Should I Replace My HVAC Before It Fails?

Are you suffering from a defunct HVAC system? Let Fast Air Repair fix the problem by calling 352-290-7968! 

A fully functioning HVAC system is essential to staying healthy and safe year-round in Florida. To save money as long as possible, you're probably asking, "Should I replace my HVAC before it fails?" Keep reading to discover why you should replace your HVAC system early and understand the signs that indicate you need a new one.

Fast Air Repair can handle replacing every aspect of your HVAC system. We're Ocala's trusted AC repair. When your system needs help, contact us for an appointment.

Benefits of Replacing Your HVAC Early

If you're wondering, "Should I replace my HVAC before it fails?" the answer is generally "yes." When you replace part of your HVAC system before it breaks permanently, you'll gain several benefits. Overall, you'll save more money and reduce the potential of suffering health problems from respiratory issues or extreme temperatures.

1. Less Chance of Random Failure

Do you know when air conditioners and furnaces are most likely to break? When you use them the most! When your HVAC component breaks during the peak of summer or the depth of winter, you pay more for repairs than if it breaks in the off-season.

When you replace your air conditioner or furnace before peak season, you avoid expensive repairs. Don't play roulette with your comfort or your wallet. If you notice signs your HVAC system is failing, replace the needed components quickly.

2. Better Technician and Product Availability

If your HVAC system breaks during peak operation systems, you may have trouble finding HVAC parts or technicians. Service experts are most busy during summer and winter when everyone's components break. If your air conditioner or furnace breaks during these times, you might have to wait longer than you want.

You should consider a broken HVAC system an emergency, and while Fast Air Repair responds as quickly as possible, we're in high demand. When you call us during the off-season, we can replace your air conditioner or furnace quickly and have it ready for peak season so you can have peace of mind.

3. Energy Savings

When your air conditioner or furnace grows old, they use significantly more energy. In fact, professionals say that running your HVAC units for the last two years of their lives is actually a complete waste of money since your energy bills skyrocket during this time. If you replace your HVAC at the earliest signs it's near the end of its life, you'll save money long-term by avoiding prolonged high energy bills. 

4. Increased Health and Comfort

A failing HVAC system presents several risks to your overall health and comfort. In summer, the temperature and humidity in Florida reach dangerous levels. While our winter temperatures won't put you in danger, you can't endure them comfortably without a well-working furnace.

Old HVAC systems are vulnerable to the buildup of dust, mold, and other allergens. Replacing your HVAC components before they become liabilities to your health and comfort guarantees a better quality of life all year round.

Signs You Need a New HVAC System

While regular maintenance can prolong your system's life, eventually, everything breaks. Look for these signs to determine if you need a new system.

1. Nearing the End of Its Life

Each part of your HVAC system has a different life expectancy. Your air conditioner should last between 10 and 20 years, but if it's older than 15, you'll likely save money on energy bills and frequent repairs by replacing it early.

Likewise, furnaces should last up to 20 years with proper maintenance. Once it reaches the 15-year mark, consider a replacement.

Finally, heat pumps are a popular option, but they only last about a decade. When your heat pump turns 10, updating to a new unit provides amazing long-term savings over trying to extend your unit's life.

2. Frequent Repairs

Frequent repair costs are the largest expense associated with an aging air conditioner or furnace. While a younger unit might go a couple of years without needing repairs, an HVAC component past its prime can require multiple repairs a year on top of regular maintenance. In addition to more frequent repairs, the pieces that break later in a product's life are more expensive.

If you're considering delaying replacing your HVAC system to save money on installation, consider how likely you'll spend money on keeping your unit running at its basic capacity.

3. Poor Air Quality

As your air conditioner, furnace, heat pumps, and ductwork age, they build up dust and allergens and become vulnerable to mold and mildew growth. These substances hurt your health and can prevent you from enjoying your home. Often, these issues go unnoticed, but they can cause pneumonia, severe allergies, or other chronic health complications.

Another problem with old HVAC systems is they fail to properly regulate air temperature. No matter the time of year, the air becomes lukewarm and fails to provide the comfort or safety you require. 

If you notice increasing respiratory problems or poor air temperature, call a professional to replace your air conditioner, furnace, or heat pump.

4. Decreased Consistency

Your HVAC system should heat and cool every room evenly. But as it ages, your ducts may not transport the air adequately to every room. Your air conditioner or furnace might also cool and heat properly at times but fail to provide adequate temperatures when it matters most.

If you notice different temperatures in each room or your HVAC system doesn't provide consistent comfort, call a professional to replace the needed component.

5. Bad Smells and Sounds

Older HVAC systems become vulnerable to a myriad of issues that cause disgusting smells. Mold and mildew can grow, providing a musty smell that indicates severe health problems are imminent. Animals can crawl into your units or ductwork and slowly rot.

You also might smell burning rubber, gunpowder, or sulfur. While the former smells indicate organic problems, the latter means you have electrical problems that need immediate attention.

6. Refrigerant Leaks

Refrigerant is essential to your air conditioner's and heat pump's cooling capabilities. Without the proper levels, all you receive is lukewarm air blowing through your home.

Your refrigerant is part of a self-contained system and generally shouldn't require refilling. However, as your unit ages, leaks can develop and cause your levels to drop below their necessary level. 

Some leaks are the size of a pin and difficult to find, but an experienced professional can find the hole, repair it, and restore your refrigerant levels to normal. Over time, low refrigerant increases your energy bills and can cause damage to more expensive components like your compressor.

If your model is over 10 years old, it uses the old type of refrigerant that's no longer available. Replacing your unit ensures you won't have refrigerant problems and gives you access to the cheaper, newer refrigerant.

Call Fast Air Repair to Replace Your HVAC

Now you know the answer to "Should I replace my HVAC before it fails?" While it may seem like a large expense, replacing any part of your HVAC system before it breaks saves you money long-term.

Whether you have HVAC water damage or your air conditioner is nearing the end of its life, Fast Air Repair can handle every area of HVAC replacement. We're Ocala's number one choice for every manner of HVAC services, and we can't wait to show you why.

When you're ready for a consultation, book an appointment by calling 352-290-7968.