It’s a problem that every homeowner will have to deal with at some point during their tenure: the inevitable problems with your HVAC unit! If your unit is experiencing problems that aren’t addressed, they can have a massive effect on both your comfort level at home and your monthly energy bill costs. Knowing when to repair your unit versus getting it replaced can make a massive impact on your energy bill costs. This isn’t always the easiest decision to make! Personal Plumbing Heating & Cooling is here to help put your HVAC fears to rest – we’ll show you the differences between when to repair vs. replace your HVAC unit below!
When To Repair Your HVAC Unit
The natural choice that most homeowners will want to make is to contact an HVAC contractor for repairs to their unit. However, this won’t always be the right option! Knowing the difference between the right and wrong time to call for HVAC repairs will help save you a ton of money in the long run. We’ve identified the most obvious situations where HVAC repair is the right choice:
- Check The Warranty: Your HVAC unit likely came with a manufacturer warranty. Depending on your unit’s age and the length of the warranty, you may qualify for an on-the-house repair job!
- Your Unit Is Newer: On average, an HVAC unit can last for up to 20 years before warranting a full replacement. If your unit is less than a decade old, repairs will likely be the more cost-effective option.
- Time Since Last Repair: Have you had your unit repaired in the past? If so, how long has it been since you last had it looked at? If it’s been over a year since any incidents occurred, repairs are likely the better alternative.
- The Money Formula: Did you know that there’s a widespread formula in the HVAC industry for repairs and replacements? Multiply the age of your unit by the cost of repairs. If the total is less than $5,000, your unit is good for repairs!
When To Replace Your HVAC Unit
Many of the same processes used to determine when to repair your HVAC unit can also be applied to the terms for replacement. The signs of needing replacement will mostly be more obvious, but there are a few that are tricky to nail down. If any of these situations apply to you, a full replacement is the right move:
- Your Energy Bills Are Spiking: Energy bills spiking repeatedly and consistently are a telling sign that your unit needs to be replaced.
- Your Unit Is Older: Most units that are over a decade old will benefit from repairs, but how much over a decade is it old? If it’s over 15 years old, it’s probably time for a replacement, as it won’t have much life left.
- You’ve Made Extensive Repairs: How many times have you had to repair your unit over the last year? If you keep finding yourself calling a repairman, save yourself the hassle and just get a new unit.
- Applying The Money Formula: The same repair formula can also be applied to replacements. This time, the inverse is true; if the repairs exceed $5,000, it’s time to get a replacement!
HVAC Repair & Replacement With Personal Plumbing
Regardless if you need repairs or replacements for your HVAC unit, there’s one contractor you can rely on for the best results: Personal Plumbing! We’ll help you fight off the California heat with our expert maintenance work. If you aren’t sure whether to repair or replace your HVAC unit, we can help you decide for certain. Simply click here to contact us directly, and we’ll point you in the right direction!
