Factors to Consider When Replacing HVAC System

Learn when the best time to replace a HVAC unit is and what factors must be considered before replacing it.

Even though, many people might think of replacing HVAC System when it has totally stopped working, this is not the ideal situation for replacement of HVAC. The best time would be when you have decided that the HVAC has served its required time period. Waiting till your current HVAC fails, will only rush you into buying a new HVAC system, which might not be such a good idea.

When should you replace the HVAC equipment?

There are certain signs that can indicate that it is time to replace the HVAC.

The age of the equipment is one of the factors which helps decide when the HVAC should be replaced. According to Energy Star, if the heat pump or air conditioner is in use for more than 10 years, you should consider replacing it. Also, if the furnace or boiler is more than 15 years old, that calls for its replacement.

Other than the age of the equipment, you should consider replacing HVAC equipment when you observe that the equipment needs more frequent repairs and you are getting higher energy bills. You might also notice that there is some humidity problem in your home. The rooms in your home might be humid in the summer and dry in the winter. This indicates poor performance of the equipment and/or leaky ductwork.

Factors to consider when choosing HVAC system

When buying a new HVAC system, you should carefully shop around, compare and then see what the best option for your home is. You should also consider these factors:

EER

The more efficient that a HVAC system is, the less it will cost to run. SEER or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio indicates how efficient an air conditioning unit is. A higher number indicates that the unit uses less electricity.

Fuel

The types of fuel available in your area will indicate what type of equipment can be used. Heat pumps, for instance, will run on electricity with supplemental heat by an electric resistance heater. An electric air conditioner coupled with a gas furnace will work better if you have gas available, since this will be a more cost efficient method.

Correct size of the HVAC system

The correct size will be calculated by seeing the amount of heating or cooling required in your climate, the area that needs to be heated/cooled and the condition of the part of your home, which interacts with the outside environment.

Experience of HVAC contractor

The HVAC contractor needs to have vast experience because sometimes, faulty installation can later lead to problems in HVAC system. They should be able to install the system correctly.