Should You Repair or Replace Your HVAC System?
Should you repair or replace your air conditioner, heat pump, furnace, or boiler? When something breaks down, it's tempting to go the quick route and pay for repairs to get it up and running again. That quick-fix may seem the least expensive route now, but it may not offer the most value in the long run.
There's a lot to consider!
What type of equipment are you repairing?
- Air Conditioner or Heat Pump
- Furnace or Boiler
- Gas/Electric Packaged Unit
Existing System
To help us with your evaluation, we need to know what type of system you have in your home. Review the system types below and choose the one that best represents the system you have in your home.
Air Conditioner
The air conditioner is part of a split system. You have product that resides inside and outside your home:
- Air Conditioner - Cools refrigerant
- Furnace and Evaporator Coil - Converts refrigerant and circulates air
- Ducts - Carry the air throughout your home
- Control or Thermostat - Your interface for controlling your system
- Optional Air Quality Accessories such as Air Cleaners or Ventilators - Clean your air before it circulates throughout your home
Heat Pump
The Heat Pump is part of a split system. You have a product that resides inside and outside your home:
- Heat Pump - Cools and/or heats refrigerant
- Furnace with Coil or Air Handler - Converts refrigerant and circulates air
- Ducts - Carry the air throughout your home
- Control or Thermostat - Your interface for controlling your system
- Optional Air Quality Accessories such as Air Cleaners or Ventilators - Clean your air before it circulates throughout your home
Furnace
The furnace can be part of a split system or may be the only part of your system:
- Furnace - Circulates air throughout your house
- Ducts - Carry the air throughout your home
- Control or Thermostat - Your interface for controlling your system
- Optional Air Quality Accessories such as Air Cleaners or Ventilators - Clean your air before it circulates throughout your home
Boiler
The boiler can be part of a split system or may be the only part of your system:
- Boiler - Circulates water to your radiators
- Control or Thermostat - Your interface for controlling your system
Packaged System
A heat pump or air conditioner combined with an evaporator coil in a single unit outside your home:
- All you need is a control or thermostat and any air quality accessories you'd like.
- Packaged Systems may be located on the exterior of your home either on the rooftop or in the yard.
- Optional Air Quality Accessories such as Air Cleaners or Ventilators - Clean your air before it circulates throughout your home.
What is the age of your equipment?
- Less than 6 Years
- 6-10 Years
- 11-20 Years
- Over 20 Years
- Do not Know
Equipment Age and Life Expectancy
Most equipment is designed for a life expectancy of 15 to 20 years.
Older equipment is prone to the following:
- More expensive repairs, such as compressors or heat exchangers
- Much lower energy efficiency vs. today's standards
- Reduced performance due to clogged or corroding coils
What is the estimated cost of needed repairs?
- Less than $100
- $100 - $500
- $501 - $1000
- Over $1000
Equipment Repair
Repairing existing equipment can be a good decision as long as:
- The cost of the repair is less than 30% of the cost of new equipment
- The rest of the system is in excellent operating condition
Otherwise, the cost of the repair would be better invested in a new system.
Is the equipment still under warranty?
- No
- Yes
What is the SEER efficiency rating of your equipment?
- Less than $100
- $100 - $500
- $501 - $1000
- Over $1000
Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio
The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) is an energy efficiency rating for air conditioners. The higher the SEER, the better the energy performance, the more you save.
Type of refrigerant used?
- R-454b
- R-32
- Puron Advance
- Do Not Know
Has the air conditioner compressor been replaced recently?
- No
- Yes
What is the AFUE efficiency rating of your equipment?
- Over 90
- 87 - 90
- 80 - 86
- 70 - 79
Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency
The Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) is a measure of a gas furnace's efficiency in converting fuel to energy by projecting the average thermal efficiency for a complete heating season. A higher AFUE rating means greater energy efficiency.
Has the heat exchanger been replaced recently?
- Yes
- No
Does your equipment turn on and off repeatedly during the day?
- Yes
- No
Do you have problem rooms that seem to never get warm or cool?
- Yes
- No
Is the turning on of your equipment noticeable, disturbing, or causing annoying vibrations in your home?
- Yes
- No
How long do you expect to stay in this home?
- Less than 2 years
- 2-5 years
- 6-10 years
- Over 10 years
Length of Residency
If you are moving within the next year or two and believe investing in a new home comfort system will improve the value of your home, you should consider making the investment. If you plan to live in your current residence for many years, it may be wise to invest in your future comfort.
