HVAC Repair Versus Replacement

Making repairs can make perfect sense depending on the cost of the repairs and the age of the equipment. Routine maintenance is vital to ensuring your HVAC system lasts as long as possible and delivers the highest efficiency along the way. However, due to other factors such as quality of installation, location, environment and temperature variations, all systems will eventually begin to fail to cool or heat your home properly.

Age is typically the primary factor when considering repair verses replacement. Most systems are designed to operate for around 20 years, however the EPA and Department of Energy recommend systems older than 10 years be replaced due to industry efficiency gains made in recent years. Systems older than 10 years may still operate for many more years, but will lose efficiency over time costing you more money than you may realize. If your system is less than 10 years old, incidental repairs may make the most financial sense.

For older systems (those approaching 20 years), we recommend the 50% rule. If the cost of repairs to keep your system up and running outside of scheduled maintenance is less than half the cost of replacement, then repair may be easier to budget. Residential Maintenance Plans may help prolong the life of your older system and make immediate replacement unnecessary.

Also, if you’re considering moving soon and your system is still functioning, talk to your real estate professional on the best course of action depending on your particular housing market.

If your HVAC system is aging out or is presenting repeated or chronic issues, it may be time to consider replacement. Also, drastic outside temperature variations will stress out older systems to the point where they cannot cool or heat sufficiently. Repairs in these situations add up over time and could be better spent when applied to a new HVAC system.

Those systems older than 10 years are likely to be less efficient and money could be saved by updating to a newer and more efficient system. SEER ratings have increased considerably in the last 20 years, however replacement costs have remained steady. This means you can purchase a higher SEER rated system for around the same cost of a less efficient system years ago. The sooner you replace, the sooner you can enjoy lower cooling/heating costs and more comfort inside your home.

There may also be federal tax incentives available in your area for installing a minimum SEER rated system. Check with your local utility company before buying or ask your Boyd Service professional.

Every new HVAC system Boyd Service Company installs comes with standard manufacturer’s warranty, typically a limited 10 years. This helps protect your new equipment against unforeseen repairs that are needed. We also provide extended warranties to better protect your budget against parts and labor should the need ever arise. Warranties are great but they’re only as good as the professionals that install the equipment. Pair Boyd Service Company and a top brand you can trust and you’ll have a winning combination that will provide the comfort you need for many years.

If you need more help determining to either repair or replace your HVAC system, we’d love to help. Call or contact us online today and we’ll send out a Boyd Service Company professional to inspect your system and provide the best information on whether repairing or replacing your existing system is the right choice for you.