Should I Repair Or Replace My HVAC System?

Replacing your air conditioner or furnace is a decision we do not take lightly; here are our thoughts.  This used to be a tough question that’s getting easier since the phase out of the refrigerant R-22. Used by older units, this refrigerant currently costs $750 for 30lbs. In many cases, this alone drives the decision to replace. But besides this, what should you know?

You can expect most HVAC equipment to last about 12-15 years. Some will last longer, but some units do not make it to the 10-year mark. As a rule of thumb, a furnace will typically last longer than an AC unit. A lot of evaporator coils do not make it past 5 years. In the past, evaporator coils were an industry wide problem due to many factors. However, better manufacturing processes and coils now being made completely out of aluminum, we are getting better longevity and stronger warranties.

Although, we have repaired units and replaced evaporator coils less than 10 years old, as the unit approaches the 15-year mark, it’s time to give serious thought to the question, “Should I repair or replace my unit?” There comes a point where it becomes too costly to repair and more cost efficient to replace the unit. Every few years, there are parts that fail on a furnace or AC unit that fall under the ‘normal wear and tear’ category; these repairs usually run a couple hundred dollars. But as the system ages, big ticket items like refrigerant leaks and motor failures are causes for the customer to make the decision to replace. All new equipment has a manufacturer’s parts warranty of 10 years, and some have a lifetime on the compressor and the heat exchanger.

Additionally, it is important to realize that the original system on most homes is a builder grade uni. That means, it met the absolute minimum requirements and was the lowest cost. The biggest gain a homeowner will receive from replacing their equipment is a noticeable decrease in noise, electricity, and natural gas consumption. And you will get longer warranties. Furnaces and air conditioners are like new cars, able to do more with less.

Get the peace of mind of knowing you made the right decision on your HVAC system. Contact NASCAIR to receive the most reliable, thorough, HVAC assessment in the Charlotte and Fort Mill areas. Call us at (803) 802-8884 or email us at contact@nascair.com, we look forward to hearing from you!