The break between seasons is a perfect time for homeowners to make big decisions. Among the biggest is whether repairing or replacing your home’s heating, cooling and ventilation system makes the most sense.
Let’s face it, getting help when your air conditioner, furnace or heat pump malfunctions can be stressful. Your HVAC is one of your home’s most important and expensive systems. When it comes to making a final decision, you need to weigh the pros and cons of repair versus replacement of your heat pump, A/C or furnace, whichever system you have.
Understanding the complexity of repair and replacement can be confusing. To make things a little easier, let’s break down what’s involved.
System Components
Heating, ventilation and air conditioning units – HVAC systems – may combine an outdoor unit, the air conditioner, with an indoor air handler, the furnace. Alternatively, your home may use a heat pump, which is a single HVAC system that heats and cools your home.
An inefficient heating and air unit works harder than it should to keep your home at the right temperature. This will undoubtedly cause expensive utility bills, even if you never touch your thermostat.
Expert Considerations
Repair is likely your smartest choice if your heating and air conditioning system is relatively new, is still under warranty, or hasn’t had major service issues in the past. Replacing dirty air filters or repositioning of fins usually doesn’t cost a lot, and trusted companies like Starnes, Inc. Heating and Cooling offer maintenance plans that ensure your system stays in top condition for its full life. However, if your HVAC system keeps breaking down or the motor needs replaced, even if it’s under 10 years old, replacement may save you more in the long run.
When to Consider Replacing Your Heat Pump
Choosing a repair often feels like the least expensive option, but sometimes it pays off to go ahead and replace equipment. Don’t we all wish we could see into the future and know exactly the best course of action? HVAC companies do not have this ability either. That’s why it’s important to hire an experienced company like Starnes, Inc. — because the next best thing to being able to predict the future is having experience.
First, understand that HVAC units, no matter the brand, have a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years. The age of the unit plays a big factor in the decision to repair or replace.
One very simple industry-wide technique is to use the $5,000 rule. Take the repair cost and multiply it by the age of your system. If the number is under $5,000, then you can repair the system. But if the number is over $5,000, you’ll need to seriously think about replacing your unit.
Example: A $350.00 repair at age 10 would equal $3,500, so we would recommend making the repair. But if the $350 repair was needed at age 15, for a total of $5,250, we would recommend going ahead and replacing it.
“We have seen it over and over. People try to spend money on repairs and hope the unit will last longer, but the truth is that even if you replace one part, you still have many more that are worn out,” explains Lesley Hale, Starnes, Inc. “Sometimes, in a misguided effort to save money, people spend $500 to $2,000 dollars over a short period of time, but after a little while, come to terms that the system just needs to be replaced. We encourage the use of the $5,000 rule and heeding the advice of our experienced technicians, because all repairs are not created equal. The age of the unit should really play a large part in the decision.”
And if it is time to replace your system, Starnes, Inc. offers financing options. Interest-free or same-as-cash financing can offset repair costs over time. Understanding your financing options will likely make it easier if you should need to repair or replace your unit.
Additional Things to Consider with Heating and Air
Contact an HVAC company like Starnes who can help determine why your system needs repair. If it’s simply a matter of wear and tear, sign up for annual maintenance to keep your heat pump working at full capacity. Regularly maintained heat pumps are 25% more efficient than ones that are never maintained. That means lower energy bills.
If you do need to replace your system, it’s best to do so in the spring or fall, as opposed to winter or summer. This way, you can remain comfortable and not have to face extreme temperatures.
You’ll also want to choose a new heating and air conditioning system that’s the right size for your home. Starnes’ technicians will help determine proper system requirements for your space to ensure your future is comfortable.
Final Thoughts
If you’re still on the fence about repairing or replacing the system in your home, enlist the help of a reputable and licensed HVAC company. Call Starnes, Inc. Heating and Cooling at 1-276-325-7787, contact us online. We’ll walk you through your options, and together, we can confidently determine the best course of action.
I really didn’t know some of these things before which you have shared with us through your helpful and informative article. also, I like your writing skills. keep sharing awesome stuff.
Property holders should be mindful of their HVAC frameworks, to stay away from dangers and have the option to contact proficient assistance before things deteriorate. A debt of gratitude is in order for this article!
Great! This is a really good information, Thank you for sharing it to us. I’ve learn a lot!
~ Heating and Cooling Buffalo NY
It’s normally recommended that heat pumps be changed after every 10 to 15 years of service because internally, they’re constantly aging in irreversible ways. Even if your system appears to be operating OK, its old age should be enough to warrant a replacement.
Well written article. Your HVAC units are easily one of your home’s most important and expensive systems especially when you take a look at your electricity bill. Problematic HVAC units will cost you more in the long run versus just purchasing a new HVAC unit that comes with protection and guarantees.
One big thing within the article that’s on point is “If you do need to replace your system, it’s best to do so in the spring or fall, as opposed to winter or summer. This way, you can remain comfortable and not have to face extreme temperatures.”
It’s good to know that heating systems last about 12-15 years. My heating system is kind of old and hasn’t been working well. I will have to ask a professional to come and see if it needs to be replaced or repaired.
One very simple industry-wide technique is to use the $5,000 rule. Take the repair cost and multiply it by the age of your system.
Love that $5000 rule. I have to admit I hadn’t heard that one but I think I’m going to use it from now on. Thanks!
Heating, ventilation and air conditioning units – HVAC systems – may combine an outdoor unit, the air conditioner, with an indoor air handler, the furnace. Alternatively, your home may use a heat pump, which is a single HVAC system that heats and cools your home.
My device is 7 years old. At first, my device served as expected. Now as expected I am not getting the desired service from my device. Sometimes I maintain my device with a technician. I understand that the performance of the device has decreased. I tell the technician about the problem with my device and he fixes it but after a while, the same problem happens again. Now, will I change my technician? will I change some parts of my device?
My wife told me last Monday after lunch that she noticed how out heating system was not working like it used to. Ever since, I have been looking into heating system repair services to help us with this issue. I decided to do some research online and fortunately for us, I found your very interesting post here. I am most fond of where you mentioned that repair is likely your smartest choice if your heating and air conditioning system is relatively new, is still under warranty, or hasn’t had major service issues in the past. This is a very good point you make here, which I’m sure those like us will be glad to keep in mind. Thanks!
The $5,000 rule is great! Knowing when to repair vs. get regular maintenance is not always an obvious choice, this article was definitely helpful in providing clarity!
I like that you mentioned that you want to spend a little more money to hire the best repair company. I am looking to replace my heating system before winter hits because last season it wasn’t working as well as I’d like. I’m hoping to hire a reputable contractor to come and help me do the job!
I like that you mentioned that you want to spend a little more money to hire the best repair company. I am looking to replace my heating system before winter hits because last season it wasn’t working as well as I’d like. Thanks for sharing this article.
Wonderful post! Replacing and repairing a heating system in time is really important to keep it in good working order. There are a lot of factors to consider when replacing or repairing a heating system. You can read about these factors in our article on the subject, hopefully, it will be helpful to your readers: https://www.escoutah.com/when-a-heating-system-is-to-replace-or-repair/
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Thanks for the tip about spending the money to replace equipment. I’m worried that my heating system may not be working. I’d like to call a professional asap about it.
I love that you suggested among the biggest is whether repairing or replacing your home’s heating, cooling and ventilation system makes the most sense. My aunt’s air conditioner is now broken and she is finding for someone to fix it. Thank you for the information about the heating contractor ill share this post with her so that she will hire some services.
Thank you for the advice that the age of a system determines if we should repair or replace it. My heating system is not working well and I would like to get the problem taken care of before it gets too cold. It would be smart for me to consult a professional who can diagnose the problem and help me decide on the next steps to take.
Its helpful when you said that an inefficient heating and air unit works harder than it should to keep your home at the right temperature. My room’s heater is broken and I don’t know how to repair it. I will need to speak to a professional so that I can get some help on cleaning out my heater and servicing it. Thanks so much for the article!
Its helpful when you said that repair is likely your smartest choice if your heating and air conditioning system is new. I want to repair the furnace in my house since last night I suspected that there is something wrong with it. Thanks for the information on repairing and maintaining your heating and cooling system and I hope that I can get a good service for myself soon.
Wow, I never knew HVAC systems can last up to 12 to 15 years, on paper. My furnace has been acting up lately, because I noticed that it doesn’t give me my preferred temperature. That being said, I’ll make sure to look for excellent furnace repair services as soon as possible.
Great Blog! If your heating and air conditioning system is relatively new, still under warranty, or hasn’t had severe servicing issues in the past, repair is generally the best option. Thank you.
Its helpful when you said that HVAC units, no matter the brand, have a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years. My room’s heater is broken and I don’t know how to repair it. I will need to speak to a professional so that I can get some help on fixing my heater and servicing it. Thanks so much for the article!
It pays to have your HVAC maintained regularly avoiding future higher costs and have it work when you need it most. Knowing the right people to do the job would save you the extra cost of redoing repair if things did not work so take time to look for a reliable repairman or have it serviced from the company where you get your HVAC from.
Its interesting when you said that to maintain your home at the appropriate temperature, an inefficient heating and air equipment works harder than it should which increases our bills. I want to repair the furnace in my house since last night I suspected that there is something wrong with it. Thanks for the information on repairing or replacing your furnace and I hope that I can get a good service for myself soon.
Thank you for sharing such helpful content!
I’m glad you mentioned when to repair the heating system. My heater has been struggling lately. I should find an HVAC contractor to fix it soon.
If your heating and air conditioning system is relatively new, still under warranty, or hasn’t had severe servicing issues in the past, repair is generally the best option. Thank you so much!
“This is really helpful information about whether you need to replace or repair the HVAC system.
The HVAC service providers can give the best services & consult on your HVAC-related issues. Sometimes you just need a little help to replace or repair.
Thanks for sharing this detailed article!”
It’s good to know that regularly maintained heat pumps are up to 25% more efficient. My husband and I are thinking about getting a new heat pump sometime this summer. We want to make sure that we have a working one by the time we turn on the heating in the fall.
Thank you for explaining that an HVAC unit has a life expectancy of twelve to fifteen years. I’ve been wondering how long we can expect our current HVAC unit to last. We’ve had it for around eight years, so I think that knowing how long it will last us will help us to be aware of when we should get it replaced.
Very good article. I will be facing some of these issues as well.. Millard Chollett
Hmm.. that’s quite intriguing. I mean, it’s weird enough that I came across this article just as my sister is dealing with a malfunctioning heating system in her apartment at the moment. Now that I know that 12 to 15 years is the standard lifespan of any regular HVAC unit, I became even more curious. Well, whatever.. I’ll just simply ask her to go through this article and then decide what kind of action to take afterward.
Excellent article on when we should replace or repair your heating system. It’s excellent that you advised hiring an experienced service provider to analyze the state of the heating system so that they can make an informed decision about whether to fix or replace it. This is very useful to me because my uncle has been looking for a way to repair his heating system. I’ll notify him right away; thank you.
It’s good that you suggested getting new HVAC systems during spring or fall since you can remain comfortable without facing extreme temperatures by having time to prepare for them. It’s the end of summer now, so I want to have our aircon and heating system inspected soon in preparation for winter. I’ll be sure to contact a reliable HVAC contractor to look into potential issues soon.
One of my friends’ ac system broke down last night and it was so chaotic since she didn’t know that heating repair service are available near her. I will surely relay to her that repair is the smart choice if her unit is relatively new or is still under warranty. Additionally, I’ll advise her to call an HVAC professional since they also assess and inspect the unit to see if there are other unrelated issues.
For homeowners, the transition between seasons is the ideal moment to make significant decisions. One of the most important is deciding whether it makes more sense to fix or replace your home’s heating, cooling, and ventilation system. Thank you!
I want to get our heater fixed since our electric bill is getting higher, and I want a professional service to help us with the repair so that it will be correctly done and avoid more problems in the future. As yo mentioned in your post, an inefficient heating and cooling system work harder than necessary to keep your home at the proper temperature. Even if you never touch your thermostat, this will undoubtedly result in high utility bills. It encourages me to get this fixed as soon as possible.
I agree with your post that a heating system is one of the most important and expensive investments when owning a home. My parents like to install a heating system for their new home in Mountain View, MO. I think this is the best decision they can make since heaters are essential, especially during winter.
I appreciate that you explained that although it typically seems cheaper to choose for a repair, replacing equipment might occasionally be more advantageous. Now that her air conditioner is damaged, my aunt is looking for someone to repair it. I appreciate you providing information regarding the air conditioning repair. She can hire some services if I share this post with her.
Hey! Before coming across this article, I kept wondering if the air cooler inside my bedroom should be upgraded considering its age. It’s good to know that a thorough repair is a much better choice if our HVAC system is still under a warranty. Okay then, I’ll reach out to a technician to take a look at the appliance and carry out necessary work.