Homeowners dread the moment they must replace their HVAC systems. You rely on your HVAC to provide constant comfort throughout the year, so having your daily routine disrupted by an air conditioning system that fails to provide cool or warm air can be stressful.
Sometimes, the best way to prevent this from occurring in the first place is by replacing your HVAC system before it has a chance to break down for good and leave you scrambling. But when is the best time to replace an HVAC through Hudsonville’s HVAC contractor?
Consider Replacing Your AC During an Off Season
Most professionals believe the best time to replace an HVAC system is during an off season, such as fall and spring. Your HVAC is more likely to break down during the summer and winter due to more extreme weather conditions and increased demand on your system. This means late November to late February and late May to early September are prime seasons for HVAC repairs and replacements.
If your air conditioner fails during these times of the year, you might face grueling seasonal temperatures for longer as local contractors negotiate more calls and potential product shortages. This means you may turn to a less reliable company and receive a replacement that doesn’t suit your home or needs. Some contractors might also charge you more for scheduling services during a busier time of the year.
Replacing an HVAC during the spring or fall increases your chances of receiving an immediate response while getting a system that works best for your living situation at an agreeable rate. And since the weather is also milder during these months, any downtime during the replacement and installation process will be far more bearable than in the middle of a brutal summer or on a frigid winter day.
How To Tell If Your HVAC Needs Replacing
However, timing your HVAC replacement goes beyond sticking to a specific time of year. Some ACs will exhibit telltale symptoms of reaching the end of their lifespan.
You Have an Aging System
If your air conditioner is over a decade old, you’ll want to consider replacing it. Although some units can last 15 years, they’re usually the exception to the rule. Check your outdoor unit for its manufacturing date, or contact the contractor who installed your HVAC to determine how old it is and whether a new unit is in your future.
System Performance Is on the Decline
When you have an air conditioning system with high efficiency, it cools and warms your home with seemingly minimal effort, providing you with a comfortable living environment around the clock.
On the other hand, a failing HVAC system often struggles to keep up with ongoing demand, especially if not properly maintained. You might notice warm spots in specific areas throughout your house or that your AC doesn’t maintain the temperature you set on the thermostat. Other telling symptoms of deteriorating system performance include:
- Higher humidity than normal
- Unusual sounds like banging, rattling, or clanging
- Foul or moldy odors
- Large amounts of dust in the house
- Repeatedly cycling on and off
These signs typically point to an inefficient or malfunctioning system, which a professional technician should inspect immediately.
Repairs Are Adding Up
No AC system is flawless; even top-of-the-line models will likely need service or repairs over time. However, if your HVAC is giving you more grief than usual and has you regularly calling your local contractor for repairs, it might be time to shop around for a replacement.
The occasional air conditioner repair can be enough of a financial setback in and of itself. But when HVAC issues become frequent, they can quickly eat away at funds best put toward a new, more reliable HVAC system.
Your Energy Usage and Utility Bills Are on the Rise
Has a recent energy bill taken you by surprise? Your HVAC may very well be the culprit. The limited lifespan of an AC is largely due to ongoing wear and tear through a combination of factors, including storm damage, corrosion, and climate conditions. There might also be clogs in the air filter and obstructions in the ductwork or evaporator coils, which strain your system’s operations, forcing it to work harder and use more energy to produce the same results.
When this happens, it typically translates into a higher energy bill. The best way to mitigate this situation is by calling your local professional to conduct a thorough inspection and cleaning, then advise you on the best path forward.
Your System Is Using Outdated Refrigerant
When you install a new HVAC, you reap the benefits of more advanced technology in the components and materials used to power the system. This includes the refrigerant that all air conditioners rely on to convert from liquid to gas and back again so that you can receive the heating and cooling capabilities you need at a moment’s notice.
If your HVAC has a pre-2020 manufacturer’s date, it likely uses the R-22 refrigerant, which the EPA has since banned. This means any refrigerant-based services your system might need will be difficult or expensive to perform since R-22 is no longer in production. More recent units utilize R-401A, which should be more futureproof than its outdated predecessor.
Choose Reliable Heating & Cooling for Your HVAC Needs Today
The best time to replace an HVAC will vary depending on your setup and situation. And while there’s never a suitable time for your HVAC to break down for good, Reliable Heating & Cooling can quickly and effectively replace your system with our trusted professional team.
As a family-owned and fully equipped company, we take pride in offering a broad range of services, including AC installation, water heater maintenance, and thermostat repairs. We combine high-quality products with strong workmanship to produce fast results at an affordable rate.
Call us today at (616) 201-3513 to schedule an appointment and learn why we’re Hudsonville’s most trusted HVAC team.
