Making the decision whether to repair or replace your furnace or air conditioner can be difficult. As with most other large-ticket items, you'll know it's time when the cost of repairs equals or outweighs the cost of a new unit.
But even if your older system still seems to be working, you might actually save money by replacing it before it wears out.
Not only will you avoid a last- minute decision on an emergency replacement during a summer heat wave, you could also significantly reduce your energy bills - possibly lowering it enough to pay back the cost of a new unit in just a few years.
A qualified heating and air conditioning contractor can inspect your existing equipment to give you an estimate on how many years it might last, how much it’s costing you to operate, and how much you might save by investing in a new high-efficiency system.
Heating system tips
The lifespan of a forced-air furnace can range from 10 years to more than 25 years, depending on the manufacturer and how often it runs.
Routine maintenance – especially changing or cleaning the furnace filter - can help keep your furnace operating efficiently. Insulating and weatherizing can also help keep energy costs in check if you have an older heating system.
The American Council for an Energy-Efficiency Economy offers a simple calculation for determining how much money you could save by upgrading to a new heating system – your “return on investment.”
In most cases, a new system can bring a 12 percent or higher return on your investment. This means the money you invest in a high-efficiency furnace will be paid back in energy saving in less than five years!
Air conditioner tips
The Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Institute has some suggestions for troubleshooting a faulty air conditioner: - If the system doesn't kick on at all, make sure the thermostat is set properly, and check the fuse or circuit breaker.
- If the system runs but doesn't produce cool air, the refrigerant may be low. Call a certified technician to have it replaced.
- If you hear strange noises, the problem is likely in a major component like the compressor.
A typical central air conditioner, under normal use, will have a lifespan of 12 to 15 years. If your current air conditioner is only 10 years old, you could save 20 to 40 percent of your cooling energy costs by replacing it with a newer, more efficient model. |
