Is your HVAC system showing its age? If your older system isn’t keeping your home comfortable, Ernst Heating & Cooling in Metro East IL, can help you determine if it makes sense to invest in a repair, or if you’re better off looking at replacements. Read on to find out what influences this decision, and remember, Ernst Heating & Cooling is here to help you find the right solution for your family and budget!
HVAC warning signs
It’s easy to forget about your HVAC system when it’s working well. But certain red flags 🚩 suggest you need to call Ernst Heating & Cooling for a consultation and service call. Keep an eye out for these troubling symptoms:
- Excessive noise like squealing or grinding noises
- Leaks around your unit
- Hot air blowing when the A/C is running
- Strange smells, especially burning or moldy odors
- Abnormally high energy bills
- Noticeably higher indoor humidity levels
- Your home isn’t cooling down even when the A/C is running
These problems may be easily fixed or require an expensive repair or even a replacement. While the idea of HVAC repair and replacement bills can be daunting, now is not the time to procrastinate. Some problems can be fixed affordably if they’re identified early.
Repair or replace?
Easy fixes aside, there comes a time when homeowners must decide whether it’s time to repair or replace their home’s HVAC unit. Consider these factors when you’re making this important decision:
The $5,000 rule: Grab your calculators to follow the HVAC industry guideline for replacing vs. repairing your HVAC unit. Multiply the age of your system times the cost of repairing it now. If the total is more than $5,000, it’s time to replace. For instance:
$800 repair x 10-year-old system = $8,000. Time to replace.
$800 repair x 4-year-old system = $2,000. Consider repair.
How old is your current system? HVAC units have a finite lifespan. According to ENERGY STAR, consider replacing heat pumps or air conditioners when they are ten years old or older. Furnaces and boilers should be replaced when they’re 15 years old or older.
Your warranty has expired. If your product is no longer covered, you will have to bear the entire repair cost. You may be better off replacing the unit and enjoying a new warranty.
You’ve had three or more repairs in the last three years. An aging unit tends to break down more often. Frequent repairs suggest it is nearing the end of its lifespan.
You are concerned about the environmental impact of your older unit. HVAC technology is constantly evolving and improving; greener may be easier on the environment. Ernst Heating & Cooling can help you identify environmentally friendlier HVAC alternatives.
HVAC replacement can save you money in the long run
Newer HVAC technology is often more energy-efficient than its predecessors. Ernst Heating & Cooling often has special savings on new HVAC systems. Check our savings page for an updated list. Your household may also qualify for tax rebates and savings under the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, which provides government-funded incentives to upgrade your HVAC system.
At Ernst Heating & Cooling, we understand the financial concerns about replacing an entire HVAC system. That’s why we offer special financing to allow you to enjoy HVAC upgrades that keep you and your family comfortable throughout the year.
If you have an aging air conditioning system that needs repair, maybe it’s time to consider a replacement. Partner with the best heating and A/C company in the Metro East region to find the right answer to your home comfort questions. Contact Ernst Heating & Cooling now at 618.217.1836 or schedule an online appointment.