You depend on your home’s climate control system to provide a comfortable indoor atmosphere. At peak performance, your HVAC system delivers this benefit while balancing cost and efficiency. Yet all equipment must eventually be replaced, and your heating and cooling system is no exception. If you’re pondering the “repair or replace” question, here are some guidelines that can help you decide.
Repair or Replace: The Ultimate Question
ENERGY STAR offers useful information and resources to help homeowners achieve better energy efficiency. Look for several key signs indicating that it’s time to replace your HVAC system:
- Heat pumps or air conditioners over 10 years old
- Furnaces or boilers more than 15 years old
- Frequent repairs and higher energy bills
- Inconsistent temperatures throughout your home
- Humidity issues: either too dry or too humid
- Excess dust in your home
- Too much noise during operation
ENERGY STAR also suggests replacing your system if it lacks a programmable thermostat. Depending on your system, you may be able to upgrade it with programmable temperature controls. Your trusted source for HVAC repair Austin TX can advise you on the best course of action.
Repairing or Upgrading Your HVAC
If your climate control system isn’t very old, you may be able to have it upgraded or repaired and enjoy the rest of its useful lifetime. HGTV offers some beneficial tips to consider before spending any money on your system. Duct leaks can siphon both air and your hard-earned money, so check for these leaks around your home. An energy assessment can also help you identify potential problems such as insufficient insulation or leaky windows.
Your final step in assessing your HVAC system’s health is choosing a reliable HVAC professional. Look for a licensed full-service provider with a good reputation. A heating and cooling company that uses whole-system diagnostic approaches is your best bet to ensure long-term performance and reliability.