Signs You May Need to Replace Your HVAC System

HVAC system that needs to be repaired.

Many homeowners struggle with knowing when the right time is to replace their HVAC system. We wanted to provide you with ten indicators that could help you determine if your HVAC is ready to be replaced.

We know the purchase of a new HVAC unit is a large investment. However, investing in a new, more energy-efficient system, can save you money. A new HVAC system should not have unexpected maintenance issues or drive up your utility bills. If you find yourself checking yes to any of these indicators, it may be time for you to consider a replacement unit.

1. YOUR UNIT IF OVER 10 YEARS OLD
If your HVAC system is more than ten years old, it probably uses freon (or R-22) coolant. R-22 is not being manufactured as it is harmful to the environment. Although recovered or recycled R-22 is available, the cost is getting higher as the supply diminishes. So, if your heating and cooling system is over 10 years old, it may be time to replace it instead of continuing to pay the high costs of R-22 and other repairs.

2. HIGH OR RISING ENERGY BILLS
If your utility bill is increasing more than the temperature outside, it could mean that your system is working harder than it should. An overworked HVAC system means it is not running efficiently. The less efficient your HVAC system, the higher the utility bill. Plus, if your air conditioning is running constantly, more repairs could be in the future. A new more energy efficient system could save 15% or more on your utility bill. Call Advance Mechanical and let us determine why your system is running overtime. If it needs a lot of repairs, it may be time to invest in a new, more energy-efficient HVAC system.

3. YOUR AIR FLOW IS WEAK OR REDUCED
If you turn your air conditioning on and you notice that the airflow from the return vents is weak or not pushing out cool air, then your system could have a problem. The issue could simply be a clogged air filter and you would replace the filter, but it could also be a broken motor, fan, or something more serious. If your system is running harder than average it will put a strain on the unit, and on track for more repairs, leading to higher energy bills.

4. YOUR UNIT BLOWS WARM, NOT COOL AIR
When temperatures start to rise in Eastern North Carolina, homeowners turn on and turn down their air conditioners. Your system has one job – to keep you comfortable, which means warm in the winter and cool in the summer. So, if you turn your air conditioner on and you are feeling air that is not cool, you could have a problem. It could be the compressor or the refrigerant, but either way, the repair costs are going to add up, so you may be ready for a new HVAC system.

5. HUMIDITY IN THE HOME
Your air conditioning should help keep humidity at bay, so if the inside of your home feels as humid as outside it could need recalibration. If your unit is not doing this simple job, then other issues could be on the way.

6. LOUD OR UNUSUAL NOISES
HVAC systems make noise when they start up and shut down, however noises such as bangs, grinding, buzzing, or whistling could mean your system is not well. Those sounds require attention, and if the unit is over 10 years old, it could be the first repair and maintenance of many. Call Advance Mechanical and let us evaluate your system, we can help you determine if maintenance or a replacement is best.

7. BAD SMELLS FROM YOUR SYSTEM
If you begin noticing foul odors coming from your HVAC system, it could mean there is a problem with your unit. Musty smells coming from your vents could mean that mold or mildew is growing in the unit. Other odors, such as burning metal, indicate a serious HVAC issue. It could mean you have a burned-out motor. Turn your unit off and call the professionals at Advance Mechanical for an evaluation today!

8. TOO MUCH CONDENSATION OR LEAKS
While minor condensation around your cooling system is expected, leaks could be a sign of another issue with your HVAC. The drain line draws condensation away from your cooling system to outside of your home. If the drain is clogged, your system’s drip pan may overflow and cause damage to ceilings or walls, depending where your AC unit is located. If you spot a leak, there could also be an issue with your refrigerant. And, as we previously noted, recovered or recycled refrigerant is expensive and becoming harder to get, so a new unit may need to be considered.

9. FREQUENT OR SHORT CYCLING
It is normal for your HVAC system to cut on and off keeping your house a comfortable temperature. However, it is not normal for it to turn off before a cycle is complete. This is also known as short cycling. Short cycling could be an indicator that your HVAC system is running harder than it needs to be which could be a sign that your compressor is failing. If you notice frequent cycling, call the technicians at Advance Mechanical.

10. FREQUENT REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE
We all have a tipping point when it comes to major repairs, and there comes a time when the cost of repairs outweighs the investment of a replacement unit. If you are continuing to put money into repairing your old HVAC unit, then a new, more energy-efficient system could be your best bet.

CALL ADVANCE MECHANICAL
If you have one or more of these indicators, it may be time for a new HVAC system. Contact the experts at Advance Mechanical to evaluate your unit and guide you picking the best HVAC system for your home. If repairing your system is the best route, we will let you know and handle it. If it’s time to get a new unit, we can handle that too! Call us today at 252-355-9191.