HVAC systems are expensive, so no one looks forward to having to replace them. When something goes wrong, you may be tempted to just keep repairing the system piece by piece, rather than replacing everything at once. But if you’re debating the issue of repair vs. replace, ask yourself the following questions before you decide.
1. Is the system breaking down frequently?
In our climate, you may not use your A/C all that often, so you’re resigned to repairing it when it breaks down. With your furnace, that may not be an option. You don’t want it to break down in the middle of a blizzard, so if it’s more than 15 years old or you’re having to repair it often, it might be time to replace it.
2. Are you replacing an entire side of the HVAC system?
Often, when you replace an old furnace or air conditioner with new technology, it may be better to replace the entire HVAC system. For instance, if you’re faced with replacing the outdoor condenser, it’s probably best to also replace the inside evaporator and air handler, as the system won’t cool efficiently with mismatched equipment. You may also need to replace the furnace if it doesn’t mesh with a new air handler.
There’s also the matter of Freon. It’s being phased out and new equipment is designed to use another type of refrigerant. If your old A/C uses Freon and you’re faced with replacing the outdoor condenser or the indoor evaporator, both sides will have to use the same type of refrigerant.
3. Is your energy use going up?
If your energy bills just keep going up, no matter what repairs you have done, it could be a sign that your HVAC system is sized wrong for your home. Reputable HVAC consultants have the expertise to accurately determine the right equipment size. An investment in new, efficient equipment may pay off in energy savings over the years.
To discuss what to do when faced with repair vs. replace, contact Arpi’s Industries Ltd. We’ve served Calgary homeowners for more than 50 years.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Calgary, Alberta about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about whether to repair vs. replace your system and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Guide.
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