While the warm weather for this year might be winding down, that doesn’t mean that we should allow our HVAC systems to fall into disrepair. Sometimes we may not even realize that the unit needs repaired or replaced, but today we’re aiming to help you figure out when that should happen. If you’d like to know more about how it works, make sure to stick around.
After all, here in Ohio, it’s important that every part of an HVAC system is working properly. That means the heating, the ventilation, and the air conditioning – not just one or the other. There are signs that you can be on the lookout for, though, especially when it comes to knowing when and how to get your home air conditioner replaced.
Warning Signs it Needs Repaired or Replaced
As we mentioned, there are several signs that you can watch for when it comes to HVAC units. Getting on top of this sort of thing is quite important, especially if you want to make sure your family is happy and healthy inside the home. What should you be on the watch for, then?
Higher Energy Bills
One of the biggest, tell-tale signs that your AC might need some repairs or to be replaced entirely is if you’re noticing energy bills that are far higher than they’ve ever been before – and not just because it’s hot outside. You see, these systems end up using a lot more energy when they are broken in some way.
Naturally, this results in the bill going up in tandem. If you notice this, then it may be time to investigate the reason behind the price increase.
High Humidity Levels
No one is a huge fan of humid days. We go outside and it feels sticky and gross. Certainly, we don’t want to deal with that when we’re inside. You can find an example of what this looks like here: https://www.logan-inc.com/home-air-conditioner-replacement-or-repair, as well as how you might be able to get it fixed. It’s not necessarily the most obvious of signs, but certainly one to keep in mind.
Poor Air Flow Through Your Vents
The final “symptom” so-to-speak that we’d like to highlight for now is this: if you’re noticing that there seems to be something blocking air flow from the vents, or that the flow is quite weak, then there is likely some sort of problem. Sometimes it’s an easy fix, while other times it may require some in-depth repairs and perhaps even replacement.
Replace or Repair?
The other part of this that can be rather difficult is knowing when to repair the unit versus when to have it replaced. We’ll offer a few pointers on how you can make the decision, although calling in a professional can also help you to figure it out.
Cost of Repairs versus Replacement
Naturally, this is probably the factor that you’ll want to consider first (and perhaps above all else, depending on other circumstances). Sometimes, the cost of the repairs will turn out to be more expensive than just replacing it altogether. This varies, though, so don’t count on that being the case. Always ask your contractor about it, as you can see in this article.
Age of the Unit
Another thing that can play a huge part in this is how old your current HVAC unit is. The older it is, the harder it can be to find parts in order to repair it – not to mention that some contractors may not even know how to fix the really old ones. In many cases like this, it may be better to just replace it.
Energy Efficiency
In a similar vein to the above point, one thing that a lot of folks tend to overlook is the fact that many newer HVAC and air conditioning units are much more energy efficient than older models. It’s rarely talked about, but that doesn’t mean that it’s not true. If you’d like to cut down on your overall energy bills, then a new model with that in mind may be the right option.
Generally speaking, if you are having issues with your air conditioner and you aren’t sure what to do about it, you may want to look for a professional contractor who can help you ascertain the situation. They can help you to decide on a new unit or simply replace your old one.
It’s a good idea to have yours inspected about once a year anyhow, just so that you can ensure that it’s in proper working order. After all, it can be a pretty serious issue to have an HVAC that isn’t working properly – climate control may seem like a luxury, but it can help with a lot of health conditions and underlying conditions such as asthma, as just one potential.
