Your HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system is a crucial part of maintaining the comfort inside your home. The purpose of your HVAC system is to maintain a comfortable, consistent indoor climate to your household, no matter what the conditions are outside. There is no better feeling than walking into a cool home on a hot, sticky, summer Florida day.
HVAC is the most common, efficient, and affordable way of monitoring the temperatures inside of your home. Having an HVAC system installed can drastically impact the effectiveness of your system. Therefore, it’s important you choose professionally trained technicians that are backed by comprehensive maintenance agreements.
Types of HVAC Systems
Central System – A central heating and air conditioning system is the most used HVAC. These systems often involve parts that are both inside and outside of the home. Some of the essential components of a split system are the furnace, ductwork, evaporator coil, control panel, and condenser.
Ductless Split System – It’s evident in the name, ductless split systems don’t rely on ductwork to distribute heated or cooled air throughout your home. Since these systems aren’t restricted by ducting, it can reach sections of your home which may be out of reach in a traditional split system. For instance, a ductless system can provide additional heat to garages, and any rooms that were added in an extension without you having to replace your entire HVAC system.
Geothermal System – Operated from a ground-source heat pump which passes water through an underground piping system. The heating that is employed by this type of system is often more dependable than alternative HVAC systems. Geothermal systems are also eco-friendly since they use no fossil fuels and significantly lower your greenhouse emissions by using the heat present in the ground as fuel.
Signs You Should Replace Your HVAC
How old is the System?
The age of your system is a significant factor in deciding whether you should have your HVAC repaired or replaced. In general, if you own a newer system, then most likely you won’t need to replace your system. If your system is older than ten years, it might make more sense to replace the system since it’s approaching its general life expectancy.
Energy Bills
Monitoring your energy bills, especially when you start to notice issues in your electrical appliances is a great way to determine the efficiency of your HVAC system. If this happens, you should contact an HVAC professional to come out and figure the extent of your problem. The professional will be able to determine whether repairs will fix the problem, or if your HVAC system should be replaced.
Frequency of Repairs
If your HVAC system is getting repaired consistently (once a year or more), then it may be time for you to replace your HVAC system. Frequent repairs mean there is a larger issue that can only really be resolved with a newer system. If your HVAC system is constantly being repaired, then fixing the issues are only a temporary problem, but not a solution to the root of the problem.
Consider the Benefits of HVAC Repair
The age of your HVAC system and the impact it has on your monthly bills are the biggest factors in determining whether you should repair your HVAC system. A new system will give you comfort to your home environment, and you will immediately be able to notice the difference in efficiency. Furthermore, you won’t have to make any major repairs for several years, while also lowering your monthly bills.
However, here are some common reasons for having your system repairs instead of being replaced. If you’re experiencing these following issues, repairs may be the better option rather than replacing the system.
Worn Contactor
Majority of HVAC systems utilize three contactors. These components are responsible for creating an electrical connection in the system, which starts the motors, allowing them to create a heating and cooling effect. If these are worn, the system will not start up adequately. Contactors are a typical problem in HVAC systems which can be easily repaired.
Damaged Compressor
The compressor is a vital part of your HVAC system. If there’s too much strain placed on your compressor, then it can become damaged over time. A damaged compressor is an easy fix, and as long as you replace the compressor, your system will continue to run effectively.
Dirty Filter
Proper ventilation is imperative for the effectiveness of your system, so if your filter becomes clogged with dust, your motor can overheat. Regularly cleaning the filter is a quick repair and maintains the quality of your HVAC system.