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Determining When to Replace Your HVAC System

 Ahhh, you’ve just returned to Florida from your home up north and you’re getting ready to enjoy the beautiful Winter season. If you are preparing your home for the cold weather that will soon be here, then you may have recently had your HVAC system inspected. And if you haven’t, this would be the perfect time to do so to ensure that everything’s working properly. If your heating and cooling system is somewhat outdated, then you might be wondering if you can simply maintain it or if replacing it would be best. This question can sometimes be difficult for homeowners to answer. If you find yourself in this position there are some helpful ways to determine this. Here’s a few quick tips that can get you pointed in the right direction to help you determine whether you need to keep your old unit or if you replace the system.

Consider the number of breakdowns first. If your heating and cooling system has required an abundance of repairs due to breakdowns over the past year or so, then you might seriously want to consider replacing the system. The cost of HVAC and appliance repair can really add up, and if you are continually paying for repairs, then it might actually be cheaper to simply replace it. Check the temperature in each room. If you notice that your HVAC system is not heating or cooling each room in your home consistently, then this may signal a problem. Although this could signify the need for additional insulation or repair to your duct work, it could also mean that it’s time for a new system. Keep track of your heating and cooling bills. Does it seem like every time you receive a new energy bill the cost continues to become more expensive despite the fact that you’re keeping your thermostat set on the same temperature? If so, then this could mean that your HVAC system is losing its ability to function optimally, so it’s working harder in an attempt to maintain temperatures in your home. There is no reason to continue to pay higher heating and cooling costs when you can replace your system and save money in the long run. Consider the age of your HVAC system. If your HVAC system is more than 10 or 12 years old, then replacing it would certainly be ideal. Unfortunately, these systems can’t last indefinitely, but the bright side of spending the money to replace your system is that you will actually save money in the future. You will have fewer repairs, and if you decide on a super energy-efficient system, then you will save substantially on your energy bills. Obviously having an efficient and fully functional HVAC system to keep your home at a comfortable temperature year-round is important. If you are spending a great deal of cash to repair your heating and cooling system and it continues to fail to function properly, then you might want to consider having the system replaced or upgraded. On the other hand, if your system is working relatively well despite its age, then you might be able to wait a while before replacing it.

Your air conditioner works hard to keep you comfortable all summer long, and constant operation of your system can result in common problems that can leave you sweltering in the heat. What do you do if your AC unit stops working? Before you panic and start calling HVAC companies to fix the problem, take a long deep breath and see if you can fix the issue yourself. Believe it or not, a lot of AC problems are rather simple to fix and the average homeowner with no technical experience can easily fix the most common issues. These troubleshooting tips will help you diagnose and resolve common air conditioning problems before calling for service.

Air conditioner doesn’t turn on.

• Check the thermostat to ensure it’s set to cooling.
• Lower the thermostat by 5 degrees.
• Check the circuit breaker to ensure it hasn’t tripped.
• Check the condensate tray to ensure it’s draining properly.
• Make sure the air handler’s blower door is tightly closed.

Poor air flow from supply registers

• Check your air filter and replace it if it’s dirty.
• Inspect your air ducts for loose joints and cracks, and seal with mastic sealant or metal tape.
• Make sure your supply registers are open and the fins are straight. Remove obstructions such as furniture and drapery from around your supply and return registers.
• Spray down your outdoor unit with a hose to remove obstructions from the metal fins. Remove any plant growth within 12 inches of the unit.

System cycles too frequently

• Remove obstructions from around the thermostat.
• Spray down the outdoor unit to remove dirt and debris, and use a fin comb to straighten bent fins.
• Check your air filter and replace it if it’s dirty.

Unit runs but doesn’t cool

• Remove obstructions from around the thermostat.
• Lower the thermostat setting by 5 degrees.
• Check the outdoor condensing unit for obstructions such as plant growth and debris trapped in the fins.

Your best defense against these common air conditioning problems is to schedule preventive maintenance on your system before the cooling season commences. A comprehensive tune-up is a sound investment that will help prevent expensive repairs and possible replacement, and will include these essential tasks:

• Test the level of refrigerant and adjust if needed, and check for leaks.
• Lubricate the motor to reduce friction.
• Clean the system to remove dust buildup and prevent overheating.
• Test the system’s controls to ensure proper cycling.
• Tighten electrical connections.
• Flush the condensate drain to prevent backup.
• Adjust the thermostat to ensure accuracy.
• Test the voltage and amperage on the motor.
• Clean the outdoor condensing unit to ensure optimum airflow.

If you’ve tried all of these options and your system still isn’t functioning properly then you might want to give us a call. Remember, we don’t charge you for the service call if we’re hirted to do the actual repairs. And regardless of when you call we never charge “overtime” rates. Call us today at (239) 777-1877.