When HVAC systems are not working properly, they give off some tell-tale signs that show they’re on the brink. So, this month, we’re taking a look at what these signs are and how people can know when it’s time to repair or replace their HVAC system.
Increased Running Time
If your machine is taking longer and longer to achieve the temperatures that you require, then your machine might be losing its efficiency.
This is to be expected as the machine gets older, but eventually, you’re going to be taking a hit to your electricity bills that could simply be going towards purchasing a faster, more reliable machine.
Loud Noises
Loud noises coming from within your machine are a sure sign that not all is as it should be. They could point towards something trapped in the fans, or a more serious issue with the cooling fluid. Here are noise warnings to look out for that signal serious issues:
- the blower is humming louder
- the outdoor unit is making more noise
- the furnace is groaning and banging
- noise before the air conditioner starts up
If your HVAC system is fairly new, then it could simply be a manufacturing error that should be repaired. If you are working with an older system, however, you might be safer to replace it.
Lots of Repairs
Remember, you don’t want to spend more on repairing your system than it would cost to buy a new one. In fact, it’s widely recommended that if you are paying more than 50% of a unit’s original price in repairs, then you should be looking towards buying a new one instead. This is especially true if the unit has already been in use for half of its intended service life.
Consider the difference between repairing your old machine now and purchasing a more efficient one. Purchasing a new one will likely be justified through the energy savings you make, but even if you only break even in your savings over the years following your purchase, you’ll also be using a newer machine with less chance of breaking down.
Not Enough Maintenance
If you haven’t been carrying out appropriate maintenance on your system, then there is a greater likelihood that your next repair could unveil a host of underlying issues. These issues could threaten the safety of your business premises or simply cost you more than you expected.
Unnoticed issues could also be costing you in terms of energy efficiency. There are plenty of reasons why you should schedule regular maintenance for any and all equipment necessary to the upkeep of your business, but if you haven’t been able to update your HVAC, you should consider replacing it sooner than the recorded service life suggests.
If you’re ready to replace your HVAC system, you should speak to us about scheduling in maintenance checks to ensure that your next machine works at optimum efficiency for as long as possible.
The Age of the Unit
The age of your unit is especially important in your decision to repair or replace. Generally, any item exceeding ten years of use should be replaced, however, a furnace or boiler could be left a further five years.
Energy Star suggests that replacing your air conditioner every ten years could help you to save up to 20% on heating and cooling costs.
Some Benefits for Replacing Your HVAC
There are plenty of advantages to replacing your HVAC with a newer model. Here are just a few:
- Reduced Energy Costs
The industrial heating sector is constantly working towards developing more efficient models for businesses in need of factory heating. This means that there are new solutions hitting the market being released all the time; solutions that could offer your business a method of attaining cheaper heating and controlling energy costs.
This could be a reason to replace your system.
- Stability and Reliability
Older systems bring a sense of unreliability and worry that a serious error could cause you to be without your HVAC when it is needed most. Replacing your older model with a new one during months where the weather is more temperate can give you great peace of mind. Replace your old HVAC and be confident that your business is ready to work through the next heatwave or snowstorm without issue.
- Resale value
If you are smart about when you replace your HVAC system, you may be able to score some money through resale of your old system. This money can go towards funding your new, reliable, energy efficient HVAC, and proves that waiting until your current model is broken isn’t always the best for business.
If you’re in the business for new heating and cooling solutions, or more simply for commercial heating maintenance, we can help you. Contact a member of our friendly team if you’ve been affected by any of the issues mentioned in this blog.
