If you have a gas furnace, central air conditioner, central heat pump or ductless mini-split system that’s over 10 years old, or even approaching the 10-year mark, you might prefer to keep it for a few years longer if it still appears to be in working order. While this may seem prudent, there are good reasons to reconsider – invest in a new HVAC installation now.
Protect yourself – and your wallet
If your HVAC system is more than 10 years old, it’s likely no longer under warranty. This means, with few exceptions, you’re on the hook when the HVAC contractors arrive to repair your aging equipment. While select components, such as heat exchangers and compressors, often carry long-term or even lifetime warranties, you may still be left dealing with exceptions on things such as labour or external components. These exceptions tend to become the norm in repair situations for old HVAC systems once they’re off-warranty. Better to save yourself the aggravation.
Consider your safety
While it’s tempting to keep an old gas furnace for as long as it still heats your home, there’s a point when doing so becomes not only unwise, but potentially dangerous. This is because wear and tear on an aging gas furnace can cause small cracks to form in the heat exchanger or the flue pipes, which in turn allows carbon monoxide to leak into your home. If left undetected, it risks potentially becoming a serious health hazard.
Choose reliability
Most HVAC contractors will tell you that your system, if properly maintained, can be expected to last 15-20 years. This is true; however, you can’t expect the same level of reliability as the unit gets older. The simple fact is that most systems become less reliable as they age and their components begin to wear out and break down.
When considering normal wear and tear, along with warranty and safety issues, you start to see clear benefits to upgrading your outdated HVAC equipment. When weighing the cost of repairing an aging furnace versus scheduling a new, high-efficiency HVAC installation, the better option is more likely the latter.
Boost your home’s energy efficiency
Save the environment and save money. With HVAC equipment constantly improving and becoming more energy efficient, even a high-efficiency unit from a decade ago can’t compete head-to-head with similar systems offered today. This means that if you haven’t purchased an HVAC system in a decade or longer, it’s virtually guaranteed that you’re not benefitting from the great advances in energy efficiency we’ve experienced since your last HVAC installation.
Upgrade your equipment
New HVAC systems work better than aging ones, so any new HVAC installation is basically an upgrade from the get-go. But many new HVAC systems contain other improvements, such as variable-speed blower motors or even smart home compatibility, that help them deliver superior comfort throughout your home more efficiently and effectively. In general, it has become much more affordable to purchase a high-efficiency unit, and innovations that were considered top-of-the-line a few years ago are now standard even for some lower-priced systems.
Investing in a new high-efficiency HVAC system can save you money in the long run and provide lasting comfort to your home. Request a FREE consultation with a Home Depot Installer and plan your new HVAC installation today.