One of the problems of home ownership is ensuring that everything is running properly. There are plenty of different things that will need repair or total replacement over time, including kitchen appliances, hot water heaters, and of course, the HVAC system. If something is going wrong with your HVAC system, you have to contend with the all-important question: repair or replace?
Obviously, replacement can seem like a big expense, but it is sometimes the best option, especially if you could end up spending more and more money trying to get the system to keep working in the future. So, how do you decide if you should try repairs or go with replacement? Let’s look at some factors to consider.
Age of the HVAC System
To start with, think about how old your system is. If it is over 10 years old, then it may be time to replace. After all, as the system reaches a decade, it is actually also reaching the end of its life. Of course, age is only one factor, but it could give you an idea of what to do next.
If your system is older, then likely it will continue breaking down time and again. That means more and more cost in repair. At that point, you do have to consider replacement.
Cost to Repair
If you are not sure what to do, then it would be ideal to get your HVAC system inspected. An expert will be able to give you a basic idea of how much it will cost to repair the system. You have to consider age and cost together too. For example, if you have a four-year-old air conditioning system and it needs $600 in repair, you probably will want to go that route because the system still has quite a few years left on it.
However, if you have a 10-year-old system that needs $800 in repairs, then you will likely want to consider replacement. After all, it probably isn’t going to last much longer anyway. You will just be spending money and then having to spend more.
Some people even use a 50% rule. They decide that if the repair costs will go over 50% of the value of the whole HVAC system, then they will choose replacement. However, you will still likely want to factor in age before making this decision.
Three Signs That Replacement Is Imminent
Finally, you could look for three signs that you are going to need to replace your HVAC system. If these continue to be a problem, then it would make the most sense to replace the system. They include:
- The HVAC system needs repairs frequently. You shouldn’t keep spending money on repairs to the point that you pay way more than the system is worth.
- The air conditioning system has constant inconsistencies in temperature. This could be a malfunction in the system, poor ductwork or issues with insulation.
- The air conditioning system is more than 10 years old, as we discussed previously.
When you start seeing these three signs, then you do need to consider replacing your HVAC system.
As a homeowner, you do want to make sure your property is comfortable and livable for you and your family. That means ensuring all of the appliances and systems are working properly. There are times when your HVAC system will need either repair or replacement, and you will need to decide which option is best. Don’t make the decision based solely on your budget at the moment – that could cost you more in the future. Instead, consider what we have discussed here to determine whether you should pay for repairs or you should replace the system altogether.
Resources:
http://www.angieslist.com/articles/it-time-repair-or-replace-my-air-conditioner.htm
