Making a decision about whether to repair or replace your HVAC system is not always an easy one. Installing a new HVAC system isn’t cheap. On the other hand, you don’t want to waste money repairing a failing system. Considering the points below can help you decide what the best choice is for your particular situation.
Cost of Repair
If you’re looking at a huge repair bill, getting a new system installed instead can be tempting. With a new system, you get the peace of mind of knowing that everything is new. The warranty that comes with a new system also means that many or most repairs will be covered for a while.
A good way to gauge whether repair or replacement makes more financial sense is to consider whether the repair costs at least half as much as a replacement. If so, a replacement is probably a good idea. Some sources even say a replacement is worthwhile if the repair costs 30% of a replacement.
However, ultimately the decision will come down to what your budget is like and whether you can afford a replacement at this time. It’s also possible that your insurance might cover the cost of replacement depending on the type of policy you have and the cause of the breakdown.
Frequent Repairs
Even if a single heating or AC repair is not very expensive, if you find that you’re having problems with your HVAC system all the time, it might be time for a replacement. The cost of multiple repairs can start to add up quickly. In addition, when many different parts of your system start to fail, this could be a prelude to a bigger problem.
Plans for Your Home
Are you planning to sell your home soon? This could play into your decision, depending on what’s wrong with your system. It’s possible that your existing HVAC system is outdated enough that selling your home without replacing it will be much more difficult. It’s also possible that replacing the system could substantially increase its value.
On the other hand, it may be the case that replacing your HVAC isn’t cost effective. Your real estate agent should be able to help you with this decision.
Age of HVAC System
HVAC systems generally last for around 15-20 years. If your system is getting toward the end of its lifespan, you may want to opt for replacement over repair. Chances are that you are going to have replace it sooner rather than later anyway.
Advantages of a New HVAC System
If your system is five years old, you probably don’t want to replace it unless you’ve had some kind of catastrophic failure. However, if you’re still on the fence after considering all of the above points and you’ve had your HVAC system for a decade or more, you may want to think about what the advantages would be in getting a new one. While your system might not be old enough yet to require replacement, if a new system is going to offer significant advantages in terms of comfort and savings, it might be the right time.
For example, if you have traditional central AC and you’d like to be able to cool certain parts of your house more than others, you may want to consider having ductless mini-splits installed. Other benefits of a new HVAC system include more energy efficiency, better air quality, and quieter operation.
Other Problems With Your HVAC System
Have you noticed other problems with your system? Maybe it’s never quite heated or cooled your home as well as you’d like. If this is the case, it’s possible that your unit is not sized correctly for your home. It’s also possible that your heating and cooling needs have changed since the system was installed, and if that’s the case, it may be time for an heater or AC upgrade.
Reliable Local HVAC Repair and Installation
At Advanced Comfort Solutions, we can help you determine whether a repair will get your HVAC system up and running again or if it’s time for a replacement. We can do both, and we can also talk you through your HVAC options for traditional central heat and air, heat pumps, or ductless mini-splits. In addition, we offer HVAC maintenance, which can help your system last longer.
We’ve got more than 20 years of experience in the Cheyenne, WY area and an A+ rating from the BBB. When you need HVAC service in Cheyenne, reach out to us at Advanced Comfort Solutions.
