How old is your current heating and cooling system? Has it been around for a while? While very few people want to consider spending money on a new heating and cooling system, an aging system could be wasting energy and costing you extra dollars! If you’re wondering if it’s time to upgrade, Ernst Heating & Cooling of Metro East, IL, has your answers. Read on to find out if now is the right time to consider a heating and cooling system upgrade:
How old is too old?
Do you remember when you bought your current heating and cooling system? If you’re like us, add five years to that guess because time gets away from everyone. Pull out the paperwork and take a look. Heating and cooling systems don’t last forever. ENERGY STAR estimates that heat pumps and air conditioners can give you about ten good years, while furnaces and boilers can last about 15 years. Annual maintenance can give you a few extra years, but these complex machines don’t last forever.
When does replacing make more sense than repairing?
When your heating and cooling system stops working, Ernst Heating & Cooling will do everything in our power to make your home comfortable again. However, frequent service calls can be tough on the household budget. Consider the $5,000 rule. Multiply the age of your system by the cost of the repair. If that number is greater than $5,000, a replacement may make better sense financially.
Other considerations include an expired warranty on your existing unit and the environmental impact of older technologies. New technologies are often designed to be better for the environment, which can be an important consideration.
How do I know it’s the right time to replace?
If you’ve been living with an older unit that seems to be running just fine, should replacement even be a consideration? Or should you live with your existing heating and cooling system until it stops working? You may think that sticking to an old system can save you a few dollars, but you may be spending extra money to sustain a system that should be looking at retirement.
With over 72 years in the business, Ernst Heating & Cooling has learned a few things about repairing vs. replacing your heating and cooling system. An inefficient system uses more energy, pushing up your energy bills. We estimate that you’ll pay an additional $900 more in utilities if you wait three or more years to replace your system. You should also expect to pay an additional $1,000 in repairs.
Consider, too, the impact of inflation. You probably have noticed a hike in your weekly grocery bill, but inflation is also hitting the heating and cooling industries. Between inflation and supply chain issues, we’ve seen price increases of 15%-20% in the last year. If you lock into today’s prices, you can save yourself up to $3,000 in rising prices.
Finally, consider the impact of current incentives and rebates. The Inflation Reduction Act, passed in 2022, included incentives and tax credits that can save you thousands of dollars. The exact amount varies depending on your income and your choice of systems, but Ernst Heating & Cooling can help you make this important decision.
Do you really want to leave your family’s indoor comfort to chance? If your system is hitting the decade mark or beyond, or if you’ve noticed an increase in service calls over the past year, now might be the right time to consider a replacement. Ernst Heating & Cooling often has special offers on heating and cooling systems, and we’re delighted to pass those savings along to you. Remember, too, that we offer financing options to families who prefer to pay over time, making this purchase a little easier on the monthly budget.
Ready to talk about a new heating and cooling system? Call Ernst Heating & Cooling now at 618.217.1836 or fill out our online form. Ernst Heating & Cooling offers professional heating and air conditioning services throughout the Metro East area. Depend on Ernst Heating & Cooling for honest answers and home comfort solutions.