When you keep up with professional maintenance, your HVAC system will last for many years. However, it will eventually need to be replaced just like any other appliance in your home.
If your system is getting old or repair costs are quickly adding up, our guide can help you determine whether you should repair or replace your HVAC system. If you’re not sure what’s best in your situation or want a second opinion, the honest professionals at AC Mechanical can help. Just give us a call at 307-778-0515 and we’ll be happy to assist you.
In the meantime, let’s review some of these tips so you can make the best decision for your home and budget.
Should I Repair or Replace My Furnace?
Here are five points to consider when you’re thinking about repairing or replacing your furnace.
1. Age
Depending on use and maintenance, most gas furnaces last around 15–20 years. While some can last longer than this, we recommend planning for replacement once yours hits this age range.
2. Repair Costs
Furnaces are complex machines, so repairing them can be expensive. The average furnace repair bill is around $300, according to national data compiled by HomeAdvisor. If a major part like the heat exchanger or condenser coil fails, it’s often better to get a new furnace.
If you’re calling us frequently for furnace repair, it might be best to start thinking about getting a new one. We recommend furnace replacement once repairs reach about half the cost of a new one. The average cost to replace a furnace is around $4,400, according to HomeAdvisor. However, it’s important to note your cost may vary due to the furnace model you choose.
3. Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless and tasteless gas that can be fatal in large concentrations. This byproduct is created when your furnace converts gas into heat. This gas is safely vented outdoors, but when your furnace isn’t working properly, it can build up in your home.
If your furnace has carbon monoxide problems, we recommend replacing it. This will help keep you and your family safe.
Installing carbon monoxide detectors in your home is the best defense against this toxic gas. You should also be on the lookout for signs of carbon monoxide buildup in your home, which may include:
- Flu-like symptoms, like nausea or headaches, that get better when you leave home.
- Burner flames are yellow, instead of blue.
- Windows and walls are wet.
- Sooty streaks appearing near the furnace.
- Pipes near the furnace are rusty.
4. Comfort and Energy Efficiency
Furnaces lose efficiency over time, which affects your home’s comfort and your energy bill. If you’re constantly having to turn up the heat to stay comfortable or notice your heating bill going up despite thermostat settings staying the same, we recommend having a professional like one from AC Mechanical check your furnace. Having your furnace tuned up could help, but it may just be best to replace it if it’s struggling to efficiently warm your home.
5. Staying at or Selling Your Home
Whether you plan to stay in your home for a long time or sell it soon, replacing your furnace can be a win. Over the years, the savings from a more energy-efficient furnace may help it pay for itself. Your home will stay cozier at a lower temperature, which will help keep heating bills low.
New furnaces are also compatible with the latest smart home technology, like smart thermostats, which automatically adjust temperatures based on your preferences and schedule to help you save even more.
A new furnace is attractive to potential buyers if you’re planning to sell your home soon. It may also help increase resale value. An older system, particularly one that needs repairs or replacement soon, can be a turnoff.
Should I Repair or Replace My AC?
Here are five points to think over when you’re considering repairing or replacing your air conditioner.
1. Age
Air conditioners have a similar life span as furnaces, about 15–20 years. Proper maintenance might help yours last longer, but we advise thinking about replacement once yours is around this age.
2. Repair Costs
Fixing an air conditioner can be expensive because it requires a lot of expertise. The average air conditioning repair bill is around $370, according to national data compiled by HomeAdvisor. If a major component like the compressor or evaporator coil goes out, it’s best to get a new one. The average cost to replace an air conditioner is around $5,750, according to HomeAdvisor. However, it’s important to note that your cost may vary due to the air conditioning model you choose.
3. Refrigerant Type
Older air conditioners use R22 refrigerant, also called Freon, to transfer heat. This refrigerant is typically used in systems that are from 2010 and older. You can find out if yours uses it by checking the plate on the outdoor unit.
Production of R22 has been banned due to its harmful effects on the ozone layer. If your air conditioner has a refrigerant leak, you’ll have to rely on recycled refrigerant, which could get expensive as quantities become scarce.
Newer air conditioners use R410a, or Puron, refrigerant, which is better for the environment. It’s important to note that these two refrigerants aren’t interchangeable, so it may be best to replace your R22 air conditioner if it has a major leak.
4. Comfort and Energy Efficiency
Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it ages, which can impact your comfort as well as your cooling bill. If you’re having to turn the air down to stay cool or notice your electrical bill going up despite the thermostat being the same, call AC Mechanical to check your system. Having your air conditioner tuned up might help, but it’s often best to replace it if it’s struggling to keep you comfortable.
5. Staying at or Selling Your Home
Whether you plan to stay in your home for a long time or sell it soon, getting a new air conditioner is a good choice. Over its life span, energy savings could help your air conditioner pay for itself. Your home will be more pleasant at a higher temperature, which will help keep cooling bills down.
A new air conditioner is compatible with a smart thermostat, which takes the guesswork out of energy-efficient cooling. Learning types automatically adjust temperatures based on your preferences and schedule, helping you spend less on energy bills.
If you’re planning to sell your home soon, a new air conditioner is attractive to potential buyers. It could also help increase your home’s value. You could lose a sale if your air conditioner is older or needs repairs.
Whether you need to repair or replace your system, the professionals at AC Mechanical can help. Between our A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and our 100% satisfaction guarantee, there’s a reason why we’re considered one of the top heating and cooling companies in Cheyenne. Give us a call at 307-778-0515 to schedule your appointment today!
