February 14, 2023

12 Telltale Signs That It’s Time to Replace Your HVAC System

When it comes to your home comfort in St. Louis, your HVAC system plays a major role. However, even the best and most reliable systems can experience problems affecting their efficiency and performance over time. That’s why it’s important to know when it might be time to consider getting a newer energy-efficient HVAC system. Here are 12 signs that indicate that it might be time to replace your HVAC system with a newer, more energy-efficient one.

You Have an Old or Outdated (HVAC) System

HVAC systems can become less efficient and require more frequent repairs as they age. This can lead to a less comfortable living or working environment, and you may see a spike in your utility bills.

A newer energy-efficient HVAC system can improve indoor air quality and provide more consistent heating and cooling.
Additionally, newer systems often have advanced features such as programmable thermostats, air purifiers, and humidifiers.

Your Energy Bills Have Been Consistently Increasing

An inefficient heating and cooling unit means you’ll pay more monthly for utilities since these units tend to operate at lower efficiency levels than today’s newer units. Upgrading to an ENERGY STAR-rated model will allow for monthly utility savings.

Also, if your energy bills keep going up without any obvious cause, there may be something wrong with your HVAC system, causing it to use more energy than normal. While this issue may sometimes be resolved by repairing the HVAC system, other times, replacing an inefficient system with a new one can help reduce these costs significantly over time.

Water Is Leaking From the Unit

Another reason to consider a newer energy-efficient HVAC system is if there is significant water leaking from the unit. A small amount of water is normal, but any signs of large pools of water indicate there is a problem. A leaking HVAC unit can cause damage to your home’s foundation and lead to mold growth.

Additionally, a leaking unit may use more energy than necessary, resulting in higher energy bills. A newer energy-efficient HVAC system can help to prevent leaks and reduce energy costs, making it a wise investment for any homeowner.

Your HVAC System Is Frequently in Need of Repairs

Frequent repairs signify that your HVAC system may need to be replaced soon. Keep track of how many times you have had to repair your system. If the number continues to increase over time, consider replacing it with a newer model.

Your Home Is Not Comfortable, Despite the HVAC System Running

Suppose you constantly adjust the temperature to stay comfortable but do not get the desired results. In that case, this could mean that your current HVAC system cannot properly heat or cool your home anymore and needs to be replaced soon if you want optimal performance.

Your HVAC System Is Making Loud or Unusual Noises

Unusual noises from your furnace or air conditioner could indicate problems ranging from simple issues like loose parts or dirty filters, which can easily be fixed, to more serious issues like failing motors or burners, which would require major repairs or replacement of the whole unit for smooth operation.

Your HVAC System Cannot Maintain the Desired Temperature

Suppose you’re constantly having difficulty maintaining a comfortable temperature in your home. In that case, there may be something wrong with the thermostat or other components within your HVAC unit, preventing proper operation and leading directly to higher utility bills due to poor performance. That contributes to the overall discomfort inside your home due to inadequate heating/cooling from the unit itself.

Your HVAC System Is Not Able to Maintain Good Indoor Air Quality

Poor indoor air quality can lead directly to allergies, asthma attacks, headaches, and other health problems caused by dust particles, pollen, smoke, and mold spores. These particles are circulated throughout the home via vents due to inadequate filtration that may develop because of wear and tear. This issue leads directly to poorer indoor air quality all around.

A new high-efficiency unit will typically come fitted with a better filtration system allowing for much cleaner air throughout the house.

Your HVAC System Is Not Compatible With New Smart Home Technology

Modern smart thermostats bring added convenience while saving money on utilities as they automatically adjust temperatures based on occupancy and lifestyle patterns in the home. This allows for greater control over the heating and cooling of the house without any added effort from the user. Suppose you are using an older model but want to enjoy the benefits of smart thermostats and other automated technologies which can help lower monthly utility bills. In that case, you will have to purchase extra components, which may be costly in the long run.

Your HVAC System Is Not Compliant With Current Regulations or Standards

Many jurisdictions now require all homes to use only ENERGY STAR-rated appliances and equipment, including heating and cooling systems. If you still use an older model, it may no longer comply with local regulations. Therefore, it’s best to update your system as soon as possible to environmentally friendly standards.

Your Unit is Running Constantly and Can’t Keep up With Demand

Another reason to consider a newer energy-efficient HVAC system is if your current unit is constantly running and unable to keep up with demand. This can signify that the unit is too old or small for the space it is trying to cool or heat. Upgrading to a newer, more efficient system can help better regulate the temperature in your home or building while reducing energy usage and costs.

Your HVAC System is Blowing Warm Air

It may be time to replace your HVAC system if you notice that it’s blowing warm air. This is a sure sign that there is a problem with your system. One cause that the unit is blowing hot air could be the compressor. A compressor that has stopped working will need to be replaced, which is a costly investment. Another cause of hot air blowing could be the refrigerant. If the refrigerant it’s leaking or low, your system will not function properly. You’ll need to get a technician to add refrigerant to the unit. If your unit uses the now-retired R-12 coolant, it may be more costly to switch the unit to the new refrigerant. In the long run, whether you need a new compressor or need to switch your HVAC system’s refrigerant, it will be more economical to get a new energy-efficient system.

Contact the Pros

At Scott-Lee Heating Company, we provide top-notch heating and cooling services to commercial and residential clients in the St. Louis area. Our services include AC maintenance, air conditioning replacement, seasonal air conditioner maintenance, furnace repair and replacement, heat pump maintenance, and heat pump system services. We also offer 24/7 emergency services for your convenience. Trust us to keep your HVAC systems running all year round smoothly. Contact us today for more information or to schedule an appointment.