There’s a time when it would be great to get a new HVAC system in your Jacksonville, Florida, home, and there’s a time when you absolutely must. Newer HVAC systems are upwards of 60 percent more efficient than most previous models. But while this kind of upgrade is a terrific investment, the average homeowner is more likely to get a new system only when the old one no longer works. Is it a good idea to wait for your system to completely malfunction or is there some other indicator of when it should be replaced? Here are some telltale signs.
Frequent Repairs
Your cooling and heating system may be near the end of its service life if it does not provide the required air conditioning or if it needs frequent repairs. Frequent repairs and downtime will inevitably become more common with passing years. You can certainly fix a system several times when ordinary wear and tear causes a problem, but if you’re calling for help or spending hours every other day trying to get your air conditioning system to work again, you might be due for a new model.
A newer system will stave off concerns about repair for many years, plus save you time and money compared to keeping the old system on life support. If you are tired of how often you have to repair your system, consider getting a new one.
Longer Running Time
With time, the performance of your air conditioning, heater, and other systems drops, meaning that they must run longer to do the same task. Sometimes it’s a gradual change, but if you notice that your system has been active for much longer that it used to run, it could be on its last leg.
Rising Bills
In addition to longer running times, you will naturally get higher energy bills. This is a detail that people are much better at tracking. Consider the costs of a new system and whether the system would pay for itself within a few years, compared to paying higher bills associated with increased energy consumption, and repairing, and purchasing parts for the old system.
Unusual Humidity Changes
If your air seems unusually dry in the winter and fall or unusually moist in the summer and spring, your HVAC system could be dying. Your air conditioner helps to manage humidity, so humidity issues could also be another potential sign that it’s time to replace your air conditioner.
Overall Age
If you want to put any issues your HVAC system has into perspective, consider its age. In general, air conditioners lose their efficiency and reach the end of their serviceable life after approximately 15 to 20 years. The same is true for boilers. If you have one or more of the problems above and your HVAC is 15-20 years old, there’s not much to do besides replace it.
Carbon Monoxide Leaks
Carbon monoxide (CO) leaks and CO poisoning are very serious. Carbon monoxide poisoning can cause a variety of unpleasant physical symptoms and even death. Leaks can occur with any system, but are very likely with old units. Furnaces can rust or develop failing parts, and resulting in carbon monoxide leaks.
Scheduling preventive maintenance is one way to keep your system in good condition. Your HVAC technician will also be able to provide timely advice and information for upgrading your system. Don’t waste energy or compromise comfort and safety. Today’s energy-efficient systems will make a significant difference for your home or office.
At Ocean State Air Conditioning & Heating, we are proud to help homeowners to improve comfort and energy efficiency in their homes and businesses with affordable and experienced HVAC service. We can help you to select the system that is right for your home. Feel free to schedule an appointment or call us at (904) 574-5619. We look forward to working with you and resolving your HVAC problems.
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