Do you know how to determine the age of your home’s HVAC system? It’s an important question because an HVAC system’s age is a key factor when trying to decide if it’s time to replace it with a more modern, more efficient system. The team at Nardco Heating and Air Conditioning explains how to determine the age of your HVAC system. The age of your heating and cooling system is the most important factor when deciding to replace it.
What is The Average Life Expectancy of an HVAC System?
Many home HVAC systems provide decades of reliable performance, but they may not be as efficient as their owners think. HVAC technology has advanced tremendously in the past couple of decades, and newer heating and cooling systems do a better job of providing comfort for residents while reducing their energy costs. That’s why the U.S. Department of Energy recommends homeowners consider replacing systems that are more than 10 years old.
We tend to agree. Once a heating or cooling system is 10 to 15 years old, its components begin to show their age. As parts wear out, repairs start to become more frequent. In addition, old air conditioning systems use old-style refrigerant liquid that companies have stopped using because it’s harmful to the environment. This age rule is true for most HVAC systems including heat pumps, air conditioners, and furnaces. Boilers and ductless mini splits tend to have a longer lifespan. Maintaining your HVAC system and having repairs done promptly are ways to extend the life of your system and avoid premature replacement.
Also, older systems may lack today’s more advanced technology, so they need to use more energy to keep their family comfortable which means higher energy bills.
How Can I Find The Age Of My HVAC Systems?
Most heat pumps and air conditioners have a nameplate that’s attached to the condensing unit. Your condensing unit is the outdoor unit. Usually, it will have a manufacture date on the nameplate. If not, you can use the brand name along with the model and serial numbers to perform an online search and determine exactly how old the system is. Indoor units such as furnaces and boilers may have similar nameplates.
How Do You Know When It’s Time to Replace Your HVAC System?
Some signs that it might be time to consider an HVAC system replacement include:
- Increasing Energy Bills. If you’ve noticed that your energy bills have been steadily increasing, there may be a problem with your heating or cooling system. As parts age, the energy efficiency of the system may be reduced.
- Strange Smells. You may notice smoky or musty odors that seem to be coming out of the registers that bring heated or cooled air into your rooms, especially when it first starts up. Those odors could be a sign that something’s wrong. If you notice this happening in your home, turn off your heating and cooling system right away and call for repair services.
- Constantly Running. Does it seem like your heating or air conditioning system never stops running? Over-cycling can be a sign that your system is not the right size for your home. This may be an issue if you’ve recently had a home remodel done recently. An HVAC unit that runs more frequently uses more energy.
- Short Cycling. Similarly, if it seems like your HVAC unit can’t heat or cool your home because it starts and shuts down shortly after, this is called short cycling. Short cycling doesn’t just create an uncomfortable home environment, it can also be very damaging to your system. Short cycling is more common the older the unit is.
- Extra Dust. Has your home started to get dustier than normal? Heating and cooling systems that aren’t operating correctly often allow more dust and contaminants to enter your home.
- Excess Humidity. If you’re noticing mold or mildew in corners or closets during the summer month, your air conditioner may no longer be doing a good job of reducing the humidity in your home.
Does it Make Sense To Replace Your HVAC System?
Homeowners might be hesitant about replacing heating and air conditioning equipment because they’re afraid it will be too costly. But in most cases, replacing your older system with a new, more energy-efficient model will lead to significant energy savings later down the road that can add up to more than the cost of the system. In addition, you’ll enjoy a greater level of comfort in your home.
Another issue to consider is the cost of repairs. If the cost of repairing the current system is even half of what it would take to replace it, replacement is probably the smarter and most economical option. Older systems are likely to need more frequent repairs as they age.
Upgrading your HVAC system is often the better investment. Once your energy-efficient system is installed, you’ll start noticing improvements to your energy bills and your home’s comfort.
Is it Time to Upgrade to A New System? Ask Nardco for Help
Nardco Heating and Air Conditioning can inspect your current system and provide an estimate for replacing it with a more advanced HVAC system. We can also give you an estimate of how much you’re likely to save each month on your utility bills, so you’ll be more comfortable making the decision that’s right for your home.
A new air conditioner and heating system are big investments, but ones that are well worth the money. Talk to Nardco to get an estimate on a new HVAC unit for your home today.
