Choosing between repairing and replacing your HVAC system can be a difficult task. There are many aspects to consider. You may not know how much life your current system has left. Then you have to calculate and compare costs before making a decision. You may not have all of the tools or time to figure everything else. Don’t worry, though, because B&L Ott is here to help!
Below are some common questions and answers that can help you make a decision. If you live in the Berks County area, you should schedule an appointment with us. We will send a trained technician to inspect your system, explain the situation, and answer any questions you may have.
Signs Your HVAC System Needs a Repair
The best way to know if your HVAC system needs to be repaired is to sign up for B&L Ott’s exclusive preventative maintenance program. Our technicians will be able to easily show you, explain, and make repairs that need to be made. However, there are some problem signs you can look out for on your own. These include:
- Holes in the ductwork.
- Unusually high utility bills.
- Your system is not working at all.
- Your system is making loud or strange noises.
- You can see dirt buildup on your outdoor condenser coil.
All these issues can signal decreased efficiency which may be costing you with your energy bills. B&L Ott’s exclusive preventative maintenance program is one of the best ways to ensure that your HVAC is clean and running efficiently.
Signs Your HVAC System Needs to Be Replaced
There are many factors that signal that your HVAC system should be replaced rather than repaired. The most common one is age. If it is only a few years old, you will likely want to repair it. On the other hand, systems that are 8-10 years old are nearing the end of their life and should be replaced instead.
You will also want to compare costs. If you have to make a costly repair of 500-1000 dollars, we recommend saving that money and investing it into a more comfortable reliable system. Other problems that signal replacement include needing many repairs and the physical appearance. If you notice rust, corrosion, or deterioration, you may want to consider replacement.
Typical Lifespan
The typical HVAC system lasts 8-10 years. However, this is directly proportional to how well the system has been maintained. If you take good care of your system and it is a quality system, it may last longer. On the other hand, neglected HVAC systems may only last 5-7 years.
An HVAC system is like a car; it needs proper care if you want it to last. If you think about it, your system runs year round, constantly turning on and off. This process causes wear and tear to the parts over time. Environmental elements make an even bigger impact and add to the deterioration of your system.
Run-time can also affect your HVAC. During Berks County’s hot summers, you may be putting extra stress on the compressor and outdoor fan motor. To help keep your system running efficiently, give your system a break from time to time and contact B&L Ott for regular maintenance.
Deciding to Repair or Replace
B&L Ott can help arm you with the information to need to decide whether you should repair or replace. We can help you compare the costs of repairing vs. replacing. If the costs of repairs are more than 25%-35% of the cost of a new system, you have to ask yourself is it worth it to replace. A comfort specialist can help you look at what savings you can realize from replacing the system.
Not every repair automatically signals a need for replacement. Not every consultation results in a recommendation of replacing the system instead of repairing. B&L Ott’s goal is to educate and empower you to choose what works best for you.
We take many factors into account when helping you with a recommendation. This includes how long you intend to remain in your home, your budget, what financing options are available, and the true costs. We estimate the annual cost of ownership and give you the facts. In the end, it is your decision to make.
Benefits of Installing a New HVAC System
If you end up replacing your system, you can look forward to a variety of benefits. The first benefit is being able to customize your new system to your home and family’s needs. You can correct comfort issues and add the latest technology. Your new system will be quieter, more comfortable, more efficient, and more reliable.
To ensure that your new system will work to its full potential, you will need to make sure that it is installed properly. According to a study by the North Carolina Alternative Energy Institute, 93% of all systems are installed improperly. Having a new system installed by B&L Ott guarantees that your system will be installed properly. We will correct the comfort and efficiency robbing errors of the previous installation.
Choosing a New System
When it comes to choosing your new system B&L Ott believes in delivering the customer the best choice based on their needs. A comfort consultant will provide literature and explain each system’s benefits and function. They will also ask you a variety of questions to help customize your new system to your home. You will be asked about your needs and priorities. Then we will evaluate the potential energy savings and comfort improvements. Then we will make model recommendations.
We will sit together and add or remove components to provide you with the system you want. We will help make sure the solutions you need are within a budget you are comfortable with. A system installed by B&L Ott can last 15 years or more – often double the average life of systems installed by other companies. We won’t give you booklets and tell you “here are 3 options”. We will sit with you and together we will customize a solution to your family’s needs.
