How to Tell it’s Time to Upgrade Your HVAC System

If you’ve had your HVAC system for several years then you may be starting to wonder “Is it time for me to upgrade yet?” Being a homeowner is extremely rewarding, but it’s also a lot of work and patience. The reality is that you won’t KNOW when it’s time to replace your unit until… well you know. It’s not necessarily something you can schedule, but it is something that you can be prepared for. By paying attention to key signs and facts you’ll be able to know your HVAC system is on the last leg before it actually dies. Here are some key signs that you should be looking to upgrade your HVAC unit. 

Those energy bills keep climbing 

If your energy bills seem to be on a steady incline it’s a pretty good sign that something isn’t right. We recommend you start paying attention to and regulating your energy usage. By paying attention and regulating you’ll be able to notice what’s causing the uptick. We can safely guess it’s your HVAC system. A dying system is working a lot harder than a new one, which is why you’re adding $$ to your monthly bill. 

Uneven temperatures in your home 

Have you ever been in the bathroom downstairs and then gone upstairs to your room and noticed a significant temperature difference? If you answered yes to this question then it’s likely your HVAC isn’t working like it used to. Differing and uneven temperatures throughout your home are a key sign that your HVAC isn’t functioning properly. It shouldn’t be hot in your bathroom downstairs and freezing your bedroom upstairs. 

Unpleasant smells and sounds

If you’ve noticed unpleasant smells coming from your HVAC then you have a problem on your hands. These strange or bad smells can come from a variety of things including mold growth in your unit and refrigerant leaks. You should also be cautious if you notice unusual sounds becoming consistent. Sounds such as vibrating, humming, or clanking can indicate a problem with your HVAC motor. However loud banging sounds can indicate a much more serious issue. If you hear these sounds call an HVAC professional as soon as you can! 

You’re becoming best friend with your HVAC maintenance crew 

While we love getting to know our customers and we’re always eager to help them with their HVAC needs. We don’t expect to see you often or on a regular basis. If you feel like you’re seeing your HVAC maintenance guy more than a few times a year… you have a problem on your hands. Ideally, a healthy HVAC system should require 2 seasonal check-ups and not much more. If you’re calling for help more often than that it may be time to look into an upgrade. 

These are just some of the key signs that you’re HVAC is in need of an upgrade. Of course, we highly encourage you to connect with an HVAC professional before making any decisions. Relying on a professional will help ensure that you make the right decision at the right time. A/C Masters would be happy to come out and perform an inspection. If we think it’s time for an upgrade our team will help walk you through recommendations, installation, and aftercare. Just give us a call at (757) 847-5252 to learn more or schedule an appointment! 

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