When it comes to home maintenance and repairs, your heating and air system can be one of the most costly. It is also the most important when it comes to your family’s comfort. When faced with frequent or expensive repairs, what many homeowner want to know is: “Is it worth repairing?” I have listed 5 factors to consider to help you to decide whether you should repair or replace your HVAC system.

1. Age of System: The average life span of a heat pump is somewhere between 10 -15 years. So if your unit is nearing the end, it’s not a bad idea to start considering replacement over repair. A system that is less than 10 years old, may have parts that are still under manufacturer’s warranty.

2. Cost of Repair: When faced with a high ticket repair, such as a coil or compressor, the cost to repair could be half as much as replacing the entire system. For minor repairs such as electrical issues, capacitors, or preventative maintenance; I would almost always repair instead of replace. Below is a graph from ACHR The News, a HVAC contractors magazine, combining system age and cost of repair. It is a great guide to use when faced with the decision to repair or replace.

S-RepairVsReplaceGraph-102714

Graph by ACHR The News

 3. Frequency of Repairs: If you have had two or more major repairs performed, I would strongly consider going with replacement over repair. Even minor repairs can add up and can be very inconvenient.

4. System Efficiency: Have you noticed an increase in your electric bills? Energy.gov says you can save 20-40% on your utility bill by replacing your 10-year old system with a newer, higher efficiency model.

5. Home Comfort: If your home struggles to keep temperature, especially during hot and cold months, or has humidity issues; it may be time to go ahead and replace the system.  Replacing system can save you from having untimely breakdowns when you need it the most.

There is no “go-to” answer when faced with the decision to repair or replace. A good start is to be sure to use an HVAC contractor that you trust. An honest contractor can give you great advice to help you make your decision. And don’t be afraid to get a second opinion. Please give us a call or comment below if you have any questions or just need some expert advice. We will be glad to help! Mention this blog article to receive $10 OFF the service call.