Like all appliances, heaters and air conditioners only last so long before normal wear and tear start to take their toll. If your current equipment is running into significant issues, you may need to decide whether to repair or replace your HVAC system. Because HVAC equipment requires ongoing maintenance and upkeep, this choice is more complex than a simple price evaluation. By taking the up-front and long-term costs down the road, you can make an informed decision about the future of your home’s heating and cooling equipment.
Immediate Costs
When deciding whether to repair or replace your HVAC system, you will first need to take into account the up-front cost of each option. Depending on the nature of the problem, repairs to your current equipment could be relatively cheap or very expensive. Get a full estimate from your authorized dealer and compare it to the cost of a new system to make the right decision.
Although the effective lifespan varies somewhat between makes and models and depends on ongoing maintenance, most HVAC devices are designed to last about 10 years before needing replacement. Thus, if your existing equipment is almost a decade old, having it fixed serves little purpose; it will just need to be replaced soon anyway. Devices purchased within the last two years, on the other hand, should generally be repaired unless the issue is especially severe. If your equipment is around the middle of its useful lifespan, weigh the cost of repairs against the cost of replacement accordingly. As a rule, if the repairs will cost more than half as much as a new machine, you should opt for replacement.
In addition to the age of your HVAC device, consider the number and nature of any previous repairs. If your air conditioner has had few issues in the past, it will likely continue to run well after being fixed. If you have had to invest in multiple repairs already, it may be time to just start over with a brand-new machine.
Saving Money on Power and Fuel
Of course, the up-front cost of fixing or replacing your current HVAC devices is just one part of your decision. New equipment tends to use power or fuel more efficiently than older machines, and in time, those monthly utility savings can offset the cost of replacement. For instance, installing a new machine that projects to save you $25 monthly may cost $600 more than repairing your existing machine. The new device will offset that cost over the course of two years.
Because there are many factors to take into account, deciding whether to repair or replace your HVAC system can be difficult. At Griffith Energy Services, we are committed to helping Baltimore, MD residents make the best choices to keep their homes and families comfortable at an affordable price. If your HVAC equipment needs to be fixed or replaced, just give us a call.
Written by Kevin Spain
