We get a lot of questions about replacing HVAC units, and for good reasons. Buying a new unit like a furnace or heat pump can have a high initial cost, and homeowners want to make sure that it's really time to get a new model before they make a purchase. Let's take a look at the most common reasons to buy a new HVAC unit, and why these are good times.

1. You are Paying Too Much for Repairs (Or Soon Will Be)

The general rule goes like this — take the cost of repairing a unit like a whole-house air conditioner and multiply it by the age of your unit (you can usually find the manufacturing date printed on the unit itself). If the resulting number is more than the cost of the new unit you would get, then replacing your old unit may be a good idea. At a certain point, big repairs and component replacement become too expensive to justify, and a new unit will be more cost-effective.

2. Your HVAC is Too Old and Less Efficient

After around 12-15 years, HVAC units usually start to wear out, lose efficiency and struggle to heat or cool your home. Additionally, after this much time has passed, the market has usually come up with new models that are far more efficient from the start. This is a good chance to replace a unit before it breaks and cut down on your monthly energy bills. If your unit is over ten years old and appears to be taking longer to affect the temperature, it's time to start looking at new models. If you have questions about the state of your unit, ask a professional for an inspection!

3. Your HVAC Unit Doesn't Match the Size of Your Home

This problem occurs when the space that the HVAC system needs to heat or cool changes significantly, such as a new addition or a big remodel. When an extra room is added, the space that a unit has to manage increases and that unit may not be rated for such a big area. In other cases, homeowners may accidentally buy a unit that's designed for a far larger space than their house. In both instances, the HVAC system is going to have problems, and buying the right-sized unit is the easiest way to fix it.

4. There Are Loud Noises and Performance Issues

Loud rumbling or banging noises, along with a decrease in performance, is a sign that you need to call up a technician and start shopping for a new model — it's just that simple.

5. You Are Planning to Sell and Want to Increase Your Home Value

If your HVAC unit is old and you are trying to sell your home, buying a new, state-of-the-art unit can be an effective way to increase buyer interest. This is especially true if the new unit excels at saving money or is particularly easy to use.

Want more information on the state of your HVAC system? Call us for an inspection and we can repair or replace your unit!