Are you having problems with your HVAC system? Knowing whether you need a repair or even a replacement can be a tricky proposition. You don’t want to throw away money for repairs that only temporarily resolve an issue or invest in an expensive replacement when a simple fix could’ve fully restored your previous system. Indianapolis homeowners should never play a guessing game with their HVAC system. Instead, let the HVAC experts at Action Air guide you on whether you should repair or replace your HVAC system!
How Old Is Your HVAC System?
One major determining factor is the age of your HVAC system. Generally, most systems reach the end of their lifespan after about 10-15 years, although exceptions can still occur. Therefore, if your HVAC system is older than a decade, then a replacement may be the best option. Otherwise, if your HVAC system hasn’t reached a double-digit age, then repairs may be more suitable.
How do you tell your HVAC system’s age? On most systems, this information can be found on your A/C unit, furnace, boiler, or heat pump. There should be manufacturer information on the side of these units, and generally the first four numbers of the serial number show the date assembled, where two digits are the year, and the other two are the week of the year. For example, if the first four digits are 1451, then your system would be manufactured on the 51st week of 2014.
However, not all manufacturers may follow this rule, such as General Electric, and this can make finding the age difficult. If you are unable to determine the age of your HVAC system, contact Action Air to speak directly with a service technician!
How Frequent is Your HVAC System Serviced?
When was the last time you serviced your HVAC system? By observing the frequency of your repairs and maintenance, you’ll be able to determine whether a repair or replacement should be performed. The usual service an HVAC system needs is an annual inspection, along with the occasional repair every 2-5 years. As your system gets older, annual inspections might become more frequent, and the need for repairs can increase rapidly.
Other Differing Issues
Although we addressed the major signs regarding a repair or replacement, there are other signs you should be aware of. Below are some signs that indicate either HVAC repair or replacement.
When to Choose HVAC Repair
- Problems are Uncommon or Infrequent
- Repair Costs are Reasonably Below the Price of a New Unit
- Energy Efficiency Only Affected by Breakdowns
- Issues are not Simultaneous
- Side-effects such as moisture build-up or incorrect thermostat readings only arise when a problem occurs.
When to Choose HVAC Replacement
- Identical Problems Reoccurring
- Repairs are Becoming Increasingly Expensive
- More than One Issue at the Same Time
- Energy Efficiency is Constantly Low
- Ductwork is Damaged or Insufficient
- Noticeable System Deterioration
- System Produces a Nonstop Chugging Sound
- Side effects such as moisture build-up or incorrect thermostat readings remain constant, even after repairs.
Still unsure whether your HVAC system needs a repair or replacement? Discuss it further with the experts at Action Air! Not only will we be able to meet you and determine the most cost-effective solution for your HVAC system – we’ll perform the service too! Call us at 317-451-4371 for affordable HVAC installation and repair services from your trusted Indianapolis HVAC experts.
