10 Signs It’s Time for HVAC Replacement
Have you noticed that your HVAC unit is currently showing signs that it’s struggling to maintain a comfortable temperature in your home? If so, it’s advisable to keep a close eye on the unit. You may require HVAC replacement soon.
The good news with HVAC units is that minor repair issues are easy to handle before they turn into costly problems. This could save you hundreds of dollars on expensive service calls. Unfortunately, all HVAC units are prone to malfunction, damage, and normal wear and tear.
This often led to complete unit failure. If you don’t know how to check if your unit is failing, below are 10 signs to help you:
1. It Starts and Stops Automatically
Have you noticed that your unit has on and off cycles without you switching it on and off? This could indicate that something is leading to power cut-offs before the unit completes the heating cycles. Sadly, this is an example of a frustrating issue that could stem from a lot of problems.
A repeat on and off-cycle could mean that your unit’s fan motor is damaged or dying or the heat sensor is dirty and clogged and in need of a thorough cleaning. Unfortunately, this isn’t an issue you can handle on your own; you need to call a pro to determine the cause of the problem and rectify it.
2. Changes in the Burner Flame Color
If you have a natural gas furnace, check the flame when you turn it on. While in some models, you need to open the service door to check the flame, others come with a peephole, allowing you to check without opening the service door.
If the flame has changed from blue to yellow, you could be dealing with a dirty burner. The yellow flame is an indicator that the natural gas isn’t combusting completely. This could mean that the furnace isn’t working as efficiently as it should.
It could also mean that the carbon monoxide produced by the furnace isn’t disposed of and vented out properly. For this reason, it’s essential to monitor your home’s carbon monoxide levels regularly. You can do this by installing a CO detector to test your indoor air regularly.
3. A Rusting Flue
A completely rusted flue is an indicator that your furnace is going out. The rust is a tell-tale sign that the CO isn’t disposed of properly. Unfortunately, the CO gas leaks from the plumbing line and the roof, resulting in the corrosion and rust of your flue liners. This is not only unsightly but also dangerous to the people living in your home.
Your gas furnace produces a dangerous amount of carbon monoxide when heating your home. The flue system is responsible for venting out the gas by-products and releasing them outdoors. But if the flue lines are rusted, the gas by-products they are supposed to vent out will slowly start escaping back to your house,
Contact a reputable HVAC expert to check on your unit. If the flue is efficiently venting out CO, your heating system will be more efficient. This means that a proper running duct is key to your furnace’s efficiency. Hence, you should conduct regular flue maintenance to increase the lifespan of your furnace.
4. Build-up of Moisture
Have you noticed that certain rooms in your home have moisture build-up on the walls, windows, or ceilings? This could be a tell-tale sign that your home doesn’t have sufficient airflow throughout the house.
Damp and stagnant air could indicate a problem with your HVAC unit or air vents. Pay close attention to the moisture and condensation in your home as it could mean a furnace problem. If you have noticed condensation on your windows, contact your HVAC expert immediately to check out the issue.
5. High Utility Bills
Numerous issues lead to increased utility bills. Excessively low or high temperatures during winter and summer could lead to your HVAC unit working harder to keep your home’s temperature comfortable. But spiking utility bills even during normal temperatures indicate underlying issues with HVAC units.
This means that your HVAC unit is working twice as hard, using twice the power to keep your home warm or cool. If this is the case in your home, try checking the furnace filter and cleaning it if dirty.
Dirty air filters become clogged and obstruct the airflow of your HVAC system. This means your unit will work harder to push the air in and out to make slight adjustments to the temperature in your house. This is quite challenging on your HVAC system, and it’s even worse on the utility bills.
6. Water Leaks
We all know that a pool of water near the HVAC system is an indication of trouble. However, most homeowners don’t know that water is a by-product of your AC and furnace when they’re working. If you notice water around your unit, you should start by investigating its source.
If the pool of water is only there whenever you’re running your air conditioner, the problem could come from the condensate line. When the AC is cooling your home, a clogged condensate line could lead to water leaks. If this is the case, you only need to call an expert to repair the problem.
But if the water is coming from your heating unit or furnace, you have a severe problem. This could even result in replacing your HVAC unit if you’re not keen to call a pro immediately.
7. Animal and Pests Activity
Animals and rodents such as squirrels, mice, and rats can significantly damage your home’s HVAC system. They are also a health hazard for you and your family.
The best way to determine any animal activity near your mechanical units is to check for animal droppings or nest materials. This could indicate that your furnace and AC units are pest habitats or breeding grounds.
Unfortunately, this isn’t uncommon, especially during winter and summer. The rodents will be looking for a cool place to live due to the scorching sun and the harsh cold winters. If you notice any signs of animal infestation, you should perform a system examination.
Check your furnace and AC for any sign of chewed wires and obstructions in the vents. The same case applies to any rodent activities in your roof, especially around the vent hoods. Other times, you may not see any physical sign of animal infestation, but you may feel a funky smell coming from the vents.
8. Your HVAC Unit Is Old and Worn Out
HVAC units, including the AC and furnace, will offer you around 15 to 20 years of exemplary service and slightly more with regular maintenance and professional checks. Unfortunately, your unit isn’t resistant to normal wear and tear as it ages. If your unit is over 20 years old, you should consider buying a new HVAC system.
The new unit will be more energy-efficient and require fewer repairs than an old unit. Additionally, it’s best to replace your HVAC on your own schedule instead of dealing with total failure in the middle of winter when most HVAC companies are very busy.
Do you think it’s time for an HVAC replacement? Then, consider the replacement company you will hire and the cost of the new unit. Don’t just pay for everything blindly; make Google your friend and do your research.
9. Repeat Repair Calls
Every HVAC unit requires regular maintenance and professional service for maximum performance. However, if you keep calling your HVAC repair experts to handle the same issue over and over, you might be dealing with a much bigger problem. A furnace or AC that keeps breaking down regularly could mean it’s at the end of its lifespan, and you need to replace it.
Talk to your HVAC expert to check the unit and advise if they can handle the issue or you will need a complete replacement of the unit. The last thing you want is to spend thousands of dollars on repairing a unit that will eventually break down, and you’re forced to use thousands more to replace it.
10. Cold Spots Around Your Home
When you have a potential HVAC unit breakdown, you may notice that some rooms in your home are colder and chilly than others during winter. This is an indication that your furnace isn’t working efficiently to heat your entire house. It could also mean that the heating unit cannot push the warm air through your vents and circulate it throughout the house.
While a broken furnace can’t cause all cold spots in a house, it’s essential to call your HVAC expert to check on the unit just to be sure. It’s always better to be safe than sorry, especially during winter.
Are You Ready for an HVAC Replacement?
Your HVAC unit is an essential component of your house. It keeps you warm and cozy during winter and cool and comfortable during summer. However, if something goes wrong, you can’t help but feel stressed.
If you notice any of the above signs, it could be time for an HVAC replacement. Contact us today, and our HVAC repair professionals will help you handle the issue. Whether you need HVAC repair, maintenance, or replacement, we have your back.
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