Is it time for an HVAC replacement in Reston? Unless you’re an experienced HVAC professional, you probably can’t tell when it’s time to replace your HVAC system. You might be experiencing high bills and frequent repairs or just be days away from a system breakdown. In any case, you should be on the lookout for these red flags. If you notice any of the signs below, call and ask for an expert opinion from your trusted HVAC professional.
High Utility Bills
People are often quick to write off high utility bills. They might assume that their spouse cranked up the heat or that they went through more laundry than usual. However, it’s important to take a high utility bill seriously. There could be a reason for your spike in energy usage, and that reason could be an old HVAC system.
As an HVAC system ages, it becomes less and less inefficient. No matter how well you care for your HVAC, you can’t count on it lasting forever. The day will come when it’s no longer able to use minimal power to heat or call your home, and that’s the day you should call for a replacement. If there’s no easy explanation for your high utility bills, call an HVAC technician.
There’s a chance that maintenance could improve your system’s efficiency. However, after a certain age, an HVAC won’t get the job done well. And because HVAC systems account for about 40% of a home’s energy use, the inefficiency will significantly impact your energy bill. In other words, you’ll know when your HVAC is inefficient.
Uneven Cooling or Heating
If you’re starting to notice that one room is much warmer or colder than another one, you should be on alert. Your HVAC system could be telling you that it’s time to get a replacement. The problem could be an oversized system, which results in short cycling. The short cycling results in high humidity, and also adds stress to your HVAC system. Even if you have a newer HVAC, you might need to replace it with a smaller one.
The uneven heating or cooling could also be a result of leaking or poorly designed ductwork. Once again, the only way to determine the cause is to speak with a heating and cooling professional. They may be able to repair leaky ducts, or they might suggest a complete replacement.
Your HVAC is Always On
As much as you might enjoy the steady hum of your HVAC, you shouldn’t let it run in the background. Sure, your system should turn on several times a day. But it shouldn’t always be on. If your HVAC is always running, it could be towards the end of its lifespan. The system might be too old to keep your home at a comfortable temperature. As it constantly runs, the HVAC will increase your energy bills and also cause more wear and tear.
Rather than allow your HVAC to run constantly, find out the issue. Talk to an HVAC technician and have them determine whether the problem is the age of the system or something else. A replacement may be your best option.
You Have an Old System
If you wait for your system to fail and then replace it, you face several challenges. For one, you need to scramble to find someone to repair your system or install a new one. As you rush to get your heating and cooling restored, you need to live in discomfort. You might also make a rash decision that results in future problems.
You can save yourself from a headache by replacing an old system before it’s too late. If your HVAC is between 15 and 20 years of age, you might want to replace it. It’s rare for an HVAC to work well beyond 20 years of use. Furthermore, once an HVAC becomes that old it won’t be efficient. You should start shopping around for a new HVAC and a great company to install it.
Repairs are Frequent
Are you on a first-name basis with your HVAC technician? If you find yourself calling for an HVAC repair every few months, you might need to replace the system. Even small repairs add up in cost and will eventually leave you with a drained bank account. If you replace your system, you can enjoy only scheduling maintenance calls for a few years.
The same is true of very expensive repairs. If you get a quote for a $2,500 repair, you may be better off replacing the system than repairing it. You should consider the age of your system, the extent of the repair, and your current energy bills. If all the signs point to an old, outdated system, you should replace it with a new one.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When Should I Replace My HVAC?
It can be difficult to know when it’s time to give up on your old HVAC system and buy a new one. After all, a new HVAC system is a major investment. It can be difficult to decide to pull the trigger on such a big purchase. Nevertheless, you might need HVAC replacement services to save yourself from needing routine HVAC repair in Reston. If you notice any of the signs above, you should call a professional for an opinion.
2. How Do You Know When Your HVAC is Going Bad?
You might be able to find signs of trouble before your system is in disrepair. If you call for HVAC maintenance in Reston and your HVAC still doesn’t work the way it should, you need a replacement. Common signs of trouble include uneven cooling, strange noises, and high energy bills. A company that handles air duct replacement services and HVAC installation can inspect your system before you’re left with no way to heat or cool your home.
Call us for HVAC Replacement
Whether you need advice or an HVAC replacement, you can count on us at Cardinal. Reach out to our Reston team and learn more about our services, or schedule your appointment today.