent, so replacing your HVAC system will likely save you much more in the long run.

Your HVAC system is the center of health, efficiency, and comfort in your home, so don’t be afraid to replace it when the time comes. To upgrade your HVAC system, call Custom/Design Heating & Air Conditioning at (540) 602-4119.

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