Is your heating or cooling system acting up? Have you noticed abnormally high utility bills or heard strange noises when the blower kicks on? It may be time for an upgrade, but let’s not be premature. Sometimes, a timely repair is all that’s necessary to keep your home comfortable. Heating Specialties of Fairton, N.J., can help you determine when it’s time to call us for a repair and when we need to start discussing a new system.
A new heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) unit can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $12,000 or more. But repairs can also be pricey, especially when you’re paying to fix a unit that is more than 10 years old. Let’s look at what questions you should ask before deciding to replace or repair your unit.
How old is the unit?
Your heating and cooling unit’s age is more than just a number. It’s a good guide for determining how much you want to spend to keep things running:
- A unit that’s 0-10 years old may still be covered under a warranty, which means those repairs might not be as costly as you thought they’d be.
- A unit that’s 10 years or older may have outlived its warranty. It also may not be as energy efficient as the newer models, so you’re paying more in utility bills to keep your old equipment.
What will it cost to repair your unit?
When your Heating Specialties technician gives you a repair estimate, take a moment to consider the unit’s age and the cost of the repair. Some HVAC professionals say you should buy new if the cost of the repair is more than half of the cost of a new unit. We also like to refer to what the industry calls the “$5,000 rule:” Multiply the cost of the repair by your unit’s age. If that number is more than $5,000, consider a replacement. For instance:
$1,000 repair x 4 years old = $4,000. REPAIR.
$500 repair x 11 years old = $5,500. REPLACE.
How often does your unit need to be repaired?
If you’re calling Heating Specialties several times a year for emergency repairs, it may make sense to invest in a new, more reliable unit. Those service calls can add up, especially when you factor in the time you must take off from work and the inconvenience of a home that’s too cold or too warm. On the other hand, if this is the first repair you’ve needed in years, you may be looking at a one-time issue. Your Heating Specialties technician can offer insights as well.
Whether you’re purchasing a brand new heating and cooling system or you’re opting for a repair, you want to enjoy your comfortable home without worrying about breakdowns. That’s probably the best reason for investing in maintenance. Those spring and fall tune-ups are more than just a quick check. Our technicians will thoroughly clean and inspect your system, identifying any issues and potentially fixing them before they become big, expensive issues. If your home isn’t as warm or cool as you want it to be, call Heating Specialties now at (866) 923-2653 or use our convenient online form to schedule an appointment. Don’t procrastinate because you’re afraid it’s time to replace your unit. Heating Specialties often has special offers and financing to help you make this important decision. Trust Heating Specialties in South Jersey for outstanding service every step of the way.