Tips for Knowing When It’s Time to Replace Your HVAC System

air conditioning unit

Every homeowner experiences a time when they must decide whether to repair or replace an aging and/or defective central heating or cooling system. But how do they know when that time has come?

Here are some tips for deciding when it’s time to replace your furnace, AC or heat pump:

Your system’s age. If your old central HVAC equipment is nearing the end of its useful service life, start planning for replacement. If the system is operating OK for now, there’s not an immediate need to move on an upgrade. However, you should start researching your options, rather than waiting for that day when the furnace stops working or your AC breaks down.

Typical home gas furnace should last between 15-20 years. These operational life spans are rough estimates, and don’t take into account the amount of usage an HVAC system has received over its lifetime.

Here in Southwest Ohio, both heating and cooling systems get a workout, and likely won’t last as long as

  • a heating system in the Deep South or
  • a cooling system in the far North.

You’ve probably heard of furnaces that last 25 years or more, but they’re in the minority. In any event, at that age, even if the furnace is working, it’s obsolete. Which brings us to the next point…

Degraded energy efficiency. If your older system appears to be consuming more electricity or fuel in order to provide the same comfort level as previously, this could signal that it’s approaching the end of its service life.

Higher energy bills you can’t connect to other factors (such as increased usage and/or hotter or colder weather) indicate your HVAC equipment isn’t as efficient as it used to be. Similarly, if your aging central HVAC system isn’t providing the comfort that it used to, that’s a definite red flag.

More repairs. If your older heating or cooling system is breaking down more frequently, this likely means the equipment is wearing out. If the system has a major breakdown twice in the same year, it’s time to think about a new AC or furnace installation.

Invest the money you would have on that second repair in a new high-efficiency heating or cooling system.

You want to take advantage of advances in technology. Even if your current, older HVAC equipment appears to be operating fine, you may decide it’s time to reduce high energy bills with a high-efficiency cooling or heating system.

In the 10-20 years since you purchased that furnace or heat pump, technology has advanced by leaps and bounds, and it’s reflected in

  • better energy efficiency,
  • enhanced comfort, and
  • numerous new features designed to improve both.

Make the Right Choice of Cincinnati HVAC Contractors

Once you’ve made the momentous decision to replace that antique furnace, heat pump or air conditioner, make sure you choose carefully among HVAC contractors in Cincinnati. The best heating and cooling companies will take the time to work with you on selecting a system that’s perfect for your home, both in sizing and energy efficiency, at a fair price–with solid guarantees.

Be sure your Cincinnati HVAC installer has a good reputation in the area. You don’t want to spend thousands on a new system, only to find out it was not properly installed.

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