Your HVAC system heats and cools your home and pushes air throughout your home. While your HVAC system can last for 10–15 years, sometimes it might be in your best interest to replace your HVAC system instead of continuing to repair your older system. Aging equipment can cause you to spend more on energy costs and might not cool or heat your home like it used to.
HVAC Efficiency Ratings Explained
Look for the following ratings to determine your HVAC system efficiency.
SEER Rating: measures how efficiently your air conditioner cools.
AFUE Rating: measures how efficiently your furnace works.
HSPF Rating: measures how efficient heat pumps work when heating.
Replacing your 10 SEER AC unit with a new 16 SEER system can save you about 35–40 percent on cooling energy costs.
Common HVAC System Types
There are many different HVAC system types. Look for these types when considering replacing your current system.
Split Systems: This system has both indoor and outdoor components.
Packaged Systems: All components are installed outside of the home.
Mini-Split Systems: This type of system does not require ductwork.
Heat Pumps: An air-source heat pump uses the refrigeration cycle to heat or cool your home.
Geothermal: Geothermal systems use the ground to heat and cool your home.
HVAC Components
Air conditioners and heaters have many different components that help them run properly. Here are the main ones to look for.
- Air conditioner compressor
- Condenser coil
- Evaporator coil
- Expansion device
- Furnace or air handler
- Blower
- Thermostat
- Filters
Air conditioners and furnaces typically need 400 CFM per ton of cooling capacity. A system with a 3-ton cooling capacity will require about 1,200 CFM of airflow.
Know when it’s Time to Replace Your HVAC System
Age of Your HVAC Equipment
Typically, HVAC systems last about 10–15 years. The lifetime of your system depends on the equipment type.
- Central air conditioners – 12–15 years
- Heat pumps – 10–15 years
- Gas furnace – 15–20 years
Consider replacing your HVAC equipment if your system is getting older.
Higher Energy Bills
If your heating and cooling bills have increased, your system may be losing efficiency. Older systems can consume 20–40 percent more energy than newer high-efficiency HVAC systems.
Review your energy bills each year to determine if your bills are increasing.
Costly Repair Needs
Do you call your HVAC repair technician multiple times a year? If the answer is yes, you may want to consider replacing your HVAC system. Think about replacing your system if the repair costs are near 50 percent of what a new system would cost.
Noticeable Temperature Fluctuations
If you notice that some rooms in your home are hotter or colder than others, your HVAC system may not be able to function correctly. Some issues that can cause this are:
- Improperly sized system.
- Restricted airflow.
- Leaky ducts.
- Equipment is too old.
Try sealing and insulating your ducts or balancing the airflow. If these do not fix the issue, consider replacing your HVAC system.
High Humidity Levels
Another sign that you may need to replace your HVAC system is if your home has high humidity levels. Some older air conditioners struggle to remove humidity from the air.
If your home feels sticky or uncomfortable, look into getting a new HVAC system.
Outdated HVAC Refrigerants
The air conditioners used R-22 refrigerant in the past. However, due to environmental concerns, this refrigerant is no longer being made. Not only could it be hard to find this refrigerant if you need to repair your air conditioner, but it could also be expensive.
Consider getting a new HVAC system that uses updated refrigerants.
Upgrade Your HVAC System and Enjoy These Benefits
Install energy-efficient HVAC systems and start to see benefits such as:
Lower Energy Bills
Not only will your new HVAC system keep you cool in the summer and warm in the winter, but you’ll save money on your energy bills too. By installing a high-efficiency system, you could see energy bill savings of 20–40 percent.
Improve Comfort
New HVAC systems allow your home to keep a steady temperature. By installing a modern HVAC system, the temperature will usually only swing 1–2 degrees.
Some systems can even map out where your home loses or gains heat throughout the day.
Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
By lowering your energy usage, you can decrease your carbon footprint. Installing a high-efficiency HVAC system or heat pump can help reduce your carbon emissions.
What Is the Best Time of Year to Replace an HVAC System?
Did you know that the time of year you replace your HVAC system can make a difference in your overall costs? The best time to replace your HVAC system is during the spring and fall.
HVAC technicians are not as busy during these seasons. Installing your new HVAC system in the spring or fall gives you more time to research the different HVAC systems on the market. You will also have more time to look for manufacturer rebates or tax credits that you may be eligible for.
Also, if you replace your air conditioner in the spring, you won’t have to go without air conditioning if your old one breaks down.
Your HVAC system should keep your home comfortable all year long. If your system seems to be falling short, consider replacing your HVAC system. By replacing your old HVAC system with a new, high-efficiency system, you could save money on your energy bills and live comfortably.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long do HVAC units last?
A: HVAC units can last 10–15 years. However, some furnaces can last up to 20 years.
Q: Should I repair or replace my HVAC system?
A: If your HVAC system needs frequent repairs, you may want to replace it. If you replace your HVAC system when it’s constantly needing repairs, you could end up saving money on future repair costs.
Q: Can I replace my HVAC system myself?
A: It’s not recommended that you install your own HVAC system. HVAC technicians have the right tools and knowledge to install an HVAC system properly.
Q: How long does it take to replace an HVAC system?
A: The time it takes to replace an HVAC system varies. The type of system you want installed could affect the installation time.
Q: When should I replace my HVAC air filter?
A: You should replace your HVAC air filter at least every 90 days. Contact your local HVAC technician to find the best air filter for your home.