HVAC systems don’t last forever but will require a replacement at some point. Generally, residential gas furnaces and modern air conditioners have an expected service life of 15 to 20 years whereas older air conditioners and heat pumps may last 10 to 15 years. Learn how to tell when it’s time to replace your system, the best time to install a new system, and why.
How to Know It’s Time for a Replacement
One of the best ways to know when to replace your HVAC system is to keep an eye on the system’s age. Replacing your system as it nears the end of its expected service life allows you to budget effectively and avoid excessive repair bills with an aging system.
Beyond the system’s age, two equations help you understand when it’s time for a replacement. The first is simple: if any one repair costs more than 50% of a new system, consider a replacement. For the second, add all of the repairs over the prior two years and multiply that sum by the age of the system. If that exceeds the cost of a new system, you may be better off with a replacement.
Plan for the Off-Season
While you can replace your HVAC system any time of the year, planning to replace it during the off-season will likely give you the best results. The off-season is generally the spring or the fall. Between the two, spring is slightly more preferable because the weather is warming up instead of cooling down. It’s less likely that you’ll run into an unusual spring cool-off where you might need your furnace to keep your family safe and comfortable.
Aiming for either the spring or fall ensures that you have time to research your options. The model you select will be more likely to be available. You may also be able to find more discounts as manufacturers look to increase sales over the off-season.
With more than 20 years of experience, Titan Heating & Air is the HVAC service provider of choice for property owners around Lexington. Our team provides heating and AC installation, maintenance, and repair along with indoor air quality solutions like air purification and humidity control options. Call to schedule a consultation with one of our expert HVAC technicians to get the best off-season deals in the area.
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