Should I Repair or Replace My HVAC System?
Has your heating system encountered a few hiccups this winter? Have you been relying a little too heavily on your fuzzy socks and electric blanket? Then it seems you’ve reached the crossroads of “repair or replace”. The time when you’re forced to decide whether it’s worth it to shell out a few hundred dollars for the quick fix or make the steeper investment for a new unit.
To figure out whether you should repair or replace your HVAC unit, there are a few questions you should ask yourself. Once you figure out the answers, your decision will become clear.
How old is your system?
According to Energy Star, replacing a 10 year old unit can save you up to 20 percent on heating and cooling bills. Even if your system is running smoothly with no problems, older models are simply not as efficient as newer ones.
When you’re looking at new units, pay close attention to the SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio) rating and the AFUE (annual fuel utilization efficiency) rating. In the year 2000, a SEER rating of 13 was considered great, whereas now a SEER of 18 is considered the most efficient. Additionally, an efficient unit will achieve an AFUE of 95% or higher, something your 10 year old unit could not do.
Conclusion: If you’ve had the same system for more than 10 years, it’s time to start looking for a new one.
What problems have you encountered with your current system?
Rising Energy Bills
To find out if your energy bills are rising, compare your most recent energy bill to one from exactly a year ago. Are they comparable? Or is the most recent one drastically higher? If it’s higher, it’s time for a new system.
Even with consistent maintenance and the best care, eventually, all systems wear out and require replacement.
Decrease in Comfort
If you’re checking the thermostat every 10 minutes to see if the temperature has changed, it might be time to upgrade. The purpose of your HVAC system is to control the temperature of your home in order to keep you comfortable. If your current system isn’t doing its job, then there’s no use in keeping it around.
Consider the Cost of a Repair
If repairing your system is only going to cost you $50, then it’s worth it to go with a repair to hold you over. However, if the repair costs you half the price of a new unit, it’s typically more cost-effective to replace it, especially if your system is older.
Schedule several estimates for the repair to make sure someone doesn’t notice a larger problem at hand.
Daikin Fit
If you ultimately decide that replacing your HVAC system is the way to go, we recommend replacing your old unit with a Daikin Fit system. It’s a side discharge system, which enables installation in a wide range of locations. It’s also a smart system that is compatible with smart thermostats and other smart technology, including the Daikin One+.
The most significant reason we recommend this system is because of its energy savings. It has a SEER rating of 18 which means it’s extremely efficient which will limit your energy use and lower your utility bills.
If your HVAC system is acting up, give our Weis Comfort Systems team a call. We’ll take a look at the system, provide you with an estimate for the repair and give you our trusted recommendation. We take pride in helping our community achieve ultimate home comfort, so visit our website or call us at (636) 266-2290 for all of your heating and cooling needs.
