With the coming of winter comes mild temperatures in our neck of the woods, which means a reduced reliance on your heating and air conditioning system. Heaters are still used on chilly days, especially during the night when the weather is at its coldest, but it certainly doesn’t compare to the weather further north.
That reduced need provides an outstanding chance to give your system a thorough evaluation and determine if you need repairs or replacement. Doing so now means you have plenty of time to schedule a replacement session before the weather heats up again, as well as ensuring that you don’t experience a sudden, fatal breakdown in a few weeks or months when you really need your HVAC system to respond.
Note that you should never attempt to formally diagnose a problem with your system. That requires a trained and licensed technician to perform accurately. You can, however, take note of certain conditions in your system and determine for yourself whether repairs are in order, whether you can sit tight with your system as is, or whether now is the time for a replacement system.
Has The Warranty Expired?
The first question you should ask when considering a new system is the state of the warranty. They last a set amount of time, typically 5-12 years depending on the make and model of the system, and as long as they’re still in effect, it’s usually a good idea to repair the system when it encounters any problems, instead of replacing it. That’s because the warranty will cover the costs of any original parts in the system, meaning you only need to pay for labor and the cost of incidental components (like bolts and screws) in the event of a breakdown.
Even if the warranty has expired, your system can still work for months or even years depending on its condition. (This is one of the reasons why we recommend regular maintenance sessions throughout the HVAC system’s life.) It keeps repair costs down and the system running efficiently. Only when the warranty has expired and costs get too high should you consider replacing the system with a new one.
How High Should Costs Get?
Ultimately, only you the homeowner can decide how high the costs need to go before you’re ready to trade in the old clunker for a new one. Assuming that warranty has expired, it usually boils down to one of the two following conditions:
- Repair Costs. Usually, replacement takes place when the system breaks down and the cost of repairs is more than the homeowner feels the system is worth. It can also occur when repairs start taking place with undue frequency: say, if you have to schedule more than two repairs for your system in a single 12-month period.
- Monthly Costs. Sometimes, it doesn’t need to be a specific problem that prompts a repair call. You can simply look at the rising monthly costs of running an older and less efficient system, and decide that the time has come for a new one.
For heater replacement services in Covington, LA, call Professional Heating & Air today!