The question when to replace and when to repair. If you’ve got a heating and air system that’s having a problem in Hackensack, NJ, a lot of folks sometimes don’t know what the right answer is. There are some variables and some factors that come into that.
A regular AC tune-up will keep your system running efficiently. It will avoid any unexpected breakdown on your system, and for sure it will save some money on your energy bill.
What Tune-Up Covers?
The first thing, drop the temperature on the thermostat. Check the temperature drop on the system to see if the temperature is dropping properly. Then flush the drain line. Check the electrical connection on the furnace. Also check the blower amperage and the capacitor. And make sure the coil is clean. Check the coil and the supply box.
Replace or Repair your HVAC System?
The second part of this system is an outside condenser. Check the refrigerant level, subcooling, superheat sensor, fan motor, and also the compressor amperage and the dual capacitor. Wash the coil and make sure the coil is ready for the whole summer.
Filters and Airflow
The filter is so impacted with dirt that very little air can flow through it. This is tantamount to trying to run a marathon breathing through a straw. So basically what this leads to is your AC system is going to have to work twice as hard to get the job done, which in turn leads to a shorter life expectancy.
How Long HVAC Systems Last in Hackensack, NJ
On average, for heat pump systems, they usually last between 15 and 18 years and for a straight cool system, they’re going to last closer to 20 years.
The reason why heat pump systems don’t last as long is that they both cool and heat, so they run all year round versus a straight cool system, which only cools, so they don’t run as much. Sometimes you can get a lot more life out of them; sometimes they end up being a little shorter.
What Extends the Life of HVAC Systems
There are really just three major things to look at: how is it installed, how is it maintained and how do you run it? The most important factor in the longevity of an AC system is installation. If an AC system just isn’t installed correctly, it can dramatically reduce the life expectancy of the system.
The next thing up is doing routine preventative maintenance by having a technician come out once or twice a year to PM your system. They can also catch components that are starting to fail. This can help prevent a major disaster down the road.
What Goes Into a Tune-Up vs. Replace Decision
You need to consider some things, the first one being the safety of the system. What is that repair and why did it have that problem? Ask your professional for their opinion on what you should do.
Maybe get a second opinion if you feel that’s necessary. What is the shape of the existing system? If the system is in really rough shape, maybe it’s just been abused and it’s time to replace it regardless. Another thing to consider is how efficient that new system is. And then finally, is that system under warranty?
Tune Up vs. Replace on an Older System
The other thing to look at is the age of the equipment. How old’s the equipment? These are mechanical systems. They have moving parts and moving parts, at one point or another finally break down for some reason. If it’s an older system, if it’s got 12-15 years on it but everything’s in really good shape, then maybe that should play a role in your decision-making.
Efficiency and How Long You Will Stay
If your system is really efficient, maybe just repairing it would be okay even if the cost is a little high. Now, if you have a low-efficiency system and a high repair cost, maybe a new system that’s going to be more efficient would be a better route.
Your utility costs are going to drop. And a lot of times, new systems make your home a lot more comfortable. So now you’re paying less to be more comfortable. The last thing to look at is how long you are going to live here. So why replace it if you’re going to be here for another year?
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should HVAC systems in Bergen County, NJ be tuned up?
It’s best to have a technician come out once or twice a year to PM your system.
What does a tune-up do for an HVAC system?
This can help prevent a major disaster down the road. They can also catch components that are starting to fail.
How long do HVAC systems usually last?
For heat pump systems, they usually last between 15 and 18 years, and for a straight cool system, they’re going to last closer to 20 years.
Why does a dirty filter shorten an HVAC system’s life?
The filter is so impacted with dirt that very little air can flow through it.
How do you decide to tune up vs. replace?
You need to take the shape of the system and the warranty and the efficiency of that system and the opinion of the professional.
Tune Up vs. Replace in Hackensack, NJ
Get 20-plus years out of an HVAC system if your HVAC system was installed correctly and you do all the proper maintenance and you run it according to how it was designed to be run.
There are a lot of variables involved in whether it’s better to repair or replace. If you’re a homeowner, find a good contractor that you trust.
