Is It Time To Replace Your HVAC?

When it is time to replace your HVAC system, you can expect to spend a lot of money. The money you spend now can help you save money later. If your air conditioning is getting old or breaking down, you will see higher utility bills and costs for temporary repairs. If your system is too far gone, mold, mildew, structure deterioration, or a fire can result.

HVAC systems are used the least in the spring, but summer and the heat that comes with it is on the way. While summer is a time for outdoor recreation, it is also essential to stay cool when your inside.

Depending on where you live, the summer heat can be hot and dry or hot and humid. Either way, the days will be long, and the nights may feel suffocating.

Much of the population depends on an HVAC system to keep them cool. When you come home from work on a hot day, there is nothing better than walking into a home with the perfect 72-degree temperature. When winter hits, a good HVAC can keep the chill outside while you stay nice and warm.

When your HVAC system needs a complete overhaul, you can prevent pricier utility bills and numerous repair fees by taking care of it right now. Future money savings are not the only reason for a change. Y1our comfort, health, and mood will feel it, too.

If your air conditioner is not operating as it should, and it does not provide you with the comfort it was made to provide, the solution may not be in maintenance and repairs. You may need a brand new HVAC system in your home.

Ten signs it is time to replace your HVAC system

1. Your HVAC unit is old

The newest and best HVAC systems are energy-efficient and are rated with Energy Star. If your system that is over a decade old, there is a good chance you do not have an energy-efficient unit installed. If that is the case, your system is not performing as well as it should.

An energy-efficient HVAC unit can save as much as 40 percent on your monthly bill, and a unit with a programmable digital thermostat can mean savings of hundreds or even thousands of dollars in a year.

2. Your HVAC system has old parts

There have been many changes in the HVAC industry since 1992. Freon, or R-22 refrigerant, is being replaced by Puron, an R410A. Puron has been found to absorb and release heat better than its predecessor. When you use Puron, your risk of a burned-out compressor is reduced.

Because Puron works at higher pressures than freon, the latest compressors are built to operate at higher pressures without cracking. Putting Puron in an HVAC system that was made for Freon can cause a breakdown.

3. Major components are failing

When the compressor, motor, or coil fails, it is a wise idea to consider replacing your entire unit. The parts and labor costs for fixing the components can be enormous, and the chances are that a replacement will be necessary, anyway.

4. Your HVAC was improperly installed

If your unit and ductwork were installed by someone without expertise or by a professional who did not do the job as it should have been done, your system is probably not in good shape. Good installation requires the use of exact measuring and angling, as well as top-notch installation of the electrical system.

5. Your unit is not the right size

Some homeowners try to save money by buying and installing a smaller unit than they should. An HVAC unit that is too small will not have the power you need to cool your home properly. If you are planning to expand your home’s size, add rooms, or take out walls, a small unit can become ineffective very quickly.

6. Your unit is getting noisy

A system that is working properly should not make loud noises when it turns on and off or runs. All of the parts of your HVAC should work in tandem. Squealing and grinding is not what you want to hear from your Miami HVAC system.

7. You keep paying and it keeps breaking

If you have been paying for one repair after another and handing out money only to end up paying more a short while later, the one-time high cost of a replacement could end up paying for itself in a short time.

8. You are going to sell your home

Buyers are going for the modern look, but even more importantly, they are seeking modern machinery in their homes. If your HVAC system needs to be repaired or replaced, you can lose a sale or expect to be offered lower bids than you would otherwise receive.

9. The quality of your air is reduced

When an HVAC unit is failing from age, lack of maintenance, or an improper install, it will not filter out all dust and allergens. It can cause humidity to build up, and mold can become a problem in your home. If this is happening, it may be time to do more than repairs on your AC unit. If you are experiencing a problem with mold, start looking for a new HVAC system.

10. You think it might be dangerous

First of all, panic is never a good idea. But if you are concerned about the pilot light or there are exposed wires on your HVAC unit, the situation can be dangerous. It also means there could be even more problems throughout your system.

It is possible that your problem is small enough that it can be easily fixed by an HVAC tech. But if any of the above signs are occurring, it could be time to replace your entire HVAC system.

How To Identify Your Furnace Or Other Heating System?

It is essential to know the type of home interior heating device you have. It will help you take care of it properly. Timely maintenance of a heating system is necessary to keep the heating costs low, extend the device’s life, and ensure its optimum performance. A well-maintained room heating appliance will not give you any trouble during the cold season when it is used most. The following information provided by the heating system repair experts will help you identify your heating device.

Furnace Heaters

This type of heating system runs on propane, oil, natural gas, or electricity. It is sometimes referred to as a forced-air system. Furnaces are the preferred devices to heat the home interiors. In such a system, the air heated inside the furnace is distributed throughout the house via ductwork. Furnaces are generally installed in the closets, attics, basements, and crawlspaces. Consult our expert heating system technicians if you are unable to decide whether a gas, electric, or oil furnace is right for your heating needs. You will receive expert opinion and proper guidance in selecting the right furnace for your home.

Is It a Heat Pump?

A heat pump is generally preferred in the areas that see moderate climate. This type of device has both cooling and heating capabilities and runs on electricity. It is typically a split system with one indoor unit and one outdoor unit. During the winter months, it is used for the heating purpose while in the summer months it cools the interiors. It requires ductwork to move the air to different interior areas, but ductless versions are also available.

How do you identify if your heating system is a heat pump? Check the device’s outdoor unit. It will have a label that clearly states if it is an air conditioner or a heat pump. You will find a model number printed on the label. Type this number in an online search engine, and you will immediately learn all details about your heating system. It is a heat pump if you see horizontal brass pipes in the condensing unit. Another way to identify the device is to check the thermostat. Presence of any emergency heat setting system on the thermostat indicates it is a heat pump.

Underground Geothermal Heat Pump

This type of device takes advantage of the constant temperature present under the earth to cool or heat the air going inside the building. These devices are highly energy-efficient and operate quietly. The high upfront cost is its biggest drawback. You also need proper land area on your property to install its underground parts.

Boilers

A boiler has two parts. There is a furnace to provide the heat and a vessel to store the water. The water is first heated by the furnace. The resulting steam is taken through the pipes to the radiators that heat the indoor air. Boilers generally run on natural gas, oil, propane or electricity. The heat is distributed inside the rooms using a baseboard radiator, radiant heat flooring system, or a coil that heats the air. Its excess heat is often used to heat the bathroom and kitchen water.

Packaged Units

These systems generally run on gas or electricity. All its parts are inside a single cabinet that is installed outside the house on a slab or the roof. It has both cooling and heating functions, so you do not need a separate indoor furnace. It distributes the heat or air inside the home through ductwork.

Inspect Any Heating System Safely

If you are unable to locate the main heating system installed in your home, follow the route of the ductwork. It will lead you to the main heating system. Perform only visual inspection and avoid physically handling any part of your heating system if you are not sure how to remain safe when inspecting such a device.

Avoid any DIY repair and maintenance of such devices. Always call a heating system expert for these services. There are regular news reports of homeowners being injured when they tried to inspect, repair, or maintain their heating and cooling systems by self. Avoid such risks by taking help of trained heating and AC systems technicians.