Spring is here and summer is just around the corner. You’re probably ready for warmer weather, but is your HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system ready? Before the real heat arrives, you should watch for these telltale signs that it’s time for an HVAC upgrade.
Your Unit Is Old
Perhaps the biggest sign that your HVAC unit should be replaced is if it’s old. HVAC units last an average of 12 years, and that’s if you’ve kept up with maintenance and repairs. If you’re nearing the 12-year mark, even if nothing has gone wrong yet, you may want to start looking for a new unit. If you wait until yours breaks, you could end up sweltering in the heat until you can get one installed, or until you can afford one or come up with finance options. Customer financing is usually available, but summer prices are notoriously higher than if you were to replace your HVAC now.
Your Energy Bill is High
If your energy bill has been rising without explanation, it could be due to an inefficient HVAC system. Over time, HVAC systems tend to slow down and become less efficient, especially if they are clogged or dirty. Sometimes servicing them can help; however, if you still find yourself constantly adjusting the thermostat, it might be time for an upgrade.
You Hear Loud Noises
While HVAC units make some noise, loud noises are a sign that something’s wrong. Don’t wait to call a service technician to get it checked out. Sometime a repair will take care of the problem, but if it doesn’t, you may need a new HVAC.
You Notice a Lot of Dust
If you regularly dust your home, you shouldn’t notice too much floating around. However, if you’re seeing layers of dust, even in areas where there’s a lot of motion, your HVAC system could be to blame. A leaky unit or ducts could be pulling dust particles from the basement or the attic and blowing it into the rest of your home. If you have the ducts sealed, you may solve the problem. You should also make sure to frequently change your filter. But, if you still notice dust, there might be too many leaks in your system to fix.
Too Much or Too Little Humidity
An inadequate system or a system that isn’t operating properly can cause your home to have too much humidity in the warmer months and too little in the colder ones. A humidifier or dehumidifier can help, but you’ll only be masking the real problem—your HVAC system. Repairing or replacing it will give you a permanent fix.
Every Room Is a Different Temperature
If you’re sweating in your bedroom, but freezing in your kitchen, your HVAC system could be failing. Insulation, windows, and sun can also make a difference in the temperature of each room in your home; however, the difference shouldn’t be drastic. If it is, your ducts or your entire HVAC unit could be causing the problem.
Frequent Repairs
If your HVAC repairman remembers all of your kids’ names and ages, your unit might be breaking down more often than it should be. You should consider throwing in the towel and replacing the whole thing if repairs don’t seem to be working.
No Programmable Thermostat
Being able to program and even adjust your thermostat when you’re not at home is one of the most convenient and energy-efficient technologies out there nowadays. If you don’t have a smart thermostat, you may want to update your system so that you can monitor and control your home’s temperature with a phone or computer.
Customer Financing
Coming up with HVAC financing can be a challenge for anyone, as HVAC units aren’t cheap. However, if your system needs to be replaced, you can often find good customer financing options. Look at finance for HVAC units through lease-purchase programs, sales, or payment plans. With customer financing, you won’t have to wait to replace the unit.
Now’s the time to pay attention to your HVAC system—before summer hits. If you notice any of the telltale signs listed above, you might want to replace your unit while the weather’s still cooler. Replacing it now could save you money down the road.
