Do you even know when your heating, ventilation and air conditioning system was installed? According to the Department of Energy, air conditioning systems need to be replaced every 10-15 years. While they are durable, the main components of any HVAC system will begin to deteriorate after about 10 years (it obviously depends on how often they are used and how well maintained they are). Systems that are more than 10 years old also use a type of freon (R-2) that is not only out of date, but is also extremely harmful to the environment. When you install a newer unit, not only will it reduce your energy bills, but it will also help reduce your carbon footprint on the environment.
Many times, as an air conditioning unit ages, you'll have to pay for frequent system repairs and eventually replace some of the major components. When that starts to happen, it's time to see if replacing the parts will actually save you money in the long run. If repair costs are more than half the cost of a new system, then it's time to “leave the old and go in with the new.” Buying a new system will be a wise investment, saving you money in the long term and reducing your immediate energy costs. According to Energy Star, a heat pump or air conditioner should be replaced if they are more than 10 years old.
If you have a system that's a decade old, there's a good chance you're not using an energy-efficient unit. While heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems are generally durable, some components will begin to deteriorate after 10 years, leading to inefficiency. Most air conditioning units seem to last about 20 years with proper maintenance. If your unit is reaching that age, or if it's even older, it might be time to consider replacing it.
If something breaks in your old HVAC system, your home warranty may cover the repair or replacement of your home. A home warranty can be useful, especially if the broken part turns out to be expensive. For example, if your home's air compressor needs to be replaced and the unit is 10 years old or older, you're already considering parts and labor costs that could equal or exceed the costs of replacing your air conditioning unit completely without a home warranty. Before replacing your old system, consider calling a company that offers HVAC services for maintenance and repairs.
If the costs of repairing and maintaining HVAC are greater than the cost of a new unit, it actually saves money simply replacing it. When you spend money repairing an old HVAC unit that's really starting to show its age, you're wasting money instead of making a good investment. Remember that you don't have to bear just the costs of repairing or replacing components in your heating, ventilation and air conditioning system.
