Should I replace my HVAC system?

When is it Time To Replace Your Old Unit?

2/17/2019

HVAC, San Diego, heating and cooling, heating technician, furnace repair, new hvac, ryan withouski, tech air, when to replace hvac

We get this question nearly every day and the answer, obviously, is never exactly the same. There are several reasons why you should or should not replace your HVAC unit and those reasons will vary on a case to case basis. Generally speaking, if you don't cut corners on the initial installation and you stay on top of your preventative maintenance, your HVAC unit should last 15+ years. We ALWAYS will try to fix your unit first and only do replacements when they are absolutely necessary. Our technicians are not salesmen, they are HVAC guys who are very good at troubleshooting and diagnosing problems and then fixing them. There is no incentive program for our technicians so there will never be any unnecessary up-sell.

That being said, every now and then you absolutely should replace your unit. Here are a few reasons why:

Energy Savings: Each year HVAC manufacturers come out with newer and better models. These new models are typically more efficient than the previous model and will certainly be more efficient than a 5 or 10 year old unit. Anything over 10+ years old simply will not be running as efficiently as a new unit today. That's not to say an old unit can't run perfectly well and provide great heating and cooling, it just means it will cost more to do so. When looking for a new unit consider looking into the SEER rating. SEER is an acronym for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. SEER ratings range from 14 (the lowest rating allowed in the state of California) all the way up to a 26. Generally speaking most homes will not require a SEER rating over 14-20 in order to see savings. Much larger rooms may require a higher rating to work at maximum efficiency. The higher the rating, the higher the cost - so when it's time to replace your unit make sure to get a SEER rating that is suitable for your needs.

Corrosion / Falling apart: Many of us San Diegans live in close proximity to the ocean which means the marine layer and more importantly the salty air. This environment can corrode units (and cars, paint, wood, etc.) more quickly than in other regions of the US. We have replaced many units in Coronado and Point Loma specifically and unfortunately, units in such close proximity to the ocean air do not last quite as long. It is more cost effective to buy a new unit as opposed to paying for several repairs, getting a couple more years of life out of it and then still having to replace the unit.

Adding Value To Your Home: Many people feel they want to add value to their home by upgrading their HVAC system. Anytime you replace an HVAC system it will be a significant investment but can save you money in the long run. Whether you want to increase value before putting it on the market or simply want to be more comfortable in your home a new system may be worthwhile depending on your situation.

Comfort: If your old unit is not working quite as well as it used to then it may be time to replace it. New units will work better and keep your house or individual rooms at the exact temperature you want.

If you think it's time to replace your HVAC system or are interested in a service or repair, give us a call and we can send one of our trustworthy experts out to evaluate and discuss your HVAC needs:

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21 Comments

HVAC Restoration Company link

4/13/2022 11:38:50 am

The time to replace your HVAC system depends on a variety of factors, including the age of your current system, how well it is performing, and how much you are willing to spend on a replacement. If your system is not performing as well, you can consult to expert.

Brent link

5/23/2022 01:43:07 pm

Personally, when I feel like I'm spending more with repairs and maintenance, I prefer buying a new one. Thanks for this helpful article!

AC Repair Daphne link

6/4/2022 08:08:37 pm

We have replaced many units in Coronado and Point Loma specifically and unfortunately, Thank you for making this such an awesome post!

Owens Heating And Air link

6/25/2022 08:00:26 pm

I wish this time never comes, and my Unit keep working like it's new. Because I do regular service of it.

Corpus Christi Paving Contractors link

9/26/2022 01:45:41 am

Great sharee

American Airconditioning North Los Angeles link

10/25/2022 02:14:37 pm

I agree. Attempting to repair your air conditioner without the necessary training might be risky. Knowing that a qualified HVAC contractor will maximize safety while working on your system by utilizing the most recent techniques in the market will give you piece of mind.

Allen Li link

11/10/2022 02:28:51 am

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Jay Sarmiento link

11/12/2022 05:14:53 am

Great article, always choose trusted HVAC experts because they have the experience to deal with any type of AC problem at a reasonable cost.

Braden Bills link

1/27/2023 03:56:59 pm

My air conditioning system hasn't been working a lot, and it's been requiring more repairs than usual. After looking at some of the labels on my system, it seems like my system is about sixteen years old. It makes sense that it might be time for a replacement!

Olivia Smart link

2/8/2023 06:45:10 pm

Thank you for explaining that new models are more energy efficient. We've had our current HVAC unit for the last ten years. I'll be sure to look into getting a new unit soon.

best ac repair orlando link

2/16/2023 02:50:39 pm

It is generally recommended to replace an old AC unit if it is more than 10-15 years old, as the system's efficiency and performance tend to decline over time. Here are some signs that it may be time to replace your old AC unit:

Frequent breakdowns: If your AC unit is constantly breaking down or requiring repairs, it may be more cost-effective to replace the unit rather than continuing to pay for repairs.

Rising energy bills: If your energy bills have been increasing over time despite your efforts to reduce energy consumption, your AC unit may be working harder than necessary to cool your home due to reduced efficiency.

Age: As mentioned earlier, an AC unit that is more than 10-15 years old is likely to have reduced efficiency and performance compared to newer models.

Poor indoor air quality: If your AC unit is not effectively removing dust, allergens, and other pollutants from the air, it may be time to replace it with a newer, more efficient model.

Loud or strange noises: Unusual noises such as grinding, buzzing, or banging sounds coming from your AC unit may indicate a mechanical issue that requires repair or replacement.

Replacing an old AC unit can provide a variety of benefits, including improved energy efficiency, lower energy bills, and better indoor air quality. If you are experiencing any of the above signs, it may be time to consult with a professional HVAC technician to determine if it's time to replace your old unit.

Eli Richardson link

2/22/2023 10:59:27 pm

I think my aunt's air conditioner needs to be replaced since it's been giving her trouble for the past weeks, but she's being stubborn about it. That's why I believe she must read your article about replacing your HVAC units to save on energy bills in the long haul, so I'll call her right now to suggest this. Thanks for the information on replacing our HVAC unit if ours is outdated.

Furnace Installation Services in Jefferson link

2/25/2023 10:13:06 am

Keep posting such updated, nice blog. If you are looking for the best Furnace Installation Services, then you have to check out

Iris Smith link

3/2/2023 05:15:17 am

Thank you for pointing out that replacing an HVAC system requires a sizable upfront cost but may result in financial savings over time. My sister's air conditioner has been damaged. I'll advise her to contact Air Conditioning Solutions to fix her system.

Steve Smith link

3/3/2023 06:11:11 am

I appreciate that you explained that you could consider having a unit replacement to obtain an energy-efficient unit for saving money. My brother informed me yesterday that he planned to have an air conditioning replacement that could offer cost and energy-efficient functions. He asked if I had thoughts on the best replacement option. I value this helpful article. I'll tell him it will be much better if he consults a trusted air conditioning replacement service as they can help provide details.

Colby Harris link

3/10/2023 08:24:17 pm

This is a helpful blog post for anyone considering whether or not to replace their HVAC unit. It's great to hear that the technicians prioritize fixing units over trying to sell new ones, and that there's no incentive program for up-selling. The reasons listed for replacing a unit, such as energy savings and adding value to your home, are all valid considerations. The explanation of SEER ratings and how they affect efficiency was particularly helpful. Overall, this post provides useful information for anyone trying to decide whether or not to replace their HVAC unit. Thanks for sharing!

Mia Evans link

7/4/2023 08:15:35 am

It got me when you said that units that are ten years old and above are not running efficiently anymore. Because of that, I probably need an air conditioner replacement this year, so we can benefit from the energy saving we can get from newer systems. The unit in the house we live in has been here since the previous owners left it here, so I definitely think that it is quite old now.

commercial hvac repair lansing mi link

8/7/2023 06:28:48 am

Fantastic HVAC article! Concise yet informative, it provided valuable insights into optimizing home comfort and energy efficiency. Kudos to the author for making complex concepts easy to understand.

Eve Mitchell link

9/13/2023 07:09:00 pm

My husband and I need to replace our heating unit this year if possible, but we don't know which one to buy. Thanks for mentioning that any new HVAC system will increase the value of your home. I'll make sure to hire an HVAC team to advise us on the best unit to purchase.

Gabe Sanders link

10/10/2023 07:34:05 pm

I appreciate that you mentioned the importance of calling in trustworthy experts for evaluation and discussion. It can be a daunting task to figure out which HVAC system is the right fit for my needs, and having a professional's input would be invaluable. Thanks for sharing this helpful information.

Heating and Air Repair link

11/7/2023 12:22:14 pm

First and foremost, age matters. If your HVAC unit is pushing past the 15-year mark, it might be time to start thinking about a replacement. While regular maintenance can extend its lifespan, older units tend to become less efficient and reliable over time, which can lead to increased energy bills and frequent breakdowns. If you notice uneven heating or cooling throughout your home, it could be a sign that your HVAC system isn't doing its job properly. Lovely information, as we have been looking for. I’m so thankful for your helpful post!

When is it Time To Replace Your Old Unit?

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