Heating & AC Systems: Should You Repair Again or Replace?

At some point, every homeowner will be faced with a tough decision regarding failing heating or cooling system – “Do we repair it or replace it with a new HVAC system?” Obviously, the question of ‘repair vs. replace’ is one that should not be taken lightly. There are many factors to consider in order to make the best decision for you.

PROFESSIONAL GUIDANCE

HVAC SYSTEMS: COST CONCERNS

First and foremost on most people’s minds will be costs associated with HVAC systems. Which is the better financial option – HVAC system repair or HVAC system replacement?

In many cases, installing a new high-efficiency heating system and/or central air conditioning system can pay for itself with greater savings in monthly utility costs and fewer repair expenses. Yet, sometimes HVAC system repair makes better sense – just be sure to keep up with annual maintenance services, helping to keep possible repair needs at a minimum. With a little planning and TLC, people usually get a few more good years out of their HVAC systems. Let’s compare the issues involved a little deeper.

A good HVAC (Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning) Contractor will send a fully-trained home comfort expert to visit with you. The specialist will not only check and measure the home for proper equipment size but explain the potential benefits when considering an upgrade to newer energy-saving equipment:

• Efficiency rating
• Installed price
• Improved comfort
• Pay-back potential

The home comfort specialist can also provide details on payment plans that are offered, review current manufacturer rebates, PLUS get details on any utility company rebate promotions. When combined, the overall savings can really help offset installation costs.

HVAC SYSTEMS: EQUIPMENT AGE

There are a few indicators you may notice that could signal it’s time for an HVAC system replacement:

• Your furnace or air conditioner is more than 12 years old
• You have experienced untimely breakdowns that make you less confident in the system’s ability to run dependably
• Monthly utility expenses seem to have increased
• Areas inside your home do not heat or cool properly

These are signs that you should strongly consider getting a qualified expert out to perform a whole-house inspection and measurement. Then you can begin the educational process of making the well-informed choices. All too often homeowners have thrown good money after bad — repairing the heating or cooling system when that money could have gone into the purchase of a new HVAC system. So pay attention to both your comfort and your bills!

HVAC SYSTEMS: EFFICIENCY

How efficient is your current equipment? Does it have a higher SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) that the modern HVAC systems have? If not, you may not be getting the most for your energy dollar! In many cases we see older gas furnaces replaced with 97% AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) that very quickly pay for themselves with savings from radically reduced energy costs. Replacing an older central air conditioning or heat pump system with an older rating of 12 SEER with a new 16 SEER rated high-efficiency system reduces the energy needed to do the work by almost 40%. This is a huge monthly saving! Today’s’ SEER rating is as high as 21 SEER and the industry is always improving the efficiency ratings (and lowering the operating noise levels) of new equipment.

COUNT ON SERVICEMARK HEATING COOLING & PLUMBING FOR HELP

At ServiceMark, we believe that an educated homeowner can make a proper decision by weighing the pros and cons and adding up all the savings that can be achieved with today’s best high-efficiency HVAC systems. Your experts at ServiceMark Heating, Cooling and Plumbing have been trusted, for well over sixty years, by local homeowners to guide them and educate them and help them make the choice that’s best for their particular situation!

Allow the ServiceMark team of home comfort specialists, technicians, installers and support staff to provide the answers to all your questions and make the decision, of whether to repair or replace, a little easier. Call us anytime or request an appointment via our website!