Should I Repair or Replace My HVAC System?
You’re preparing a Thanksgiving meal for two dozen relatives when you hear a loud, clanging noise. At the worst possible moment, your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system has stopped working.
Fortunately, One Hour Air Conditioning and Heating has you covered. With the help of our emergency services, you can save Thanksgiving and get the HVAC repair or replacement you need. The hardest part is determining when you need an HVAC unit replacement and when a simple repair will do the trick.
When Is a Repair the Right Choice?
In many cases, an HVAC repair will be the cheaper option. However, this doesn’t mean it is always the right choice. The following situations are examples when repairs are the ideal option for your home.
- New Systems: A new unit is less likely to break down again in the future, so it makes more sense to merely perform an HVAC unit repair and keep the same system in place.
- Cost: When repair costs are much cheaper than the cost of replacing the unit, a repair makes more sense.
- Warranties: If your HVAC unit is under warranty, you can let the warranty company foot the bill.
- Energy Costs: Energy consumption often increases significantly as a unit ages and falls apart. If your electricity bill has jumped for no clear reason, it may be time to replace the system. When your energy costs have remained at a normal level, you should do repairs instead.
- Moving Plans: Investing in an HVAC replacement isn’t the best course of action if you plan on moving in the near future.
When Should You Replace Your HVAC Unit?
Even with the best maintenance, HVAC systems eventually need to be replaced. In the following situations, you should consider a full replacement instead of an HVAC unit repair.
- Age: Once an HVAC system is 10 years old or older, it is more likely to break down. At this point, it makes more sense to replace the broken unit than it does to perform repairs.
- Odd Sounds: Major mechanical issues may be present if you notice banging or squealing noises.
- Performance-Related Issues: As an HVAC unit starts to fail, it can develop performance malfunctions. For example, your air conditioner may only blow hot air. Alternatively, you may notice airflow issues.
- Energy Costs: When an HVAC system is about to fail completely, it will use more energy.
- Recurring Repairs: If it seems like you are constantly needing to repair your HVAC system, it’s time to review your replacement options.
Let’s Talk Efficiency
Modern HVAC systems are far more efficient than they were a few decades ago. Because of this, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and Florida have rebates available for energy-efficiency improvements. In addition to reducing your power bill each month, you can get a lucrative tax break for making your HVAC update.
Repair Vs. Replace: A Quick Rule of Thumb
While there are other considerations involved, there is a general rule of thumb you can use to decide when you will perform an HVAC unit repair or replace the entire system. You start by taking the estimated repair cost. Multiply this amount by how old the system is in years. If the resulting figure is higher than $5,000, you should opt for a replacement.
Why Location Matters: A Local Take for Melbourne
Because of the warm weather throughout the year, Melbourne HVAC systems may stay on longer than HVAC systems in other parts of the country. In turn, this may mean that you have to replace the system sooner than normal.
Similarly, local building codes, added wear from the humidity, and the salty sea air may influence your HVAC’s longevity and whether it needs to be replaced prematurely. To find out what option is the best for your home, it’s a good idea to talk to one of our professional HVAC technicians.
What a Professional HVAC Technician Will Check
A professional HVAC technician is a maestro at determining the hidden repair and maintenance problems present within your unit. During a professional inspection, our HVAC technicians will check out some of the following things.
- Thermostat calibration
- Cleanliness of your filters and vents
- Airflow
- Leaks in your ductwork
- Dirt or damage to your condenser and evaporator coils
- Pilot light functionality
You wouldn’t trust your next cholesterol test to your dog groomer. Don’t let an untrained eye look at your HVAC systems. When you need immediate HVAC support, turn to One Hour for all of your repair and replacement needs.
Schedule an HVAC Appointment Today
We’re on time, or you don’t pay a dime.
At One Hour Air Conditioning and Heating in Melbourne, we use state-of-the-art tools and equipment to diagnose, repair or replace HVAC systems. Our team shows up promptly with fully stocked trucks, so you never have to wait for your results. From affordable services to high-quality products, we can help with all of your HVAC repair needs.
Learn more about how we can help by giving us a call today.