Being able to rely on your HVAC system to keep you warm in the winter is very comforting. A typical system will last for many years, but eventually it will become less efficient to run and more expensive to fix when there are problems. There comes a time when annual servicing just isn’t enough to keep the unit in peak condition. Do you have a problem with your heating system? It may be time to weigh the pros and cons about replacing it.
First of all, Don’t Overreact! Just because your system is not working at the moment, it doesn’t mean replacing it is the only option. There is no point in spending your hard earned money on that if it isn’t necessary. Have you checked the system yourself? Could the problem be simpler than you thought? On the other hand, if it has serious problems, you may be postponing the inevitable and wasting your hard earned money on repairs on a system that has seen better days.
If you’re torn between paying another repair bill or just biting the bullet and replacing the entire unit or system, think first about the following three factors before making a final decision.
- The Bills – Are your utility bills going up a lot every winter even though you keep your thermostat at the same settings? This could mean that your heating system has severe problems. Also, heating systems become much less efficient as they get older, which means they use more and more energy to keep your home comfortable than when they were new.
- The Noises – Do you hear loud, disturbing knocks or unusual noises whenever your unit comes on? This could be cause for concern. Don’t ignore such an obvious sign that something is wrong. Noise is a symptom of a problem. If repeated repairs haven’t fixed the noise, then it is probably time to replace the unit or the entire system.
- The Time – How old is your unit? It may be hard to accept, but heating systems get old and die. The average life of furnaces is 15 to 20 years, whereas heat pumps and boilers are good for 10 to 15 years. Of course, that’s assuming they have been well maintained. Poorly maintained systems may give out after as little as 6 to 8 years. Either way, continuing to operate them beyond their capabilities, or continuing to make repairs, can be costly.
So, what do you think? We realize that replacing your heating system is a big investment. But there will be benefits, in terms of comfort and even your utility bills. Any new system you install nowadays will be a major improvement in efficiency over what you have. The amount of money you save on lowering utility bills, not to mention not having repair bills, may easily justify the expense of the replacement.
If you think you just need a repair, then call GAMA Air at (310) 651-6936 as soon as possible to schedule a visit. We offer competitive prices for service work and guarantee your satisfaction.
We know that the decision whether to replace or not is a hard one. However at GAMA Air we want to provide you with as much information as we can so you can make a good decision. If you are ready to get an estimate on replacing your system, we will provide that to you for free, with no obligation. You can call us at (310) 651-6936, or use our online form to schedule a free consultation. But regardless of who you contact, be sure to choose a contractor you can trust.
Questions? Visit our “Ask an Expert” page.