So you’ve just run into an issue with your heating or air conditioning system, and now you’re facing that age-old question that all homeowners eventually have to face — “Should I repair or replace my HVAC equipment?”
While there are definitely scenarios where replacing rather than repairing HVAC equipment will save you money in the long run, there are many situations when a repair is still the better option. Today, we’re showing you when it’s best to schedule a repair rather than a replacement for your malfunctioning furnace, boiler, heat pump, or air conditioner.
When a Repair Is Better than Replacement
It’s not always easy to read the signs of a malfunctioning heating or cooling system and determine whether those signs point to a needed repair or a replacement. In general, a repair is typically the better option if:
Your HVAC unit is relatively new.
Air conditioners and heat pumps generally last 10 to 12 years, and furnaces and boilers generally last 15 to 20 years. If your HVAC unit has five years or more left in its expected life span, chances are a repair will help you get at least a few more years from your unit.
You have energy efficient HVAC equipment.
HVAC technology has come a long way in recent years, with more efficient models coming out every year. If your HVAC unit is still an upgraded, high efficiency model even by today’s standards, and is properly sized for your home, it’s probably more sensible to repair it.
The cost of the repair is relatively low.
Consumer Reports recommends repairing your HVAC unit when repair costs are less than 50% the cost of a new unit. Another rule of thumb is this simple formula: take the repair cost and multiply it by the age in years of your HVAC unit. If the result is less than 5,000, go ahead and repair it.
Why Schedule a Repair Now?
We’ve seen it with many homeowners in Mercer, Middlesex, Somerset, and Bucks Counties — you sense that your heating or AC unit needs a repair, only to push it off in hopes that the problem will go away on its own. Unfortunately, this approach often leads to more serious (and more expensive) HVAC issues.
Scheduling a repair at the first sign of trouble will give you access to benefits like:
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More affordable repairs
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Less likelihood of a replacement
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Higher HVAC system efficiency
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Lower monthly utility bills
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Better indoor air quality
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Greater peace of mind
Not Sure If It’s Time to Repair? We Can Help
If your heating or cooling system just isn’t working the way it used to, don’t run out and schedule an HVAC replacement. Let our experts assess your system and outline the best options for you.
We offer fast and reliable HVAC repairs in New Jersey as well as professional assessments for HVAC systems in the area. Princeton Air makes it easy for NJ and PA homeowners to determine when a repair is the best option for their HVAC system, helping them save as much money as possible while getting the most from their heating and AC systems.
