Top 5 Signs That an HVAC Replacement is in Your Future
Avoid Emergencies by Replacing Your HVAC at the Right Time
The Importance of Replacing HVAC Equipment in Austin, Texas
Emergency Repairs are Not Unavoidable
Keeping up with your HVAC replacement timeline is especially important for Austin, Texas, residents. The main purpose of your HVAC system is to keep temperatures comfortable inside your home year-round. They also play a vital role in keeping the air clean and pulling out excess humidity. Staying up-to-date on the overall health of your system will improve energy efficiency and save you money in the long run.
Leaving your HVAC unit to fend for itself when showing clear warning signs of failure will only wear on their life expectancy and cause breakdowns. Best-case scenario, it happens slowly. Unfortunately, it will more than likely happen all at once and often at the worst time possible. Staying aware of whether replacing HVAC equipment is the right move is an essential part of commercial and residential management in Austin, Texas.
Come into the light with Austin’s premiere HVAC specialists at Green Leaf, as we teach you what to look for and how to know it is time to replace your HVAC unit.
HVAC Replacement Keeps Your Summers Cool and Winters Warm
System Failure is Never Comfortable
HVAC units have one main job as far as functionality goes– to keep your home warm during the winter and cool during the summer. If your unit cannot keep up with demand year-round, it’s time to have it replaced. An overworked heating and cooling unit will often start blowing hot air when you want it cool but fail to blow hot air when you want it warm. It may even put out inadequate airflow all around.
The most common source of the problem when it comes to insufficient airflow is a clogged air filter– which should be changed every couple of months as preventative maintenance. However, it could also signal something more serious. A malfunctioning motor or leak in the ventilation system could also be the source of reduced airflow and may lead to costly repairs.
If your unit can no longer blow air at the correct temperature, you will most likely be in for a full HVAC replacement. A problem of this nature may indicate a broken compressor and compressor replacements are expensive in both time and money. Replacing the system entirely will typically take less time, cost less, and save you money by providing you with a more energy-efficient system.
Both problems should be taken seriously if you want to avoid replacing your HVAC unit before it completes its full life cycle.
Dust and Humidity Accumulation as Indicators for an HVAC Replacement
Why Replacing HVAC Equipment is the Best Option
In addition to managing the temperature of your home, HVAC systems keep the air clean by removing dust and pulling excess humidity out of the air. As debris builds up in the unit, it may reduce airflow and add stress to the already difficult job of an HVAC unit in Austin, Texas. If left unchecked, it will seriously reduce the lifespan of your system and increase energy bills. Serious damage to the compressor, blower motor, and other vital components may also occur, leading to expensive replacements.
Poor indoor air quality plays a significant role in your family’s health. When your HVAC unit is overworked, it cannot remove dirt, pet dander, toxins, or humidity, from the air. This can become a serious sign that you’re in need of an HVAC replacement as it will intensify the effects of allergies, asthma, migraines, and moisture accumulation. If left unfixed, replacing your HVAC equipment will be the least of your worries. High levels of humidity and moisture accumulation are breeding grounds for toxic mold growth. The added presence of unclean air then exaggerates the toxic effects of mold.
It’s not always easy to recognize mold or other toxins in the air before it is too late. These signs of a failing HVAC system can lead to expenses and losses far greater than your cooling/heating system. Mold is extremely difficult to get rid of and may cause serious damage to the walls, floors, and people living in your home so if you notice anyone exhibiting symptoms of poor air quality, you’ll want to consider your HVAC unit as a possible source.
Unusual Noises or Smells are Common HVAC Replacement Clues
Trusting Your Senses Saves You Money on Austin HVAC Repairs
A healthy HVAC system will make some noise, but nothing above a low hum. Any unusual noise is a cause for concern. It could be as simple as a loose bolt or a worn-out belt, however, letting these issues continue can easily turn into a significant problem. As your system ages, it is normal for parts to wear out and loosen. When this happens, it will start to buzz and rattle. While it’s not a cause for alarm, you should not let it continue. Bangs, thuds, grinding sounds, or a whistle coming from your machine can all indicate a serious problem and may call for an immediate HVAC replacement. No matter what the sound is, noises not common to your system require professional care and attention.
Similarly, your HVAC equipment should not smell. Unusual odors coming from your unit could indicate mold growth. It could also indicate a serious malfunction with the equipment if it is giving off the smell of burning metal or melting plastic. These smells typically come from worn-out wiring or a failing motor. Replacing HVAC parts may occasionally be all that’s necessary for these situations but the longer you wait, the more likely it is that you will have to replace the entire thing.
Age/Cost Ratio as a Measure for Replacing HVAC Equipment
The Best Decision is the One That is Right for Your Wallet
Sometimes the easiest way to find out if you need a new heating and cooling system is by asking yourself how old it is. HVAC units that are more than 10 years old are expensive to repair and maintain. These systems use a chemical called freon, or R-22, to heat and cool. R-22 is no longer used in modern-day HVAC units because it’s been proven inefficient. It is also dangerous for your home and the environment, so it was traded for a safer agent.
Additionally, most HVAC units only have a life span of 10 to 15 years, depending on the kind of system. However, it more than often depends on how well they are taken care of. Unless they’ve had regular and proper HVAC maintenance twice a year, 15 years is out of the question. Even if it still runs, it is likely not working as efficiently as it should and will cost you hundreds of dollars more a year to operate. This does not include the stacks of bills you will be throwing down the drain on unnecessary repairs.
Our suggestion is that you consider the age vs. cost ratio when thinking of replacing HVAC systems that have not reached their life expectancy. This trick is simple. First, consider the age of your machine. HVAC replacement is a wise decision for units 7 years or under if yearly repair costs and potential savings from a more efficient model equal 50% of what it would cost to replace. This is especially true if you switch to a model that is more efficient than your current unit.
Replacing a system ten years or older is even easier to justify. At that point, you should consider a replacement if you spend more than $500 in a year on repairs or new parts. Logically, $500 is a sizable down payment for a new machine, and the upgrade in efficiency will make up the cost on its own.
You can keep track of efficiency by simply monitoring energy consumption. It is normal to see expense variations throughout the year. However, if you notice considerable spikes in energy use from one summer to the next with no real explanation, it is safe to assume it is time to consider an HVAC replacement.
Are You Looking for an HVAC Replacement in Austin, Texas?
Green Leaf, the GO-To for Replacing HVAC Units in Central Texas
When it comes to getting an HVAC replacement in Austin, Texas, Green Leaf is the premier source for heating and cooling. We strive to provide you with the best in HVAC services and equip our technicians with the necessary skills to do so. Our expertise is unmatched in Austin, Round Rock, and the surrounding areas. Our work is high-quality and always done right on the first try, but the communities in Central Texas continue to trust us because of the emphasis we place on customer satisfaction. Our technicians work with you to troubleshoot the issue and if for some reason we cannot fix it, you can count on us to give you honest advice on how to proceed.
We work to save you time and money, which is why we only use top-notch technology for diagnostics, carry products that are backed by extended warranties, and make satisfaction guarantees. Our heating and cooling specialists are led through an extensive training program and are backed by NATE certifications for residential and commercial properties helping to make us the most qualified men and women in the industry for replacing HVAC equipment.
If you are looking for a positive technician experience and want guarantees that you are receiving the highest quality work for the best price, give us a call at (512) 515-9944.
Green Leaf HVAC and Plumbing saves you green.
