To Replace or Repair Heating & Cooling Equipment

Your once new shiny car is now sitting in your garage and it won’t start. You maintained it well and regularly had it serviced over the years, but time has taken it’s toll. Is it something that needs to be repaired or is it time to trade the car in for a new one? Just like your car, the plumbing and HVAC equipment in your home need to be serviced regularly and there comes a point when eventually it needs to be replaced.

The question we keep hearing from home owners is “Should I get it repaired or replaced?”. Depending on the type of equipment you have installed in your home the symptoms may vary, but here are some basic telltale signs that it might be time to change your heating and cooling equipment or improve the performance of your system.

Frequent Repairs or Higher Energy Bills
A sure sign that your equipment has become less efficient and may need to be replaced.

Dry or Excess Humidity
Humidity problems are another sign that your equipment is operating poorly or is inadequate for your home. Leaky ductwork can cause the air to be too dry in the winter and too humid in the summer.

Strange Noises from your Heating or Cooling System
It could mean you have an undersized duct system or there’s a problem with the indoor coil of your cooling equipment.

Rooms are Too Hot or Too Cold
Your equipment may be struggling to do its job, which could also be caused by duct problems or inadequate insulation.

Excessive Dust
You may need to get your ducts sealed, as leaky ducts can pull dust particles and air from crawl spaces, basements and attics and distribute them throughout your house.

Furnace and Boiler 15+ Years Old
Consider replacing if these are more than 15 years old with a more energy efficient furnace and boiler. Energy Star furnaces can be 15% more efficient than a conventional furnace and Energy Star boilers 15% more efficient than a new, standard model.

Heat Pump and Air Conditioner 10+ Years Old
If these are more than 10 years old they are likely consuming more energy and it might be a good idea to consider replacing with a high-efficiency unit which can save you up to 20% on heating and cooling costs.

If you’re equipment is over 10 or 15 years old, the biggest benefit will be in energy savings. Most tank and tankless hot water heaters, heat pumps, furnaces and air conditioners made today have a much higher energy efficiency rating than older models. Look for Energy Star and EnerGuide qualified products for the most energy efficient options.

As there are many things to take into consideration when deciding to repair or replace, we highly recommend you start by having a professional come in and service your equipment. Ask the service technician for an assessment of the remaining life of the unit. If the unit has failed or you have been having issues with it, ask the technician to give you a cost comparison for repairing or replacing. A good rule of thumb: If the cost to repair your equipment exceeds 50% of the systems value, you are better off replacing it.

Tips for extending the life of your equipment:

• Find out when your equipment was installed and which equipment requires seasonal service and maintenance.
• Know which season to service your heating and cooling equipment. Ie: It’s a good idea to service your air conditioner in the spring, so that it is working at max efficiency during the warmer summer season.
• Be aware of when your warranties expire. Ie: boiler warranties usually expire the soonest, as they need to be replaced more often.
• Follow the manufacturers recommendations for getting your equipment serviced.

If you are considering repairing or replacing your equipment contact us today! True North Comfort technicians are experienced in all brands and models and we can advise as to the best options for your home comfort.