Your HVAC system is critical for maintaining a comfortable temperature, whether at home or at your place of work. Yet, like many things, we may not appreciate them as much until they’re not working properly anymore. When we’re so used to our HVAC system working as it should, it’s easy to take it for granted. However, if it starts malfunctioning, you’ll know soon enough.
While it may be a headache to imagine that anything’s gone wrong with your HVAC system, the truth is that they weren’t created to last forever. If you’re lucky, it’s simply a matter of maintenance, like calibrating a flow meter. However, in many cases. it may be something more serious. Everything has a lifespan, and unfortunately, your HVAC system may have reached the end of its life. Here are some of the telltale signs that it probably needs to be replaced.
It’s Older Than 15 Years
Age is a key indicator of whether your HVAC system probably needs a full replacement. The average lifespan of an HVAC system that’s been properly maintained is between 15 to 20 years. So, as it passes this age range, it tends to become less efficient, and the likelihood of things going wrong increases. Therefore, if your HVAC system is over the age of 15, then it might be wise to start putting money aside for replacement. A little bit of anticipation will help you avoid an unexpected replacement overnight.
Frequent Breakdowns
Things happen from time to time with an HVAC system that may require maintenance and repairs. And while this isn’t always a sign that it needs to be replaced completely, if you notice that the repairs are becoming more and more frequent, then it may be a signal that your system is struggling to stay alive.
Continuous problems won’t just result in expensive repair costs, but they can also increase your energy bill. So if you start to notice that you’re paying a considerable amount for repairs recently, then you might want to compare that to the price of upgrading to an entirely new system. Chances are it’s probably a much better investment long term.
Inconsistent Performance
Do some areas of your house feel warmer or colder than others? If this is happening even when your HVAC system is running, then this is a sign that your system is struggling to distribute hot or cold air evenly. This could be due to all sorts of problems, from ductwork to other essential components. The bottom line is that if your HVAC system isn’t providing consistent comfort in all areas of your home, then it’s definitely a sign it may need to be replaced.