Your Heating or Cooling System Could Be Trying to Tell You Something.
The reality is, most homeowners hardly even think about their HVAC systems— until something fails. With a properly functioning heating or cooling system, our homes should feel comfortable and climate controlled all throughout the year with just a push of a button. But when something goes wrong, especially in the heat of summer or in the deep chill of winter, a broken HVAC system can wreak havoc and even present certain dangers in weather extremes.
With all that being said, we’ve compiled a list of 5 signs to look out for that could be telling you it’s time to get a new system.
1. Your energy bills are on the rise.
Energy bills naturally fluctuate throughout the year based on outdoor temperature and weather conditions. However, if you notice your bills are higher than they were during the same month of last year, this could mean something isn’t right. As heating and cooling systems age, they lose efficiency and have to work harder to yield the same results. This loss of efficiency is usually caused by a build up of dirt and corrosion on the interior of the system. If you notice your energy bills rising, it’s time to call in a trusted HVAC expert to evaluate your home system.
2. Your HVAC system is over 10 years old.
Did you know the average lifespan of an HVAC system is 10-15 years? In some cases, systems can certainly last longer, however the major components will still deteriorate over time. To prolong the life of your HVAC system, it needs to be treated with care. Check your air filters every month and change as needed, and be sure to schedule regular preventative maintenance visits with your local HVAC contractor twice per year; in the spring and in the fall. Doing so will give you greater peace of mind that your system is running as it should and is well-equipped to handle any weather extremes thrown its way.
3. The repairs cost a pretty penny.
When you receive repair estimates that cost much more than you anticipated, and the system is over 10 years old, it’s probably time to replace. After all, if you’re going to spending that much money, you want your system to last as long as possible, right? HVAC systems are a huge investment, and it’s safe to say that all of us want to get the most bang for our buck. Luckily, if you do decide it’s time to replace your system, Chesapeake Comfort Systems offers flexible financing plans through Synchrony Bank to meet your needs and budget. With our Comfort Now, Pay Later installation offer, you may even qualify for 0% APR financing!
4. Something doesn’t sound (or smell) right.
Are there strange sounds coming from your outdoor unit, or musty smells coming out of your ducts? While an unusual smell could just be dust burning off, we recommend shutting off your system until an HVAC technician takes a look. And while a system can get louder as it ages, if something more abrupt starts creating noise, or if you hear any type of grinding or screeching, turn it off immediately and call your local HVAC contractor.
5. You can’t keep your home at a comfortable temperature.
Does your system run fine on mild weather days, but fails to perform on particularly hot or cold days? This is very common for an aging HVAC system. Along with the normal wear and tear associated with its age, there are a variety of issues that can cause poor climate control including: low refrigerant/freon levels (most likely caused by a leak somewhere in your system), dirty air filters, failing thermostats, failing capacitors, and damaged motors.
Replacing air filters, and thermostats and capacitors is normal. Filters should be changed frequently no matter what, and thermostats and capacitors naturally have shorter lifespans than your HVAC system. Thermostat repair and replacement are services we complete every day! However if your system is leaking refrigerant, or is having issues with its motor, this is a definitely a red flag and could be a sign that it is time to replace your system.
Live in the Chesapeake Bay Area? We’re Here to Help.
Whether it’s repairing your current system or installing a new one, you can count on Chesapeake Comfort Systems to perform HVAC service with the very best quality and value around. We know how stressful heating and cooling-related issues can be, and we’re here for you every step of the way.
From our kind and caring office staff to our professional technicians with years of HVAC expertise, Chesapeake Comfort Systems is a clear choice for your heating and cooling service needs.
If your home is located in one of our many Service Areas, then Contact Us today to schedule a service visit.