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Should You Repair or Replace Your HVAC System?

Dec 08, 2021

Your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system plays an essential role in your household or business. Regardless of the season, you need this equipment to keep you comfortable by maintaining the temperature and air quality within your property. Therefore, it’s crucial to maintain your HVAC unit regularly and ensure it’s working at its highest level of efficiency.


If you’ve noticed changes in the quality of your heating or cooling, you might be considering HVAC repairs or a total replacement. Not sure which course of action is the best option? There are a few things to consider, which we’ll cover below.


When to Replace an HVAC System or Repair an HVAC System


Replacing your HVAC equipment can be costly, so it’s important to determine if a replacement is absolutely necessary. As you make your decision, keep the following in mind:


Safety


Your safety should always be your number one concern. If you think your current system poses a potential risk to you, your family, your staff, or visitors, you should contact a trusted HVAC company immediately to assess the situation. Problems like cracks and leaks can indicate significant damage that can quickly become a safety issue.


Lifespan


In general, both your heating and cooling systems will last an average of 20 years. While you shouldn’t base your decision entirely on age, it can be a good indication of whether HVAC repair services will be worth it financially. The last thing you want to do is pay for repairs only to have your system die within the next few months.


Performance


If you notice significant temperature differences throughout your home, your system is likely ineffective. This can impact your carbon footprint and finances, especially when it comes to your furnace. Often, older furnaces will burn more fuel to make up for inefficiencies, which can cause your utility bills to skyrocket.


Efficiency


Depending on the age of your HVAC system, it might not be as energy-efficient as newer models. For example, air conditioners that still use freon are considered outdated and are being phased out for the newer R410A refrigerant. Older systems may also work harder, burning through more fuel and using more power. If you notice higher heating or cooling bills than usual, it could be a sign that your system isn’t meeting efficiency standards anymore.


Breakdown Frequency


It’s normal for your system to need minor repairs throughout its lifetime. This is why performing routine maintenance is so critical. However, if you feel that you are often relying on HVAC technicians to service your system, you’re likely better off with a replacement. A new setup will help you save money on repairs in the long run.


Repair Costs


Much like the frequency of breakdowns, it’s important to determine how much necessary repairs will cost you. As your unit gets older, replacing and installing a new system may be more cost-effective. On the other hand, if your repairs are minor and your equipment is relatively newer, repair services are probably the best option. In general, if a repair will cost half of what a new system would, it’s time to replace it.


Who to Turn to When You Need to Repair or Install an HVAC System


Whether it regulates the temperature in your home or office building, you want your HVAC system to work safely and efficiently. However, when it comes to determining if you should repair or replace your equipment, it’s helpful to turn to a team of trusted, experienced HVAC technicians. These professionals will assess your system, determine the issue, and help you choose the best route to pursue considering the factors above.


At Smith & Company HVAC, we pride ourselves on providing our clients with the best HVAC services possible. Our team is here to help you make the right decisions for your commercial or residential HVAC needs and ensure you can keep your property comfortable all year long. From HVAC installations to commercial HVAC services, inspections, and more, we’re here to assist you with every problem, no matter how big or small.


For more information about our services, contact us today. Or, submit a service request online, and a member of our team will get back to you as soon as possible to schedule an appointment.

10 Oct, 2023
Air conditioning systems are intricate machines that require routine maintenance to keep them running smoothly. A common issue homeowners face is a leaky air conditioner, which occurs for a variety of reasons. Some are easily fixable, but others require an AC repair company. Regardless of the reason for the leakage, it is important to address the issue sooner rather than later to avoid more irreparable damage. The first thing to look out for is frozen evaporator coils. The evaporator coil is a long-finned coil that links the unit to the output point. If the coil is frozen, turn off the unit immediately to avoid system failure. The ice covering the coil will cause the system to work overtime and possibly bottom out. The water leaking is caused by the ice melting after freezing on the coil. The next step will be to call an air conditioning repair company and contract an HVAC professional who can diagnose the cause of the frozen coil and replace it if needed. A clogged air filter likely caused the coil to freeze over. If the coil is not frozen, it is still good practice to turn off the unit to prevent any further water damage caused by the leak. Other reasons for a leaking AC system include: Dirty Coils The coils inside of the air conditioner unit can become dirty without proper cleaning. This layer of grime and dust can cause the normally occurring condensation on the evaporator coil to not flow down the coils and into the drip pan. Since that dirt is impeding the flow of moisture, it is forced to drip on the floor. This is an easy fix and does not require air conditioning services from an HVAC professional. Simply clean the coils on the inside of the unit. Damaged Insulation The insulation around the coils in the interior of the unit might be damaged, resulting in a leak. If the insulation is damaged, the condensation will drip from the coil instead of flowing down the coil as it should. If this is the case, you will need HVAC repair services to fix the damaged insulation or install new insulation. Clogged Trap or Drain Line A clogged drain line or trap is caused by dirt build-up and the lack of routine maintenance of your air conditioning unit. The condensation carried down the coils can bring dirt and debris that then clog the drain line or trap. When the drain line clogs, it doesn't allow for normal draining and creates a drip. This requires a thorough cleaning of the drain line or trap and shouldn’t require an HVAC professional. Detached Drain Line  This issue usually occurs from poor AC unit installation practices. If the drain line that drains the condensation created is not properly connected, it will leak. Although the mess may be big, the fix is easy. You’ll need to call an air conditioning service company to reinstall the drain line. Searching for the “Best HVAC Company Near Me?” Smith & Co Is Here to Answer the Call! Routine maintenance of your air conditioner system is vital to keeping the system running smoothly without leaks. Failure to keep the unit clean will cause dirt build-up, requiring the system to work overtime to keep the air cool. This creates wear and tear on the unit, and you might have to repair the system more often or even replace the system altogether. At Smith & Company HVAC, we understand that AC unit leaks can be frustrating. Don’t hesitate to reach out and have an experienced HVAC professional fix any leak issues.
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