When your Costa Mesa, CA, furnace stops blowing hot air or your air conditioner won’t turn off, you’ll need to call a professional for assistance. However, it can be difficult to decide whether to simply replace the part causing the problem or replace your heating or cooling system entirely. Fortunately, there are a few considerations that you can use to make your decision a little easier.
How Old Is the Unit?
A furnace should last for at least 20 years, while a condenser unit should last for at least a decade. If adequately maintained, you may be able to extend these time frames to 25 years for a furnace and 15 to 20 years for an AC condenser. As a rule of thumb, you should try to repair heating system components that are less than 20 years old and cooling system components installed less than a decade ago.
How Much Have You Already Spent on Maintenance?
If your heating or cooling system has been relatively maintenance-free over the course of its life, it may not be a bad idea to consider making a repair. However, if you have already spent hundreds or thousands of dollars on the same unit, it might be worthwhile to consider replacing it. Replacing HVAC components may also be in your best interest if they have sustained significant physical damage or are otherwise unsafe to operate, regardless of their age or history. You may also want to replace anything that was damaged because of a rodent or insect infestation inside your home.
Are Newer Options More Energy Efficient?
An older furnace or air conditioner may be significantly less energy efficient than one produced in the last few years. For example, a furnace installed in your home in 2005 could have a SEER rating as low as 10, while a new unit would boast a SEER rating of at least 14. Even if you might be better off replacing a broken part in the short term, it may make more sense in the long term to simply get a new furnace. You may also be entitled to federal tax credits that will further offset the cost of your new HVAC system.
Do You Want to Switch From Gas to Electric?
While a gas furnace may be the better option on a cold day, an electric furnace may provide a greater long-term advantage. This is because they are often cheaper, faster to install, and generally easier to maintain. Furthermore, you don’t have to worry about indoor air quality issues that can result if the gas line malfunctions.
Finally, an electric furnace will last longer than a gas furnace. In fact, it’s possible that you won’t ever have to replace an electric furnace, depending on how long you plan to live in your home after you have it installed.
Are You Looking for a Short-Term Solution?
Making repairs to your HVAC system could ensure that it lasts just long enough to save up money for a more permanent fix. For example, it may make sense to make a minor repair to get a few more months out of a furnace that you’ll replace in the next six months or so. Making a repair today might also give you more time to research available products and make an informed decision.
Is There a Warranty on Your HVAC System?
If you have a warranty on your HVAC system, it may be worthwhile to have repairs done since they will typically be paid for by the manufacturer of your unit. However, there is no guarantee that your warranty claim will be approved, so be sure to check the terms and conditions before you have any work done. An experienced and knowledgeable HVAC professional can help you determine what’s included in your warranty coverage.
If you need HVAC repair or replacement services in the Costa Mesa area, don’t hesitate to contact JW Mitchell Heating & Air Conditioning today! In addition to repairing and replacing your furnace and air conditioning unit, we can also help with indoor air quality assessments. We also install air purification equipment, work on heat pumps, and install ductless mini-splits. Our goal is to help you make your home as comfortable as possible throughout the year as possible, so contact JW Mitchell Heating & Air Conditioning today to schedule an appointment.
