How to Know When to Repair vs. Replace HVAC Systems

Posted on: May 23, 2023

Many homeowners have limited knowledge of when to repair vs. replace HVAC units. Choosing between repairing or replacing your HVAC system may come down to saving the most amount of money at the current time. Although, this isn’t always the best choice for the long haul regarding saving energy and money. Here are three vital factors detailed by our south metro-Atlanta HVAC experts on when to repair or replace an HVAC system for both residential and commercial settings.

When to Repair vs. Replace HVAC Systems: The 3 Red Flags

How Safe is Your HVAC System?

The most important factor is how safe your HVAC system is for the health of the people and

animals. At the first small sign of a safety issue, such as carbon monoxide poisoning or a potential fire hazard, this is without a doubt the time to install a new unit. Don’t compromise the health and safety of you and others during extreme heat or extreme cold.

Only a licensed technician will know the right HVAC system for your home or business. A house, condo, or commercial space’s layout, examining the current ductwork, and the number of windows in every room, will allow a certified HVAC dealer to quickly identify the appropriate system that’s tailored to your entire space and also your comfort.

Know Your HVAC System’s Age and Calculate It in a Dollar Amount

ENERGY STAR® has the easiest guide on how to know when to repair vs. replace HVAC systems. Air conditioners older than 10 years and furnaces or boilers older than 15 years should be considered getting replaced.

Other factors come into play when knowing if it should be replaced or repaired. According to ENERGY STAR®, frequent repairs and higher energy bills over time are also warning signs of needing a new HVAC system. To know for sure, multiply the unit’s age by the cost of repairs. If the total is higher than $5,000, it is best to replace it. Oppositely, if your system only needs an occasional repair and overall functions efficiently, or if it’s less than five years old, a replacement is usually not necessary yet.

Advancements in HVAC Over Time

Learn About Potential Energy Savings and Environmentally Friendly Systems

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) has evolved extensively in recent years. Older analog systems can function well, but modern digital systems are drastically more energy-efficient with advanced communication features. A range of comfort advancements has transformed modern heat and cooling. For example, smart thermostats offer unparalleled control with variable speeds. Zoning can offer different temperatures for different parts of a house or commercial building.

Most importantly, recent government regulation changes from the EPA ensure that newer units don’t contain the ozone-depleting R-22 refrigerant. This chemical compound is also harder and costlier to repair, making the repair vs. replace HVAC decision easier. Currently, R-22 refrigerant is increasingly scarce, which has resulted in continued inflated prices resulting in a greater expense to homeowners.

The best part of getting a new HVAC system installed or having certain parts replaced is the potential income tax credits and an ROI. New units are better for the environment because they are highly efficient, therefore, save you energy and money. A new unit installation should never be pushed on a customer unless a technician thinks it is the best option.

Repair vs. Replace HVAC: Count on Your Local HVAC Experts

Once you get used to the luxury of air conditioning and heating, it’s very hard to live without it. Count on your local team of HVAC experts in Griffin, GA for air conditioning, cooling, and ventilation repairs, maintenance, and new unit installation. Only rely on the best to do the best work. AComfort has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.