Deciding whether to fix or swap out my HVAC unit is a real dilemma. It’s a tough call for millions of homeowners to face every year when it comes to their HVAC systems.
On one hand, fixing your system is usually cheaper and can help it run for a bit longer. A new system can lower your energy bills and give you the comfort of knowing it won’t fail anytime soon.
If you’re trying to figure out what to do about your heating and cooling system, stick around to find out when it’s smarter to repair or replace your HVAC system.
When to Repair or Replace an HVAC Unit
Homeowners usually jump to the worst-case scenario when their HVAC system fails. Check out these tips for deciding whether to repair or replace your HVAC system.
The Age Of HVAC System
Just like any other mechanical gear, HVAC systems don’t last forever. The age of your HVAC unit is a solid indicator of whether it’s time to fix or replace it. Things like how often you use it, how well it’s been maintained, and your local climate can affect its lifespan. The following figures can help you figure out how long these systems typically last and when you should consider repairs or a full replacement.
- Air conditioners: 15-20 years
- Furnaces: 15-20 years
- Heat Pumps: 15 years
If your heat pump or air conditioner is over 10 years old, or your furnace is over 15, you should consider reaching out to an HVAC technician for guidance on whether you need to replace it. After about 12 years, you should consider having your HVAC system repaired or replaced, according to experts.
Commercial HVAC systems usually have a lifespan of about 10 to 15 years.
Warranty on your HVAC Unit
If your system is still under warranty, it should take care of the repair costs. But if the warranty has run out, you’ll have to pay for the pricey repairs yourself. If your HVAC system is old, not working well, or constantly having issues, replacing it might be the smartest move.
Cost of Repair
The price of fixing an HVAC system is a big factor in whether to repair or replace it. A lot of HVAC pros follow the “5,000 rule” for this choice. You just take the system’s age and multiply it by the repair cost. If that number is less than $5,000, you might want to go for a repair. But if it’s more than $5,000, it’s usually smarter to invest in a new unit.
If your AC system requires any of these repairs and it’s out of warranty, you might want to think about getting a new one.
- Evaporator coil replacement
- Compressor replacement
- Condenser fan motor replacement
- Refrigerant leak repair
When you get an HVAC quote for repair or replacement, QuoteScore from HVAC.com can check it out to see if it’s a good deal.
History of Repairs
Repairs can pile up as time goes on. If you find yourself calling your HVAC company all the time for fixes, it might be smarter to invest in a new energy-efficient HVAC system instead. Trane, a top HVAC manufacturer, suggests that if you’ve only had one or two repairs in three years, your system might still be worth keeping.
After three or more repairs in that same period, it’s a sign that your system is less efficient and nearing the end of its life. Making a replacement is the better choice.
HVAC Unit Efficiency
- Air Conditioners: The energy efficiency of an air conditioner is gauged by its Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER). Starting in 2023, new units must have a SEER of at least 14 in the Northern states and 15 in the Southeast and South. If your AC has a SEER below 10, it might be time to think about replacing it. Energy.gov states that upgrading from a SEER 9 unit to a SEER 14 can cut energy use by over 35%. Some top HVAC systems even offer ACs with SEER ratings reaching up to 26. Generally, the higher the SEER, the more efficient the air conditioner, but keep in mind that it’ll also cost you more upfront.
- Furnaces: The Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) measures how well a furnace uses fuel. If you’ve got a gas furnace with an AFUE of 95% or more in the North, or 90% or more in the South, it’s Energy Star certified. When you’re deciding whether to fix or swap out your furnace, 80% is a solid benchmark. Think about repairing it if it’s above that, or replacing it if it’s below.
- Heat Pumps: If you have a heat pump, think about getting it repaired if the SEER is over 10 and the HSPF is over 8. If those ratings are 10 or lower for SEER and 8 or lower for HSPF, it might be time to replace it.
When considering the repair or replacement of your HVAC unit, take factor the age and the cost of repairs.
Financial Incentives
Financial perks like federal tax credits or rebates can make getting a new system way more appealing than fixing up an old one. If you’re thinking about snagging a heat pump, now’s the perfect time to jump in.
Planning on Moving?
A new HVAC system is a big expense. If you’re thinking about moving in the next few years, it might not be worth replacing it. But if you’re sticking around, investing in a new energy-efficient heating and cooling system can pay off by cutting down your energy bills and keeping you comfortable for a long time.
Environmental Friendly
When weighing the benefits and drawbacks of fixing or replacing your current heating and cooling system, remember about the environment.
If you care about being eco-friendly and your system is about 10-15 years old and needs repairs, it might be better to go for a new HVAC system.
Upgrading to new furnaces and air conditioners can boost efficiency. Helping you save on your electric and gas bills while also cutting down on your home’s carbon footprint.
Switching to a geothermal or air-source heat pump, you can ditch fossil fuels to heat your home in the winter. Essentially, a heat pump works by transferring heat from outside to inside your home using electricity and refrigerant.
FAQs on HVAC Repair or Replace
How much does a new HVAC system cost?
New HVAC systems, along with the installation, run from $5,000 to $12,500. The price can vary based on several factors like the system’s size, the brand you choose, and its energy efficiency.
Replacing Furnace
When figuring out if it’s time to swap out your furnace, think about how old it is, if it’s still covered by a warranty, and how often it’s needed repairs. A lot of HVAC pros follow the “5,000 rule” to decide if they should fix or replace a furnace. Just take the age of the furnace, multiply it by the repair cost, and if that number goes over $5,000, it might be time to get a new one.
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