Deciding Between Repair and Replacement for HVAC Components

There are certain systems in your home that are going to have occasional issues based on wear-and-tear no matter what you do, and a good example is your HVAC system. Being prepared for these kinds of events is important, and a common question often arises when any kind of problem is occurring within your setup: Should components be repaired or replaced?

At Dick Kearsley Service Center, heating and air repair and related services are some of our specialties to clients throughout Utah. When any components in your system are having problems, our primary goal is to find the most cost-effective solution for you -- we'll never recommend a more costly replacement if a simple repair will get the job done. What are some of the factors we'll evaluate while making this determination? Here are several that you should be aware of when it comes to how a determination is made between repairing and replacing various HVAC components, especially large ones like your furnace or AC unit.

Age of the Component

One of the top factors that will influence our decision to repair or replace is the age of the component in question. In general, components have a lifespan and will need to be replaced at some point -- often sooner rather than later. If your furnace is more than 15 years old, for example, it's likely time for a replacement regardless of any current issues it may be experiencing.

If we were to attempt repairs on components at this age range or further, it's highly likely we'd be right back in your home a few months later to do the same repairs again, and this can quickly become very costly for you. On the flip side, if your component is only a few years old, there are many cases where repairs may be a more viable option.

Recent Maintenance

Another major area we'll be looking at when we evaluate your system's needs is the previous maintenance that's been done on it. If your system has had recent tune-ups, repairs, and/or replacements then it likely won't need extensive work done for a while, opting instead for routine maintenance schedule.

On the other hand, if your system is in disrepair and hasn't had any attention in some time, it's more likely that a full replacement will be the best option. This is because a lot of the smaller issues that can occur with neglected systems tend to go unnoticed and can quickly turn into bigger, more expensive repairs down the road if not addressed.

Major Recent Repairs?

Even if the system isn't particularly old, has it been experiencing a lot of major issues as of late? If you've been having to call for repairs every month or so, it's likely that the component in question is nearing the end of its lifespan and a replacement would be a wiser investment.

This is especially true if you're having to call us for repairs for the exact same issue each time -- for example, a busted thermostat or a clogged air filter. In these cases, it's very likely that the component is wearing down and will need to be replaced.

Sizing Issues

In certain cases, your HVAC technician may be inspecting your system to find the culprit of certain issues, and realize that your system has sizing problems. For instance, your furnace may be too small for your current home size, and this can lead to all sorts of problems like inadequate heating, high energy bills, and even premature component failure.

If we find sizing issues with your system, a full replacement is often the best solution in order to get the most out of your investment. This is because installing a properly-sized component will correct the underlying issue and alleviate any of the problems that have been occurring. Continuing to operate the system using an improperly-sized component can often lead to even more expensive problems down the road.

System Energy Efficiency

Another situation that might call for replacement of components, even if the system isn't too old or in too much disrepair, is if you're still utilizing an out-of-date system that isn't efficient. If your system is more than 10 years old, it's likely not as energy efficient as current models and may be costing you more in energy bills than you need to be spending.

Replacing an out-of-date system with a newer, more energy efficient model can often lead to significant savings over time, making it a wise investment. In some cases, your home may even be eligible for tax credits or rebates when you make the switch to a more energy efficient system.

Moving Soon?

Finally, if you're planning to move soon, this may have just a slight impact on your choice between repair and replacement for certain components. Some may feel that because they won't be living in the house much longer and won't benefit from replaced components, it would be better to just do repairs and not replacements.

However, those who are most concerned about getting the best possible price for their home in today's seller's market may opt for replacements in order to get the most value for their home. This is because many times, HVAC system replacements can be a large selling point for a home - it shows that the current owners made a significant investment in their home and were willing to take care of even the smaller details.

In the end, the best decision between repair and replacement will be made by evaluating a number of factors with your HVAC technician. For more on this area or any of our HVAC services or appliance repair solutions, contact the pros at Dick Kearsley Service Center today.