Home furnaces and air conditioners can last a long time, especially with proper maintenance and care. However, most units aren’t built to last beyond 15 years, so knowing which repairs are worth making and which problems indicate it’s time for a new unit can help you save money. At Burnsville Heating & Air Conditioning, we provide comprehensive repairs, HVAC seasonal maintenance, and replacement services. Use this guide to gauge when your HVAC is nearing the end of its lifespan and know what steps you can take next.
Green Zone: 0-12 Years
When furnaces and air conditioners are less than 12 years old, they should function normally, and you’re unlikely to need to replace them. The best way to protect your HVAC at this stage is to:
- Have a professional conduct seasonal HVAC maintenance and tuneups
- Stay on top of small repairs any time you notice unusual sounds, slow cooling, or inconsistent heating
- Consider investing in a maintenance program so you get discounted maintenance and repair services promptly
Yellow Zone: 12-15 Years
When furnaces and air conditioners are between 12 and 15 years old, bigger repair problems will arise. At this stage, HVAC seasonal maintenance makes a big impact. The best way to manage your HVAC at this stage is to:
- Have a technician conduct seasonal HVAC maintenance and tune-ups, making small repairs and adjustments as original parts begin to break down.
- Begin comparing the cost of repairs against a new unit, and strategically consider when major or recurring expenses no longer make sense.
- Factor in energy costs, coolant, and smart features as you choose between repairs or a new unit, as older units are less energy-efficient and perform worse than newer systems.
Red Zone: 15+ Years
Once your HVAC is older than 15 years, major repairs are a bad investment. Not only are parts harder to find, but the repairs are unlikely to provide smooth performance for long. It’s often much better to buy a new HVAC or furnace so your dollars don’t go to waste. Some additional advantages of buying a new HVAC at this stage are:
- More energy-efficient and smarter performance with modern comfort solutions
- More peace of mind and fewer HVAC emergencies
- You return to the green zone stage of just needing HVAC seasonal maintenance
Preparing for the Installation of a New HVAC Unit
If you’re thinking about buying a new HVAC because your current system is in the yellow zone or red zone stage, it’s time to start planning out the purchase. You can start to budget for a new HVAC. Research prices, financing plans, rebates, and how much money you want to start setting aside for the purchase. Also, work with a trusted HVAC technician to learn more about what sort of unit is the right fit for your home based on its size, your lifestyle, and your preferred comfortable temperatures. You can even research smart home features and premium add-ons that will make your home more comfortable throughout the seasons.
Ensure Your Home Stays Comfortable
At Burnsville Heating & Air Conditioning, we want to help all of our customers understand more about their HVACs and furnaces, from knowing seasonal furnace maintenance tips to being able to strategically replace their system. To determine whether to repair or replace your AC unit, you can find more information here. Our friendly HVAC team is available to answer your questions and provide expert services so your home stays comfortable. Contact us today to learn more about handling old HVACs or to schedule an assessment for maintenance services and more.
Image Credits: Eakrin Rasadonyindee // Shutterstock
Call Us Now:
