The upcoming winter can be a burdensome load for your home’s heating system. Is yours up to the task?

For a homeowner who doesn’t happen to work in our industry, it can be hard to tell if their system is running efficiently — or headed for an inopportune breakdown. Our customers constantly ask us: “Should I repair,or replace?”

First, two things to keep in mind:

  • Replacing your system with the newest and most energy-efficient equipment will always save you money each and every month going forward…but then again regularly maintaining your existing system is far less expensive right now and will at least keep your equipment running as cost-efficiently as it can be. However, as your system ages more breakdowns and degradation in performance will be inevitable.
  • How long do you plan to be in your home? If you’re thinking of selling in the near future, having the HVAC system serviced may be the smartest option. Exception: if your system is 20+ years old or shows obvious signs of wear and creaks and leaks, it may hurt your chances of selling your home at the price you want. We have been asked to replace old systems simply because the property is about go on the real estate market.

So which is the best decision?

Here are some guidelines to help decide which option is the smarter choice for your home.

Replace

  • Your heat pump or condenser is more than 10 years old. Replacing units at this age with an Energy Star-rated high-efficiency model can save up to 20% on heating & cooling costs.
  • Your furnace or boiler is more than 15 years old. Remember to consider your whole system (heating and cooling) when replacing one or the other. A chain is only as strong as its weakest link.
  • You’re experiencing frequent repairs along with escalating energy bills. Those repairs add up and so does the increase in energy usage due to a system operating at less than optimal efficiency.

Repair

  • Some rooms in your house feel too hot or cold. This kind of inconsistency may be caused by simple things such as improper air balancing, duct problems, or weak insulation. One of our home energy technicians will be able to tell.
  • You are having issues with humidity or dryness. Have you found windows sweating and doors sticking in the summer heat? This could mean leaky ductwork which can be easily repaired. Also consider adding a dehumidifier to your existing system.
  • Your heating and/or cooling system runs noisily. This can be the result of undersized ductwork, a problem with the indoor coil, or improper air balancing. The constant rumbling or whistling sounds can be quite annoying, but thankfully it is often an easy fix.

Still not sure which option makes the most sense for your home? Call us today at 1-800-CENTRAL and speak to one of our home comfort experts. We’re always happy to answer any questions you might have.