Although we always preach the benefits of ongoing maintenance to McKinney, TX homeowners to keep costs down, repairing isn’t always better than replacing an item. Usually, due to age or component problems, it may make more financial sense to replace your AC outright.
In addition to exploring the specifics of a given problem, think about the costs. Will it cost 50 percent or more than buying a new HVAC? Is your system older and not energy efficient? You stand to gain a great deal of operating cost benefits if you upgrade to an energy efficient model.
On top of these criteria, here are some trouble spots that suggest it is better to repair than to replace.
1 - Thermostat isn’t Reliable
Is your home not heating or cooling reliably? If you find that some rooms or warmer or cooler than others, or if you find your home just won’t cool or heat to where you want, no matter the thermostat setting, that is a sign that you should replace your thermostat- but most likely your whole HVAC unit too.
What this indicates is that there is a major system problem somewhere. It is also possible that your HVAC isn’t the right size for your home, which means that, no matter how hard it works, it doesn’t have adequate power for even heating and cooling.
2 - Air Filter
In an HVAC that is working well, the air filter that functions well will work to remove impurities in the air. In an HVAC that is very old or in disrepair, the filter doesn’t work as well. More and more dust gathers in the ducts. Allergens, dander, and other particles actually get pushed back into air circulation, resulting in poor air quality.
If you see an increase in dust, or if family members note an increase in allergy symptoms, you probably should consider replacing your HVAC.
3 - Air Conditioning
How old is your air conditioner? That is the first question when deciding to repair or replace. If it is approaching 15 years old, don’t waste your money on fixing it, as you will have to replace it sooner or later, simply because of age.
Other trouble signs to consider are rising energy bills, funky odors, loud noises, frequent repairs, rust and constricted air flow. When you are looking to get a new HVAC, make sure that you consult with a knowledgeable professional who can help you to choose the right model for your home.