- 24/7 Emergency Service
- 281-880-8805
- 24/7 Emergency Service
- 281-880-8805
There are two difficulties homeowners face concerning keeping their heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems running as long as possible.
The homeowner cannot do much about the wear and tear, but they should do something about the maintenance. When a small problem occurs, scheduled maintenance will usually catch it and repair it before it becomes big. When does a problem become too big? How can one know it is time to replace the system instead of repairing it again? These are the major things to watch for: when these issues compound, it is time to replace the system.
Most people have a threshold for how long they intend to keep a vehicle. Maybe it is a mileage mark or perhaps serviceable years, but this benchmark determines choices concerning the car or truck you drive. Homeowners might take this approach concerning their HVAC system instead of leaving everything to chance.
After 70+ years of experience, we know that air conditioners function for 15 to 20 years and furnaces for about 20 years. It is also evident that good regular maintenance can add years of usefulness to HVAC components. While some systems might last longer, they will not last much longer than that. It is unreasonable for homeowners to plan for their HVAC system to run indefinitely.
If you are unsure of the age of your system, the manufacturer’s website can give you clues by supplying the manufacture date. Find the serial/model number and make inquiries.
An important function of the HVAC system is to clean airborne contaminants from the air to provide fresh, clean air to circulate throughout the home. If the system cannot clean the air properly, if dust covers many surfaces, it may indicate a deeper problem. First, check the air filter. A clogged filter may let dust and dander pass around it. Next, check the vent and return covers: if they are very dusty, the problem needs to be addressed.
Dust, dust mites, dander, pollen, and mold spores often trigger allergies and asthma. Bacteria and viruses can lead to other illnesses. If your system does not clean the air properly, it may need to be replaced.
Homeowners can often sense something “not right” with the HVAC system. Normal sounds might become louder, or the quiet system now begins to make unusual noises, such as screeching or grinding. These are not good! You may hear the heating or cooling cycle run much longer than normal. This is not good!
The system should not produce a smell at all. There might be a scent for a short time as the furnace burns dust off the elements when the furnace starts up for the first time, but there should be no further smells. A musty smell during the heating season may indicate an open duct, allowing (cold) moist air into the home. A hot or burnt plastic smell indicates a potential electrical problem.
Look in two directions for increases in the cost of heating and cooling. First, check the utility bills, not for an increase in cost, but an increase in energy use—either an increase in kilowatt-hours or cubic meters of natural gas. The cost of energy might be higher, but an increase in energy use indicates poor efficiency.
Also, look at the accumulation of repair bills over several years. Each repair might not be excessively high, but the total of the repairs might be staggering.
The aggregate of these indicators will lead you to a decision about replacement. Eventually, a repair will be so high that further repairs are no longer cost-effective, and replacement is the best option.
As a homeowner you should be aware of signs that indicate it may be time for a furnace replacement, such as its age, declining indoor air quality, unusual noises or smells, and increasing energy costs. While regular maintenance can extend the life of HVAC systems, certain issues like poor efficiency and escalating repair bills signal the need for a furnace replacement. Knowing these warning signs can help homeowners make an informed decision about when to replace their furnace to avoid costly repairs and health risks.
With our four decades of experience as an HVAC maintenance contractor, AirPro Houston provides you with the skill and expertise to assist with your HVAC repair questions.
We have several financing options available with great options. Up to 72-month terms with approved credit. Call us today at 281-880-8805 and let us partner with you for all of your HVAC repair needs.
