The Great Dilemma: Repair or Replace
Deciding whether to repair or replace your HVAC system can be a difficult decision. That’s why our team of experts at Wolfer’s have laid out a list of key indicators that will help you make your decision. By the end, you should have the confidence that comes with understanding your options!
How old is your current system?
0 to 9 years old: Any system under 10 years, more than likely has a couple of years of useful life left. A repair would be recommended versus a complete replacement of your system.
10 to 15 years old: The average lifespan of an HVAC system is 10 to 15 years, so when your system begins to have difficulties as it ages, it may not be worth fixing. If your system is 10 years or older, you should consider replacing your system.
What is the repair cost?
Less than 50% of the replacement cost: If your HVAC system is under 10 years old and your repair bill is quoted to be less than half of the cost to replace it, a repair is most likely the right choice.
More than 50% of the replacement cost: If you have a system that is over 10 years old (or close to it) and your repair cost is more than half the cost of replacing your system, replacement is the right option. While it may be hard to see now, as you have to fork out money, the replacement will SAVE YOU MONEY in the long run.
How often is your system breaking down?
Less than once a year: Has your HVAC system been working properly until recently? Your breakdown may possibly be a one-time thing. Sometimes even when we take all the proper maintenance steps, our systems still run into some issues here and there.
Once a year or more: Do you find yourself calling your HVAC technician a few times a year to come to take a look at an HVAC problem you’re experiencing. Replacing your system could save you on those growing repair costs throughout the year. You’ll no longer have to worry about whether you are going to have an A/C issue when you need it most.
Are your energy bills suddenly increasing?
Yes: It’s normal for utility bills to fluctuate throughout the year due to seasons. However, if you begin to notice an increase in your utility bills in the same months, throughout different years, that’s a cause for concern. Rising utility bills are a clear indicator that your system is no longer performing at peak efficiency and is in need of replacement.
No: This means your HVAC system is still operating close to peak performance, and a repair should most likely solve the issue at hand.
What is your systems efficiency rating?
15 SEER or higher: An efficient SEER tends to fall between 15 and 20. If your system is under 10 years old and has a SEER of 15 or higher, a repair to fix the issue at hand is the right choice.
14 SEER or lower: SEERs have increased in recent years, so you might find great value in replacing a system that is 10 to 15 years old with a more efficient, newer model. Even today’s entry-level models are much more efficient than decade-old standard models.
We hope that our team walking you through some of the tell-tale indicators for repair versus replacement has made your decision a little easier. If you have any questions about whether you should repair or replace your HVAC system or begin to experience any of the above issues, our Wolfer’s team is ALWAYS here to help! Call 503-848-2476 or schedule online »