Secret Reasons Your HVAC System Should be Replaced

Posted on | by Meridian Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical
HVAC system installation with outdoor unit and connecting pipes against a concrete wall, relevant to heating services and energy efficiency tips.

Secret Reasons Your HVAC System Should be Replaced

Replacing your HVAC system is not always everyone’s first choice solution when it comes to broken down heaters or AC units. True, HVAC installation can be pricey. A new unit can cost anywhere from $6,000 to $8,500. If you also need to replace your ducts, that can add another 10%-15% onto the total cost.

The good news, though, is that you’ll likely earn all that money back with monthly energy savings, and all the money you’ll save on those frequent HVAC repair services! Continue reading to learn a bit more about some lesser-known reasons you’ll need to replace your HVAC system.

Deadly Carbon Monoxide

“carbonmonoxideleak”Without a doubt, if your HVAC system is producing carbon monoxide that is leaking into your home, it’s time to replace it.

Carbon monoxide poisoning, even in its mildest form, can cause symptoms similar to those of food poisoning or the flu. In more severe cases, carbon monoxide poisoning can lead to death.

How can you tell if there is a leak of colorless, odorless, tasteless gas in your home? Keep an eye out for any of these indicators:

  • Unpleasant rotten egg or sulfur smell.
  • Damaged gas connections in your HVAC unit.
  • Dead or dying vegetation around your yard.
  • Water or dirt entering the air near the gas source.
  • Condensation on your windows.
  • Nausea, dizziness, fatigue, passing out, headaches, and other unexplained health symptoms.

If any of these symptoms are present in your home, evacuate immediately and call for help once you are safely away.

How Old is Your HVAC System?

“oldairconditioner”If your system is more than 12 years old, it's time to replace it. After about 10 to 12 years, most HVAC systems will still run, but they will run less efficiently, causing you to lose money on cooling and heating.

After a certain age, HVAC systems will start to fail in doing their job of evenly heating or cooling the entire house evenly. You may even be experiencing a humidity issue in your home.

If so, it is likely because the ductwork hasn't been replaced in well over a decade. Finally, you'll notice that your unit is in almost constant need of repairs and that your energy bill continues to rise, even though there has been no change in energy usage.

The Motor or Compressor Are Acting Up

“systemfail”Compressor burnout and blower motor failure are serious and often expensive issues. In fact, they can be so costly that if either one occurs, you may as well replace the entire unit.

More often than not, a burned out compressor or a damaged motor can be avoided by maintaining regular diagnostic visits. When your unit isn't properly maintained, it can lead to all kinds of malfunctions within crucial components.

Another common cause of severe motor and compressor failure is- you guessed it!- age. After running almost every day for over 10 years, the day may have finally come where your unit's motor and compressor are no longer able to work.