When an HVAC system starts developing problems, some owners are often torn between repairing and replacing the unit. HVAC repair is more cost-effective while a replacement may be more effective because it eliminates the problem. An HVAC contractor can evaluate your unit and recommend the most suitable action, helping you avoid costly mistakes. Here are a few factors to help you decide whether to repair or replace your HVAC unit:
The Cost
Your HVAC system’s damage severity and breakdown frequency will determine whether to choose a repair or replacement. A repair may be more suitable for minor damage because it’s more cost-effective and can return your unit to normal functionality. For more extensive damage and frequent breakdowns, repairs may not be enough to restore proper and reliable functioning. They may also be very expensive, almost costing the same as a total replacement. Your HVAC contractor may recommend replacing instead of repairing your HVAC in these cases. Get a professional to assess your unit’s damage and recommend the best action.
The Unit’s Age
When producing HVAC units, manufacturers often include their expected life spans. To know whether to repair or replace the unit, determine your system’s age. Older units are more susceptible to frequent breakdowns due to many years of use, and issues may persist even after repairing them. If your system is nearing or has reached the end of its lifespan, a replacement will provide you with a new, better-functioning appliance. A relatively new appliance can be repaired because its parts may not be worn out from years of operation. Your HVAC contractor can help evaluate your unit’s age to determine whether a repair or replacement is ideal.
The System’s Efficiency
Your unit’s performance can also determine whether to repair or replace it. Some older appliances do not have energy-saving features, consuming more power than necessary to keep the environment cool or warm. Calculate your energy bills for the last few months and compare them to the costs of replacing your current, inefficient unit. If you determine you can make significant savings in the long term, replacing may be better. Newer units have efficiency features to save energy, especially since many manufacturers have become more conscious about sustainability. For a newer unit with energy-saving features, a qualified HVAC contractor can determine what repairs are necessary to improve efficiency.
The Needs of Your Home
Your needs may have changed over the past few weeks or months. Your family may have grown or you may have moved to a bigger home or business establishment. If you own a unit that is too small, no amount of repair may be enough to make it meet your needs. Replacing it with a bigger model may be necessary. If your needs haven’t changed, get an HVAC contractor to evaluate your unit and determine what they can do to boost its performance.
The System’s Safety
While you need an HVAC unit to cool or warm your home, safety must always be the priority. Your unit may have become unsafe over time, with issues like frequent short-circuiting and carbon monoxide leaks. Short-circuiting puts your home at risk of a fire, while carbon monoxide leaks endanger your family’s health. HVAC professionals recommend a total replacement for safety issues to eliminate the problem once and for all. If your unit isn’t functioning as it should but doesn’t have safety concerns, a repair may be adequate. That also depends on other factors like the damage severity, efficiency, and age.
Consult an HVAC Contractor for Quality Services
The decision to repair or replace your HVAC unit requires a thorough, professional evaluation and a reputable HVAC contractor can help. They can assess the extent of damage, age, efficiency, and safety to determine whether it makes more sense to repair or replace the unit. The right decision can help you save money and provide a reliable, well-functioning system.