Should I Repair or Replace My HVAC Unit?

Have you noticed this summer that your HVAC unit is not cooling your home as well as it used to? Or maybe your HVAC stopped working altogether right when you need it most: during the summer heatwave! You might be asking yourself: should I repair or replace my HVAC unit?

When your home comfort is at stake, it can be hard to know how to make the right call. Our NATE-certified technicians at On Time Home Services have completed enough HVAC repairs and replacements to know when your unit can be salvaged – and when it is time to say goodbye. Here is our guide to answering the question “Should I repair or replace my HVAC unit?”

Factors to Consider

When making a long-term decision about your HVAC unit that affects your budget and your home comfort, it is important to consider several different important factors.

Age of HVAC Unit

One of the most important factors in determining what to do about your HVAC is its age. Most HVAC units last 10-15 years, but some can last up to 20 years with regular maintenance. If your unit is over 15 years old, a replacement is probably a much better investment.

Frequency of Repairs

Regardless of the age of your unit, you should factor in the number of repairs it has needed and the money you have already spent on it. If your HVAC seems to encounter problems regularly or is not operating efficiently, a simple fix might be scheduling routine maintenance annually. Tune-ups can greatly improve the efficiency of your unit and lengthen its lifespan. If your unit is 10+ years old and needs frequent repairs, it might be time to invest in a new one.

Energy Efficiency

If you have noticed your electrical bills spiking as your unit struggles to cool your home, it might be more than just the summer heat contributing to the problem. As your unit ages, it can become less energy efficient. This is especially true if it has been a while since your HVAC has seen a tune-up. Newer units are often more optimized for energy efficiency than ever before, especially when they are paired with the right thermostat. If your unit is costing you money on your electrical bills, an upgrade might be in order.

Warranty

Before you repair or replace your HVAC, find out if it is still under warranty from the manufacturer. This can make a huge impact on your decision since appliances covered by warranty will not affect your budget.

Cost & Budget

Last but certainly not least, think about the cost of repairs vs. replacement and your budget now and in the future. If a replacement is too expensive for your current financial situation, repairs might be a better call. However, if your unit is old enough that it could need repeat repairs over the next several years, replacing it might be a better financial decision in the long run. Many HVAC service companies offer financing options, making a brand new replacement unit a possibility for anyone.