HVAC units are a costly expense, but there are times when upgrading makes all the sense in the world. Have you noticed that your home isn’t heating the way that it used to? Do you hear odd noises when the system is running? There are many different signs that you need to upgrade your HVAC system, and Cates Heating and Cooling is here to break down some of the signs that you are due for an upgrade.
1. Your Energy Bill is Rising
Nobody wants to pay more on their energy bills, but if you start to notice that your bills are constantly rising, it is a good indicator that something is up with your HVAC system. While in some cases, rising bills could be due to increased fuel prices, it could also be a problem with your heating and cooling system.
HVAC systems that are more than 10 or 15 years old aren’t going to be as efficient as new systems. Older units weren’t made to the standards that modern HVAC units follow.
2. Your System is Making Unusual Noises
Rattling or banging noises are not normal, and these noises usually pop up when parts are loose or the unit is wearing out. When odd noises start becoming loud and frequent, you could be in for trouble. At this point, it is a good idea to talk to a professional about whether your unit is a good candidate for repairs or if a replacement is a more sound option.
3. Your Circuit Breaker Keeps Tripping
A single tripping of the circuit breaker isn’t a cause for concern, but if you are constantly battling the circuit breaker, you might have some trouble with your HVAC system. Repeated tripping of the circuit breaker is a telltale sign that you need to a new HVAC unit. While you could start with repairs, it is highly likely that the pairs will be a short-term fix for a long-term problem.
4. The Temperature in Your Home is Uneven or Inconsistent
Are you feeling too hot or too cold even though your system is running? This is a sign that your HVAC system isn’t doing its job properly. In some cases, small repairs may be the solution to the problem. In other cases, like when the unit is old or constantly getting repaired and still isn’t working properly, it might be time to start looking for a new HVAC system.
Uneven heating and cooling could also be a sign that your HVAC unit is too large or small for your home. When an HVAC system is improperly sized, the lifespan of the unit is much shorter than normal. If this is the case, you might need to replace your HVAC unit sooner rather than later.
5. Your HVAC Unit Constantly Needs To Be Repaired
If you are spending a ton of money on HVAC repairs, you are probably going to be better off spending the extra money now to upgrade your system instead of constantly pouring money into repairing the old unit. The need for frequent repairs is a sign that the unit is wearing out, and it is likely that, even with all of the repairs, your unit will stop working altogether soon.
6. Your HVAC Turns On and Off Frequently
Cycling between on and off modes constantly could mean that your HVAC unit is too large for your home or needs to be repaired. HVAC systems that are constantly turning off and back on are more likely to wear out quickly because they are running too frequently, which causes premature damage to the parts. If you are concerned, your best bet is to contact an HVAC service technician to review your system for you. A trained technician can tell you if your HVAC unit is the wrong size and needs to be replaced with a system that is the proper size for your home.
Contact Cates Heating and Cooling today to set up a consultation with an HVAC expert to discuss whether or not you need to consider replacing your HVAC unit. Our service technicians can diagnose issues with your unit and help you decide whether repairs are practical or not. To set up an appointment, call us at 913-888-4470.
