When is it time to replace my existing heating and/or air conditioning system?

Although it depends on your individual system, there are rough industry guidelines for the lifespan of HVAC systems:

Average lifespan will depend on quality of the brand and installation.

• Air Conditioner: 10-15 years
• Furnace: 12-17 years
• Boiler: 15-20 years

These are general guidelines and do not take into consideration things like how well and how often your system has been maintained. If your system has a lot of usage or has been repaired often, you might need to replace it sooner than the guidelines suggest. Do you have humidity problems and/or excessive dust? Is your existing system noisy? Are some rooms too hot or too cold?

As any qualified professional service technician will tell you, repairs are often just a way to prolong the need for a new system. Sometimes the more cost effective choice is to purchase a newer, more energy-efficient system rather that repairing the older system over and over again. In many cases, installing the right new heating and cooling system can actually pay for itself in energy savings within a relatively short time.

HVAC Replacement Tips

• Choose a Qualified, Professional Contractor –Select only a contractor that specializes in HVAC and can investigate and ask the right questions in order to match you with the right air-conditioning and heating system for your budget. Make sure your HVAC contractor is licensed, bonded, and insured; and always ask for references.
• Consider Replacing Both At the Same Time – A good tip is to replace both your heating and air conditioning units at the same time. By doing so, you can save on installation costs and both of them will be on the same schedule for service, maintenance and lifespan.
• Consider You’re the Health of Your Entire System – While your service contractor is evaluating your system, make sure they inspect the various component parts as well. That includes things like your ductwork, insulation, refrigerant piping, electrical service, wiring, thermostat, condensate piping, flue piping and terminations, chimney liner, slabs, filter, registers, grills, drain pans and evaporator coil.
• Get the Right System For Your Home –Not too big or too small, the right heating and air conditioning system for your home should be determined by the size of your house, the arrangement of your duct work and the geographical region where you live.
• Heed the Advice of Your Contractor –Now that you’ve chosen an installer with a good reputation, strongly consider the options they give you. An experienced, professional contractor will be able to suggest a system that fits your home, is energy-efficient and has a great warranty.

Sometimes simple math can tell you if it’s time to replace you heating and air conditioning. Choosing the right system can reduce service, maintenance and repair bills as well as significantly lower you utility bills. Make sure to choose a contractor with the right experience and reputation to help you make the right choice.

For friendly and professional advice on the sales, service and maintenance of HVAC equipment; contact Parkers Heating and Cooling today or call us at 615-355-9137.