An HVAC system is crucial in maintaining your home’s comfort and air quality. However, you’ll need to replace it at some point. Recognizing early signs that its life span is coming to an end can help you avoid unexpected system breakdowns and ensure your indoor environment remains comfortable all year.
What Is the Life Span of an HVAC System?
An HVAC system typically lasts 15 to 25 years. How well it’s maintained, the quality of its original installation, and how often it’s used are a few factors that dictate the system’s life span.
The climate you live in can also have an impact. For example, coastal locations with high levels of humidity can lead to corrosion within an HVAC system. This results in more repair needs and a shortened system life expectancy.
What Are Common Signs You Need to Replace Your HVAC System?
Understanding the common signs that your HVAC system may need replacing can be helpful to keep in mind while you’re doing self-inspections. You’ll know what to pay attention to, so you can call us immediately if you notice something doesn’t seem right.
1. Age
If your HVAC system is at least 15 years old, it’s time to start thinking about replacing it. We can advise you which system would be best for your home and provide essential details so you can decide whether to replace your AC or heating system now or wait a little longer. However, keep in mind you want to replace it before a complete breakdown happens. This is especially true if it’s the middle of summer when temperatures can climb above 90 degrees Fahrenheit or winter when they can drop into the 30s.
2. Frequent Repairs
It’s normal to expect the need to schedule an HVAC repair at some point. However, frequent repairs are signs that your HVAC system may be nearing the end of its life span. This is particularly the case if different problems occur repeatedly. This may be costing you a substantial amount of money that could be going toward investing in a new furnace or air conditioner.
3. Increases in Utility Bills
If you notice that your monthly energy bills are increasing but your usage is staying the same or decreasing, it’s a sign that something may be malfunctioning with your HVAC system. Increasing bills can happen if your equipment hasn’t displayed any physical signs of malfunction. We can discuss what your utility bills and usage are in addition to performing a full inspection to determine the cause of any problems that are present.
4. Strange Noises
Your HVAC system usually runs rather quietly. You should barely notice it as you go about your day. If it starts making uncommon and noticeable noises, it means something is wrong with the system. For instance, a rattling sound could indicate that one of the components is loose. The louder and more frequent the noise, the more serious the problem may be. It could indicate an already existing issue is worsening as time goes on. We recommend having our team perform repairs as soon as possible.
5. Constantly Running
Your HVAC system shouldn’t be constantly running. Its job is to get your home to a comfortable preset temperature and then to shut off until it needs to turn back on again. If it’s constantly running, this is a sign that your equipment is struggling to heat or cool your home properly.
This may be due to a seemingly simple issue, such as a clogged air filter. However, if you replace the air filter and the system is still constantly running, our technicians will need to diagnose the issue.
6. Strange Odors
Your HVAC system shouldn’t release any kind of foul odor. If it does, there’s likely an issue with your system. For example, a burning smell could indicate something is wrong with electrical wiring or your motor is overheating. Smelling rotten eggs could be a serious indicator of a natural gas leak. Turn off your system immediately, open your windows, leave your home, and call us for assistance.
Tips for Extending the Life Span of Your HVAC System
Scheduling a seasonal HVAC tune-up is one of the best ways to evaluate the condition of your system and help extend its life span. Our HVAC technicians perform various tasks, including checking electrical components and lubricating parts, to ensure your HVAC system runs smoothly and efficiently. It’s ideal to schedule this tune-up appointment with us during spring before warmer temperatures approach and during fall before you turn on your heat. You can also join our Loves Family Plan to make it easy to remember to schedule and get discounts on services.
Taking a proactive approach by doing self-inspections between professional tune-ups is also crucial. This allows you to notice when something isn’t right with your system so you can call one of our technicians to diagnose the issue. Doing these several times a week is ideal, so you’ll quickly know when something goes wrong.
Make sure to replace the air filter in your HVAC system every one to three months. If you have pets, are a smoker, live in a polluted area, or suffer from allergies, it’s ideal to replace them monthly. It’s important to get one that complements your needs and HVAC system. Our technicians can recommend the best option to ensure you get one that works well for you. Consider buying a multi-pack so you always have a clean one available when it needs changing.
Fixing gaps around your doors and windows is also a great way to give your HVAC system a break to prevent system strain. These gaps allow drafts to come in and temperature-controlled air to go out. Using options like weatherstripping around your windows and doors can prevent energy loss and reduce unnecessary strain on your HVAC system.
What Are the Benefits of Replacing Your HVAC System?
Replacing your HVAC system with a new modern model can bring you peace of mind and a more comfortable home.
Newer models are typically much more energy efficient, so they could help you reduce your monthly utility bills and lower your carbon footprint. You’ll also enjoy more consistent and reliable heating and cooling without worrying about uneven air flow, your unit shutting off when it shouldn’t, or it constantly running but still not providing you with the comfortable temperatures you want. You also won’t have to continuously pay for repairs.
Starting over with a new system means you can take care of it properly to extend its life span right from its beginning. This can include everything from changing the filter monthly to ensuring that you schedule seasonal tune-ups. It could be a significant amount of time before you need a repair and 15+ years before you must worry about replacing your HVAC system again.
Don’t get caught off guard when your HVAC system reaches the end of its life. Loves Air in Salida, CA, performs HVAC replacements and repairs so you can get the high-quality unit you need for continuous comfort in your home. Contact us today for more information about upgrading your current system to one that could last you many more years.
