3 Signs That It’s Time to Replace Your HVAC System

How do you know when it's time to replace your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system? This equipment is critical to your home's operation and can be expensive to replace. Advanced planning can give you more time to get multiple quotes and avoid settling for whatever unit is in stock in an emergency replacement. Here are some signs that it might be time to consider a new system.

Your energy usage is increasing.

Sometimes, aging HVAC systems will start using more energy to maintain the same level of heating or cooling. When your system is working harder than it should, you might notice your utility bills going up. While this doesn’t mean it’s necessarily time to replace your unit, it can be an indicator that it’s moving towards the end of its usable life. You can install a smart thermostat, and then track your home's energy usage on your phone. 

For more help understanding what could cause higher-than-expected electric use and guidance on ways to reduce it, check out our free Electric Bill Advice program. 

Your HVAC system is getting older.

Most furnaces, air conditioners, and heat pumps are designed to last about 15 years. When your system reaches that age, it's smart to start budgeting for replacement. If your system has been well-maintained, it might last a while longer. It's rarely cost-effective to replace an HVAC system before the end of its usable life.

Your system requires frequent maintenance.

Make sure to keep up with routine maintenance like replacing filters and making sure the outdoor unit is free of debris to extend the life of your unit. Your HVAC system should also be professionally serviced regularly to make sure everything is running smoothly. Your technician can tell you if there are any issues that need to be addressed. Some issues are safety-related, like cracks in your firebox or problems with your furnace's insulation. If you're smelling gas or burning, that's another sign that something is wrong. If the maintenance costs are adding up, it might be time to replace your system.

What to look for when replacing your HVAC system.

If you've determined that it's time to replace your HVAC system, it's always a good idea to look for high-efficiency options. ENERGY STAR furnaces and boilers, air conditioners, and heat pumps use less energy than traditional models. Another benefit of high-efficiency HVAC systems is that they usually make your home more comfortable thanks to variable-speed fans that more precisely maintain your desired temperature. 

See available Efficiency Smart rebates 

Learn more

Efficiency Smart's energy experts can help you figure out whether it's time to replace your HVAC system. We may also be able to provide a rebate to make the upfront cost more affordable. 

Call us at 877-889-3777 or email [email protected].