According to the US Department of Energy’s latest RECS report, almost 90% of homes in the US have air conditioning.
Even if you have the best HVAC system available, wear and tear will eventually break it down. Routine maintenance will help extend the life of your HVAC unit, but with time, you’ll start to notice issues with it. Going online and searching “AC repair near me” may lead you to some fixes, but some problems are signs that your HVAC unit is at the end of its life.
In this guide, we’ll go over 7 key signs that you need to replace your residential HVAC system in Roseville, CA. Keep reading for more.
1. Your System Is Over 10 Years Old
If you know when your HVAC unit was installed, you’ll have a better idea of when it’s getting too old. The Department of Energy suggests replacing HVAC systems every 10 to 15 years as this is when they tend to break down.
Modern units have Energy Star® ratings and programmable thermostats that make them more efficient. If your system doesn’t include these, it’s likely an old model that uses a lot more energy. Upgrading to a newer unit will help you significantly reduce your energy usage.
A more efficient model will be cheaper to run and will reduce your carbon footprint. You’ll also be less likely to run into problems with it.
2. Repairs Are Costing Too Much
AC repair can help with smaller issues, but it’s not easy to bring an old unit back to its maximum efficiency. With time, parts will fail more frequently, and it will cost you more to fix them. You can usually get an AC repair free estimate, so doing this will give you an idea of how much furnace repair will cost, and you can compare this to the cost of a new unit.
Note that even if it costs more to replace your unit, the newer model will be a lot cheaper to run and maintain. This will help you save more money in the long run.
3. It’s Making Unusual Sounds
All HVAC units make noise, but for models in good condition, it should barely be noticeable. If you find that yours is louder than usual, it’s a clear sign of some kind of issue.
As HVAC units age, there are various noises that they might start to make. If it becomes too loud or starts making a hissing noise, this may indicate that your AC pan is leaking. Leaks will make your unit use more energy and will result in more dust accumulation in your home.
You might also notice a clanking sound. This happens when internal components become worn out or come loose. You may be able to replace such parts, but in some cases, a full replacement is the better choice.
4. Visible Wear and Tear
One of the clearest signs that your HVAC unit is getting too old is its physical appearance. You should indirect it every now and then for signs of wear and tear.
One of the biggest things to look for is rust. This is a key indicator that your air conditioner is leaking, so you want to act on this quickly. You’re likely to see this at the top of the furnace cabinet if the leak is coming from the cooling coil.
A coil leak can cause significant damage over time. If left unattended, it can rot the furnace cabinet, affecting its structural integrity.
Catching a leak or other small issue fast means you might be able to get an AC and heating tune-up to deal with things. The longer it goes on, however, the more likely you are to need a replacement.
5. Your Energy Bills Are Rising
Energy bills may be on the rise, and they’ll naturally change seasonally, but you should keep an eye on them. If you notice them going up more than they should be, it could be because your HVAC system is using more power than usual.
HVAC units become less efficient with time. As such, yours will need to start using more power to produce the same results.
Contacting professional HVAC services for a free furnace estimate will give you an idea of how much a new system will cost. You can then determine if it’s the right time for a replacement based on how much you’ll save on energy bills.
6. The Temperature Won’t Stay Stable
An efficient HVAC system will handle heating and cooling effectively, and be able to maintain a set temperature at all times. Older units become less reliable in this aspect and can struggle with consistency. There are plenty of issues that can cause this such as:
- Clogged filters
- Cracked ducts
- Low fluid levels
- A damaged thermostat
- Motor damage
If your unit struggles with this, it will be less efficient, and your home will become less comfortable. Proper heating and cooling maintenance will help ensure your HVAC unit can produce good results for longer, but sooner or later, you’re bound to face this issue.
7. You Have Poor Indoor Air Quality
This is something that might not be as noticeable, but it can be the biggest problem that an old HVAC unit can cause. If it’s not filtering the air coming into your home properly, you and your family may end up breathing in a lot of contaminants that can be bad for your health.
You should regularly clean your filter to keep it functioning properly and replace it when needed. After some time, replacing the filter won’t be enough and you’ll need a new HVAC unit.
Your Residential HVAC System
If you have a residential HVAC system that’s showing clear signs of aging, you should consider replacing it with a newer model. AC companies can recommend a suitable system based on your home and your needs.
Milano Mechanical provides professional HVAC services throughout the North Bay area. Take a look at our Residential AC Installation page to find out more and request your free quote today.
