Should I Repair or Replace My Home HVAC System? (Part 2)

Posted: February 28, 2018

In part one of this two part post, we discussed some of the most important questions you should ask as you weigh repairing vs. replacing your HVAC system.

Here in part two, we’ll add a few more – along with some final thoughts and repair / replace guidelines.

How does my home set up affect my options? Will your current ductwork support the AC or furnace you have in mind? Do you have enough outdoor space to fit a larger compressor for an up-sized cooling system? The limitations of your current system and house come into play as you start to consider HVAC changes. Here you have to weigh the “all-in” cost of an upgrade – better performance and efficiency vs. the cost of some potential home improvements, for example.
What is the correct size for my home systems? A mismatch between system size and your home’s heating or cooling load means you’ll pay more every month for a system that also underperforms. An Ill-fitting heating and cooling system is also more likely to break down, or to create other issues such as mold resulting from excessive condensation build up. If you have recently done a home addition without also upgrading your HVAC system, it might be worth it to replace your unit rather than repairing it, since the problem may be a recurring overuse issue.
Is my current system safe? A 10-year-old system carries a much higher risk of having safety issues than a new system. Older heat exchangers can crack or rust, for example, causing carbon monoxide leaks in your home.

The bottom line

As you can see, when weighing the pros and cons of repairing vs. replacing your HVAC equipment, there are often significant advantages to the latter.

So is repair ever a viable option? Yes, if:

Your system is less than 5 years old
You’re planning to move
You know that incentive options (a federal or state utility rebate program, for example) are planned but have not yet arrived
You simply can’t afford a new system

A good rule of thumb? If a repair costs more than half the cost of a replacement, make the upgrade.

If you’re considering new furnace or new air conditioning options for home – or need help choosing whether to repair or replace your current systems – our expert technicians and sales staff are always here to help. Contact us today to learn more or get a FREE estimate on an upgrade for your home heating and AC systems!