A well-maintained HVAC system should give you a good 15 years of service. But just as with any piece of equipment, the accumulated wear and tear over the years is going to take its toll, and eventually, you’ll need to replace the system that has kept your home comfortable for so many years.
The question is, of course, when do you need to replace your HVAC system?
Signs You May Need to Replace Your HVAC System
We’ll be the first to concede that replacing your HVAC system is a considerable expense, and homeowners often delay that expenditure by getting their old unit repaired repeatedly.
Over time, however, those repair bills add up, and you eventually reach the point where it’s no longer practical to pour more money into your old, struggling system to keep it running.
Here are a few of the signs indicating replacement rather than repair should be your next step.
Age
Your system is 15 years old and possibly more. HVAC systems aren’t designed to last forever, and after about 15 years, parts wear out, they lose their efficiency and the repair costs tend to mount.
Constant Repairs
Like an older car, repairs tend to get more frequent as your HVAC system nears the end of its useful lifespan. At a certain point, the cost of a new system will actually save you money rather than having to keep repairing your current system.
Increased Energy Bills
Speaking of rising prices, the older your HVAC system gets, the more it will cost you on your regular bills. If your costs are climbing, this is normal, but it doesn’t have to be! If you think your costs are getting concerning, it might be time to start fresh. However, it might feel like a higher hurdle, a newer, more efficient system will save you money in the long run.
Your A/C Can’t Keep Up
Is your A/C struggling to keep your house cool this summer? It may not be as effective as it once was. This measurement is more of a “to taste” kind of preference. There isn’t a specific number of uncomfortable days that is the universal signal to replace it. If it’s not as strong as it used to be but you’re ok with it, then just keep it in the back of your mind. But if your air conditioning just isn’t getting the job done for you, it may be time to fix that.
Unusual Noises
There are a lot of things in life that make strange sounds when they’re not quite right (cars, knees, kids…). Your HVAC system is on that list. A pleasant little hum is a good thing, but if you are hearing any kind of mechanical grinding or scraping, that is definitely not what you want to hear. These noises tend to increase with your system’s age. You may not need a whole new system, but you may need to consult an HVAC expert to see if it’s an easy fix or something more serious.
Asking “What is that smell?”
Nobody likes a bad smell, let alone one that is being circulated through the whole house by your HVAC system. But be careful, if your HVAC is a little funky, it may be more serious than just a smell. Your HVAC might have developed mold! This can happen with something like your furnace if it hasn’t been used for a couple months. This should be a top priority as it can put you and those in your household at risk of getting perpetually sick. Just remember, though it may be an urgent need, don’t forget to look for special deals that can help make your unexpected expense a little lighter.
Lack of Circulation
Lack of air circulation can be a little bit harder to identify. Sometimes, the air in a room might feel or smell stale. Another sign is that certain rooms in your house might be significantly warmer or cooler than others, indicating insufficient airflow to certain rooms. This isn’t as dangerous as something like mold, but it may affect air quality and increase allergic irritations.
Selecting Your New HVAC System
The first step in HVAC replacement is selecting your new system. Our expert staff will assess your needs, preferences, and budget to choose the best system for your home.
We always work one-on-one with our clients to select the best equipment in their price range that meets the requirements of their home and lifestyle. We can help you to correctly size your system so you’re getting the best return on your investment, especially when it comes to those monthly utility bills.
Our experts are here for you and are ready to assist you with every aspect of selecting and sizing your new HVAC system to ensure effective cooling and humidity control. We have the experience and expertise to guide you in making the best decision for you and your family.
Why Choose MSCO for HVAC Replacement?
Stated simply, when you need HVAC replacement, you want to work with a company that has a sterling reputation and an unwavering commitment to excellent customer service. And that’s exactly what you get when you partner with MSCO Heating & Cooling, a locally owned and community-oriented business with decades of experience in the HVAC industry.
For over 60 years, we’ve served the greater Virginia Beach-Hampton Roads community, helping countless homeowners choose the HVAC system that best meets their needs while fitting their family budget.
At MSCO, our TRANE-certified technicians install quality HVAC units that will stand the test of time, keeping your home comfortable the year around for many years to come.
If you need HVAC installation, we urge you not to delay. For the highest quality HVAC service, give us a call today at 757-895-7806 or reach out to us online for a free, no-obligation quote from MSCO Heating & Cooling.
