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HVAC replacements and repairs are two primary approaches to restoring comfort inside a residential or commercial building. Most of the customers struggle to decide whether they should replace their faulty unit or still invest in fixing issues. This blog is all about this concern. It will answer your primary question, “When is the right time to replace my HVAC appliance?” in detail, including practical knowledge of Pennsylvania’s unique climate, based on our 11 years of experience at Lehigh HVAC.
Let’s uncover the facts section by section.
Before we specifically learn about early signs for replacement, let us first disclose the average lifespans of various heating, ventilation, and air conditioning appliances with respect to Pennsylvania. Here are the average values;
|
Equipment Type |
Average Lifespan (Years) |
|
Gas or Oil-Fired Furnace |
18 |
|
Central Air Conditioner (Residential Split System) |
15 |
|
Air-to-Air Heat Pump (Residential) |
15 |
|
Boiler (Cast Iron) |
35 |
|
Boiler (Steel Water-Tube) |
24 |
|
Commercial Rooftop Unit (Single-Zone) |
15 |
|
Air Handling Units (AHUs) |
15 |
|
Reciprocating Packaged Chillers |
20 |
|
Ductwork |
30+ |
This data is sourced from the ASHRAE Service Life and Maintenance Cost Database. These are the average numbers only; the individual lifespan of each appliance may vary depending on the workload, climate strain, and system specifications.
Pennsylvania’s unique climate, with snowy winters and humid summers, is never favorable for HVAC appliances. The climate puts an undue strain on the heating and cooling units, making them struggle to maintain the temperature set on the thermostat. This extra burden leads to component wear and tear, reduced efficiency, and low comfort capacity if the issues are not addressed on time.
The good news is that multiple signs indicate your system is no longer efficient, and you need a new cooling or heating installation in PA. It helps homeowners and business owners make a smart investment move by installing a new appliance instead of repairing the old one. Some of those signs are briefly summarized below;
If you are anywhere from Palmer Township, Bangor, or Allentown, you might have heard about high utility bills despite regular maintenance and up-to-date HVAC components. This occurs because the system has been damaged so severely that it is unable to perform at its initial efficiency. It can be confirmed from the statement made by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) that HVAC systems older than 10-15 years can lose up to 20–30% of efficiency. These increased energy bills indicate this is the right time for a new HVAC appliance.
Inconsistent temperatures in various parts of the same building are another concern many customers face. If you face this situation, first inspect your system for any component failure or wrong settings. For example, check the thermostat, filters, vents, etc. If everything is up-to-date and still there is uneven temperature inside the same house, there is a need for a new HVAC system.
This is the most stressful experience for any customer. It not only eats a large portion of your budget but also destroys the peace of mind of residents. Whenever your HVAC equipment is showing unexpected issues, frequent breakdowns, or needs costly repairs more often, it means these are the last days of that equipment. Now you should purchase and install a new one.
You might have heard grinding and rattling sounds from your heating or cooling system. Unpleasant odors such as burning smells are also often detected in many household or commercial units. Both of these are annoying and an indicator of problems in your HVAC system. If the smells or sounds persist despite the cleaning and maintenance, this is a clear indication that you must replace your HVAC unit now.
Unhealthy Indoor Air QualityAir quality is often neglected, yet it is one of the most critical aspects to check the efficiency of HVAC equipment. Check the humidity levels inside your home and the presence of allergens and pollutants. If the humidity is high and some of your family members have symptoms of allergic reactions, it means your HVAC system is not filtering harmful agents. Inspect air filters, and if they are updated, then there is a strict need for a new HVAC system to prevent health concerns.
This is the most universal and most evident sign that you need a new HVAC appliance. With time, all the components of a system face wear and tear and damage that lead to reduced efficiency, more energy consumption, and increased wastage of energy. When your equipment is more than 10 years old and it is not performing well, consider replacing it instead of spending on repairs.
Upgrading to a new HVAC system is accompanied by multiple benefits apart from enhanced and reliable comfort. Some of them are;
Commercial or residential HVAC servicing in PA is the key to the prolonged lifespan of the unit. Keeping a close eye on your system and taking prompt action must never be ignored. Here is what you should focus on;
Upgrading to a new HVAC unit brings a lot of benefits, especially in terms of increased efficiency, enhanced comfort, and health benefits. Specifically, when the old unit is facing frequent breakdowns or not delivering efficiently, it is worth investing in an upgrade. Different units have different lifespans after which they must be replaced. Keep a close eye on warning signs like continuous increase in bills, reduced comfort, inconsistent temperatures, health problems, and consider them as red flags toward the health of your HVAC equipment. You can boost the lifespan and efficiency of your current unit through maintenance, inspections, cleanliness, and timely repairs.
Lehigh HVAC is a leading HVAC agency in Pennsylvania. We deal with all the makes and models and HVAC brands offering installation, maintenance, repair, and replacement services. Call us at 484-961-7044 when your system needs expert service. We assure you, we will never let you down, both in terms of costs as well as quality.
