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HVAC systems are a big investment, so naturally, you want to squeeze every bit of life out of your system before considering a replacement. Unfortunately, this leads some owners to sink thousands of dollars into an aging or faulty system that could have been better spent contributing to something newer. If you’re on the fence about when to throw in the towel, here are some classic signs it’s time to replace your HVAC system.

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Your HVAC System is 15+ Years Old

The average lifespan for an HVAC system is 15 to 20 years, but this is heavily influenced by the amount of maintenance put in and the timeliness of needed repairs. A system that hasn’t been properly maintained will not likely make it this long. However, if you’ve spent time caring for your system, 15 years is a reasonable point to consider shopping for a replacement. As systems age, they work less efficiently, increasing energy bills while decreasing performance. It might be tempting to continue repairing the system to keep it running as long as possible, but the money you spend might have more value if it’s put toward a replacement.

You Need Frequent HVAC Repairs

Regardless of the age of your system, frequent HVAC repairs are a solid sign your unit is struggling. This is especially true if the repairs are frequently increasing as time goes on. Sometimes an HVAC system just doesn’t have what it takes to go the distance, and malfunctions can cause damage to other components, particularly if they aren’t addressed immediately. Rather than watching your HVAC repairs drain your savings, call us to determine how much a replacement would cost. If you spend the money anyway, you might as well enjoy the benefits of a brand-new system.

Your Warranties Have Expired

Once the warranties on your system have expired, you are 100% responsible for the cost of any malfunction. If your system is still running efficiently and you aren’t experiencing the need for multiple repair service calls, your HVAC system probably still has some life left in it. However, it never hurts to check the price for installing a replacement to compare repair costs as things start to wear down in the future. This way, you can decide whether your money is best spent on patching up your current system or if you’d get a better return on your investment by updating to a newer model. As a rule of thumb, any repairs estimated to be around half the cost of a new system run you the risk of paying brand new prices for your used HVAC system.

Your Energy Bills Are High

When an HVAC system slows down, it begins to lose efficiency, requiring more energy to function and possibly struggling to keep up with its job. The result is higher than normal energy bills. If you’ve noticed your power bill increasing and don’t have a clear explanation, your HVAC system may be at fault. Routine maintenance can sometimes alleviate this, but if you’ve already tried changing your filters, cleaning your condenser coils, and keeping up with your annual inspections, other components may be starting to degrade. Since these elements can be quite expensive to replace, it may be time for a complete system replacement.

The Quality of Your Home Comfort Has Decreased

Your HVAC system is there to maintain the comfort of your home, so if it isn’t keeping up with your needs, it’s time to find a system that can. If your AC isn’t keeping your house consistently cool in the summer or your furnace leaves you with cold rooms in the winter, a new system will provide a more reliable experience. Calling a professional HVAC technician in to diagnose the problem is the first step but remember to ask for a replacement installation estimate to compare.

The Prudhom Heating & Air Conditioning experts stand by for your HVAC system replacement.

We’ve been in business for 20 years and have a solid reputation for our transparent pricing structure and 100% satisfaction guarantee. With Prudhom Heating & Air Conditioning, our customers always come first, so you know we’re committed to your comfort and will provide you with professional, prompt, and friendly service. We maintain a 5-star rating on Google because we get the job done right the first time, so call us to discuss your HVAC system replacement options or schedule your free estimate below.