Typically, an HVAC system will last for at least 10 to 15 years if properly installed and maintained. In some cases, you can get 20 to 25 years out of a furnace or air conditioner. However, regardless of how well you take care of your home’s heating and cooling components, they will need to be replaced eventually. Let’s take a closer look at some signs that you’ll need to do so in the near future.
1. Uneven Heating and Cooling
One of the key signs that your HVAC system needs to be replaced is the onset of uneven heating and cooling. This generally happens because your system has worn or defective parts or because air vents need to be cleaned or upgraded. It also tends to be a byproduct of your system getting older and being unable to work as efficiently as it used to. If your furnace or air conditioner was installed more than 15 years ago, you’re strongly encouraged to get a new one.
2. Your HVAC System Constantly Needs Repairs
Another sign that your HVAC system needs to be replaced is the fact that you’re spending money each month on maintenance. When working properly, you should need little more than an annual inspection and cleaning to keep your home at a comfortable temperature throughout the year.
Therefore, if you are spending hundreds of dollars a month on blower motors, fans or other components, it’s a sign that your furnace or air conditioner is on its last legs. Furthermore, the money that you’re spending now is money that you won’t have when it comes time to invest in a new unit.
The folks at Air Houston Mechanical LLC in Conroe, TX can inspect your home’s heating and cooling components to determine if this is true in your case. Furthermore, our team can recommend and install a new furnace or air conditioner in your home in a timely and affordable manner. Of course, if you simply want to fix what is wrong with your current unit, we can do that as well.
3. Weird Smells or Noises Get Progressively Worse
If your furnace smells like something is burning, there is a good chance that a motor or some other component is worn out. It could also be caused by a frayed or otherwise defective wire or some other type of short circuit.
You should also be concerned if you smell gas as a leak could result in serious damage to your home as well as health issues. In addition, a gas leak could also lead to an increase in your utility costs even though you don’t get any benefit from it.
Squeaking or other loud noises coming from your HVAC system could also indicate the presence of broken or overworked components. It could also indicate issues with your air ducts that need to be addressed quickly. In some cases, the noises you hear could be caused by rodents or animals who have decided to take up residence in a condenser unit or in your home’s air ducts.
4. You’re Aware of Regulatory Changes
Over the next year, regulatory changes will make it difficult to obtain the refrigerant used in current heat pumps and air conditioning systems. Therefore, depending on the age of your current pump or cooling system, it may be worth spending money on new products.
Doing so may help to ensure that you can get access to parts and materials needed to perform routine or emergency repairs or service in a timely and affordable manner. Switching to products using modern refrigerant can also help to reduce your carbon footprint.
New changes to furnace and heat pump efficiency regulations mean that new heating systems will be about 10% more efficient than existing products. If you’re having issues with heating bills or even heating of your home, a new system may be able to help you solve both of those problems at once.
If you are thinking about replacing your current heating and cooling systems, give the folks at Air Houston Mechanical LLC a call today! In addition, we can perform air duct cleanings, indoor air quality tests and home energy audits. These tools can all help in your quest to make your home healthier and more efficient throughout the year.
