It’s Time For An Upgrade
Summer looks like most of it will be spent close to home this year. If you’re going to have the whole family around, there’s no better time to take stock of the state of things that make up your space. One important part of the home that is often overlooked is the HVAC system. There are many benefits to upgrading the ventilation inside your home and many reasons to take that plunge. However, it can be hard to know when your HVAC system needs to be updated unless you know what your HVAC unit is telling you. Here are some tips on how to speak their language, and get a good idea of when your unit may need to be replaced.
The first thing you should consider when looking at replacing your HVAC unit is the age. A typical HVAC system should last an average of 15-20 years. Separately, air conditioning units have been known to last a little less time and can require to be updated every 10 years. Regular maintenance and upkeep ensure these systems will serve your home best. If you have not replaced either unit in 10 years, it is a good idea to get them inspected to ensure they get you through the summer.
The next thing to take into consideration is the cost of your energy bills. Has there been a sudden increase in energy consumption in your home? If you’ve noticed a spike in the price of your bill, but no lifestyle changes, it could be a sign that your unit is not performing as efficiently as it used to. Pay close attention to your energy usage and establish if this is a pattern or a fluke. If you are spending more and there’s no obvious reason, let us know and we can help you diagnose the issue.
Strange noises, knocking, or banging from the unit or humming from a motor and never good signs. There could be many different strange sounds coming from your unit, which means it needs some attention. A strange noise may not require a replacement outright, it should certainly receive some attention from an HVAC technician.
Another good way to know if your HVAC system may need an update is if the system runs for an abnormally long period of time. Units are meant to be efficient and should be able to cool or heat your space in a set amount of time. If the unit has begun running for longer and longer each time that is a good sign that the lifespan of the HVAC unit could be nearing the end.
There are no set or obvious signs you need to update your HVAC unit, aside from complete unit failure. Nobody wants to be stuck in late summer without a properly working air conditioner. This month has lasted a year, yet this year is nearly halfway through. It’s the middle of May, and summer is right around the corner. When is the last time you had a chat with your HVAC system?
