How often do you stop and give thought to your
home’s HVAC system? The answer is probably not very often, if at
all. This system performs an important task in the home by warming it
in the winter and keeping it cool and comfortable in the hot summer
months. You just make the assumption that all is well with it, and
it’s working properly – that is, until it isn’t.
Rather than wait for the whole system to crash and
be left without heat or air conditioning, there are some signs you
could be watching for. These act as red flags that can signal it may
be time to replace your HVAC
system, or at the very least have it checked by a professional.
So be on the lookout for these five signs:
The Age of the System
One of the most obvious signs it's time to replace
your HVAC system is its age. In general, air conditioning units last
about 10 years, whereas furnaces tend to last longer - usually around
15 years. Of course, this is just an approximation and there are
plenty of factors that will contribute to the system's lifespan. This
includes how much you use it, how hard it has to work to keep your
house comfortable, the quality of the system, and how well it's been
maintained.
The System Starts Making Loud Sounds
Another red flag is strange noises that are new
and weren't there before. While this may not mean you need a full
replacement, it most definitely means the system needs to be looked
at by a professional.
Constant Repairs and Service is Needed
If you seem to be calling the repair person on a
regular basis it could also be time to give up on the current system
and upgrade to a new one. At some point the cost of repairs and
service is going to outweigh the cost of a brand new HVAC system.
Keep in mind today’s systems are also much more energy-efficient,
so it will end up saving you money on your utility bills.
The System Doesn't Seem to Be Working as Well
Often homeowners assume that as long as air is
still coming out the vents it's fine, but that isn't the case at all.
If you find the house just isn't getting as warm or cool as usual,
there could be an issue with the HVAC system. Other reasons this
could be happening include loose or worn belts, a thermostat that
isn't working properly, leaky ducts, motor damage, or even a
compressor that is starting to fail.
A Strange Smell
When you turn your HVAC system on, do you notice a
strange smell that wasn't there before? It could smell musty or
dusty, or it could be something stronger like rotten eggs or even
burning. As this San
Diego HVAC services technician points out, this red flag could
signal a very serious issue. It’s best to turn the HVAC system off
immediately and call a service technician to come and take a look.
Each of these signs is definite warnings that it
could be time to replace your HVAC system.
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