You’ve been noticing erratic cooling throughout various rooms of your house, or perhaps your HVAC system is making a bit of extra noise recently, signaling that it’s laboring harder than usual? Whatever symptoms your unit is showing, is it time for an HVAC replacement? Our FAQs blog post today describes several of the top questions customers ask about replacing their older HVAC systems. So, get your questions answered and supply yourself with the know-how when shopping for a new unit.
First, what is HVAC?
HVAC stands for heating, ventilation and air conditioning. When using the term HVAC, the complete heating and cooling system is normally referred to, which includes indoor and outdoor units, air filters, duct work, registers and controls.
What are the usual signs that point to HVAC replacement?
Repairs for your air conditioner, heat pump and furnace are typical but when you begin to contact a technician for too many repairs and your energy bills begin to climb sharply, it’s time to think about total replacement. Also, if the system is blowing zero cool air, or there are uneven temperature fluctuations or reduced air distribution, it may also be time. Moreover, if your HVAC unit is struggling and it’s more than 15 years old, we advise looking for a new unit.
Should I replace all of my HVAC equipment at the same time?
Yes. You want to make sure that all the various parts of your system properly work as one. Replacing just the outdoor unit or the indoor unit of an HVAC system may, at first, appear to save money, but it could very well lead to service problems down the road.
A mismatched system may not produce the energy efficiency or functioning that you anticipate. If an outmoded piece of the system, such as an outdoor unit of a heat pump or ductwork, is replaced, it’s essential that the new part is compatible with the existing system. Putting in a new high-efficiency heat pump, for example, but keeping the old ductwork could impact performance. The ductwork could be leaking or insufficient and may not even be correctly sized for your new heat pump.
Ask our professionals at AC&R Services to thoroughly inspect your system to identify any problems.
How long do HVAC systems last?
The life of your HVAC system hinges on the type and its usage over time. There are plenty of things you’ll detect when your HVAC system needs replacement. As mentioned, you may experience irregular heating or a sudden boost in your utility bill.
Even if you don’t take note of any symptoms of failure, your system may still benefit from replacement if it’s speedy to the end of its lifespan. As we said, all HVAC systems have unpredictable lifespans but, as a rule, if yours is over 15 years old, it may be time to think about upgrading to avoid future problems and save money now.
What type of HVAC system should I get?
The energy requirements, your amount of space, the environment and your specific heating and cooling needs are taken into consideration when deciding which type of HVAC unit to install. When you call an HVAC professional, they can come to your place and perform an assessment to determine which kind of unit will work best for your situation. They’ll analyze all the details of your specific situation then help come up with an effective solution. At AC&R Services, we’ve replaced hundreds of HVAC systems over the years, so we’ll have some answers for you.
What size HVAC unit is best for my needs?
As with the type of the system just mentioned, the space that you are cooling and/or heating governs the size of the HVAC unit you’ll need. In basic terms, the more space that needs to be heated and cooled, the larger the unit you need to install. Talk to one of our experts to learn more about what is best for your space.
What thermostat do you recommend?
The correct thermostat can help you save on energy costs year ‘round. Programmable thermostats let you adjust a schedule that changes depending on the day of the week, to cut energy waste, for example, while you’re out of the house.
Many current HVAC units include cutting-edge, smart thermostats that allow you to deal with your heating and cooling needs remotely with an app. They can also produce energy usage reports to help you be familiar with your energy consumption. Some thermostats work better with certain styles of HVAC systems than others, so check with an AC&R Services’ professional to better understand which choices will work with your specific system.
If my HVAC system is working, should I replace it?
You need only replace an HVAC system if it is in your best interest. Talk with an HVAC professional if your unit is older than 15 years as you may still be able to save money by installing a new energy-efficient unit. True, a new unit is most likely a big investment, but you may well save up to 50 percent on your energy costs and that can amount to significant savings.
Can I install my new HVAC system myself?
If you possess complete knowledge of codes and HVAC installation procedures, you could attempt to replace it yourself. However, even if you have the know-how to install the equipment, you won’t be getting the system at the same price as a contractor, boosting your upfront costs. To save the aggravation and money and to make sure that the installation is up to code, we advise always using an authorized HVAC contractor.
How often do I have maintenance performed on my HVAC system?
You should have your HVAC system inspected twice a year, before the cooling and heating seasons. Feel free to contact the professionals at AC&R Services at any time. We’ll have a technician ready to help.
How much will a new HVAC unit cost me?
This, again, is contingent on the size and type of HVAC system your space demands. For an evaluation and a quote that is unique to your space, give the experts at AC&R Services a call. We understand this can seem like a lot to consider and that’s why we will be with you every step of the way. If you have any questions or concerns, we are more than happy to help.
If you need HVAC replacement, look no further than the professionals at AC&R Services. We provide expert heating and cooling services to Northeast Pennsylvania including Luzerne, Columbia, Montour, Carbon, Schuylkill, and Lackawanna counties.