When Is It Time to Replace Your Heating and Air Conditioning System?

Whether it’s cooling off during a summer heatwave or keeping warm during a winter cold snap, your HVAC system keeps your home feeling perfect around the clock. However, that comfort only lasts for so long, with well-maintained AC units typically lasting around 10 to 12 years, while heating systems, such as furnaces, last approximately 15 to 20 years.

As your system ages, its components can begin to malfunction, and its performance worsens. With enough time, these problems become clear, indicating it’s time to upgrade. The experts at LimRic have identified the common signs that indicate it may be time to replace your air conditioning and heating system.

8 Signs Your HVAC System Needs to Be Replaced

In our many years in the HVAC industry, our technicians have seen a wide range of signs that it’s time for a system replacement. The most common signs HVAC systems showcase include: 

Your Heat Pump or Air Conditioner is More Than 10 Years Old

Heat pumps and air conditioners typically last around 10 years or more before needing to be replaced with a more modern unit. Upgrading to the new unit can provide better performance and even reduce your energy costs.

Your Furnace or Boiler is More Than 15 Years Old

While outlasting other systems like ACs, bulky units like furnaces can only provide quality heating for around 15 to 20 years, when well-maintained. Making the switch to a new heater provides your home with high-performance heating that keeps your heating bill low. 

Your System Needs Frequent Repairs & Energy Bills Are Going Up

Frequent repairs and rising energy costs are clear signs that your HVAC system is not functioning correctly. This often indicates that the system is overworking itself to provide your heating and cooling, resulting in poorer performance and an increased risk of malfunctions and possible breakdowns. 

Rooms in Your Home Are Too Hot or Too Cold

Nothing is more infuriating than ideal temperature settings, but some rooms still feel off. This can typically be linked to your system underperforming or issues with the ductwork. 

Your Home Has Humidity Problems

A significant benefit of your heating and cooling system is that it helps control the humidity level. Whether it’s through leaky ductwork or internal malfunction, unbalanced humidity is a clear red flag that your system is not performing at its best.

Excessive Dust in Your Home

If dust accumulates in greater quantities, your HVAC system is likely the culprit. This problem is typically caused by leaky ductwork, which allows dust particles from areas such as basements and attics to enter the system. For some, simply sealing the leaks is enough, but for others, a complete replacement may be required.

Your Heating and Air Conditioning System is Noisy

While ACs and heaters are not entirely silent, excessive operational noise is not a normal occurrence.

A noisy system can be attributed to problems such as malfunctioning internal components, including motors or coils. In other cases, it can be linked to your system not being the proper size for your home, resulting in worse performance and more noise pollution. 

Your System is Emitting Foul Odors

Foul smells coming from your HVAC system are never a good thing. If a musty smell permeates the house, it may be linked to possible mold growth inside your ductwork or in other areas of your HVAC system. 

Depending on the severity of the spread, the solution could be a thorough cleaning or complete replacement. 

Repair or Replace? Let LimRic’s Certified HVAC Technicians Help You Decide

Have you noticed any of these problems lately? You might need a system upgrade. For years, our team of experienced technicians has assisted homeowners with their HVAC concerns and needs.

Working with various types of systems, our team works efficiently to inspect them and determine the best solution. We’ll determine whether simple maintenance or repair service can restore your system, or if a total replacement is a better option.

Whether it’s bad smells or your system is past its prime, we have the solutions you need, along with fast, same-day service. Let our team get to the bottom of your HVAC issues today by calling us or scheduling an appointment online.

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