How to Recognize It Is Time for an HVAC Replacement

As Fall approaches, the intense portion of the cooling season is behind us. This is a good opportunity to explore your utility bills for the late Spring and Summer to notice usage trends. Examining usage can uncover a loss of efficiency in your Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system. Here are some important budgetary reminders about how heating and cooling affect your utility bill and it might be time to consider an HVAC Replacement.

1 Utilities and HVAC Functions

While costs vary from state to state, the total cost for heating and cooling combined is close:

• Heating and cooling consume approximately 40% of the household’s energy. In warmer climates, air conditioning use is slightly more, and in colder areas, heating use is higher.¹
• In homes with central HVAC systems, the same duct network is used for both functions, and, in some systems, the same components are used for both heating and cooling. Maintaining one system, generally, is maintaining both systems. Efficiency for one system, generally, is reflected in both systems. Often customers replace both systems at once, although this is not a necessity.
• In Texas, utility bills are on the rise; electricity is up approximately 20% over the last two years.

If your utility bills are higher by more than 20%, it might be a sign of efficiency loss in your HVAC system. If you discover this inefficiency, you should also explore these additional factors.

2 System Age

Each mechanical system has a limited useful life; this is noticeably true with vehicles. Just like automobiles, the useful life of an HVAC depends upon the make/model and how well it is maintained.

• The average air conditioning system lasts about 15 years. The average furnace system lasts about 20 years.
• Statistically, maintaining your HVAC system annually can add about 5 years to useful life. Ignoring maintenance definitely shortens useful life.
• Wear and tear build over time. Air conditioning systems that are older than 10 years are about half as efficient as a new system. Maintenance helps to offset these factors, but there is a limit to mechanical devices.

3 Inconvenient Changes

An aging system may:

• Develop new noises that were not audible in years past. Buzzing or unusual clicking sounds happen when electrical parts begin to fail. Rattling or screeching sounds happen when the blower motor is under stress.
• Develop new and unpleasant smells. Air conditioning smells are usually generated from moisture that is left in the home during the cooling cycle. If the system does not remove adequate humidity, it can lead to a mold or mildew bloom, which will need to be addressed immediately.
• Develop leaks near the central mechanical cabinet. Any water that is removed from the air by condensation should drain into the wastewater system. If the drain line is clogged, the water will leak onto the floor. If the coolant level drops, it can cause the condenser and/or evaporator to freeze condensation. The excess water will melt, and it can overwhelm the drain line.
• Develop uneven cooling or heating. If the system produces insufficient warm or cold air to accommodate the indoor space of a home, the lack of conditioned air can result in warm or cold rooms.

4 Expensive Repairs: A true sign it might be time for an HVAC Replacement

Beyond the purchase and installation of an HVAC, the costs associated with heating and cooling should provide for:

• Regular air filter changes. Change the filter at least every three months—more, if needed—to ensure clean indoor air and adequate airflow.
• Regular preventative maintenance inspections. Inspect the system once annually to ensure the components function properly.

As the system ages, repairs may become necessary. Normally, the repairs should be minor and the cost low. The loss of efficiency will put stress on major components and at some point, a repair will be expensive enough to warrant a system replacement. Knowing which factors to observe should help you make budgetary plans for the eventual replacement of your system.

5 Convenient Financing

The cost of an HVAC replacement can be stressful, but stress is not inevitable. Air Pro AC offers convenient financing that does not tax your home equity line, credit cards, or bank account. We offer a full-service, one-stop approach; repair, replacement/installation, and financing.

Let us help you with your HVAC replacement questions!

With our four decades of experience as a Houston HVAC Replacement contractor, AirPro Houston provides you with the skill and expertise to assist with your HVAC Replacement needs.

We have several financing options available with great options with 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 AC repairs, Tune Up maintenance, and needs for HVAC Replacement.

¹ https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1yMQidhJ9GkTwJvS6HrY40fCtXgWiP9JrjN6hwKVFWXY/edit#gid=1486747975