Heating and cooling systems are essential to anyone living in the Bay Area, but they don’t last forever. There will come a time when your old HVAC system starts to struggle. At that point you need to assess whether you need a new air conditioner or a furnace replacement. So let’s review the signs that will help you decide when that time has come.
You Have an Old HVAC System
First of all, consider the age of your current HVAC system. A good system should function for around 20 years, especially if you have a regular furnace inspection every year. But even the best furnaces and air conditioners become less efficient after about a decade. You don’t necessarily have to replace your HVAC system just because it’s over 10 years old! But at that point it pays to pay close attention to issues that could cause problems.
Higher Utility Bills
As long as your older HVAC system functions properly and you don’t experience extreme temperatures in certain areas of your home, your utility bills should be manageable. However, if your energy bills start to rise without you changing your heating and cooling settings, your system might be running less efficiently than it once did. Naturally, this most often happens with an older system.
Strange Noises Coming from Your Furnace or Air Conditioner
Aside from a faint whoosh when they turn on, heating and cooling systems should be all but silent. If you notice rattling, clunking, or banging sounds coming from your furnace or your ducts, there might be a problem that should at the very least warrant a service call. If these noises persist for long, it’s probably time to get a new HVAC system.
Uneven Room Cooling and Heating by your Old HVAC System
An old or faulty HVAC system might heat or cool your home unevenly. In other words, certain rooms might be cooler or warmer than others when your furnace or air conditioner runs. This can happen for a number of reasons: Dirty air ducts or air leaks somewhere in your home. So it might pay to clean your ducts or check your doors and windows for gaps that need to be sealed. If your home is still heating or cooling unevenly, your furnace or air conditioner needs a thorough inspection.
Contact a Professional HVAC Service Company
The best way to know if your older HVAC system needs replacement is to contact the professionals at Element Home Solutions. Our HVAC specialists have been replacing gas furnaces and making repairs to heating and cooling systems for homeowners throughout Oakland and the East Bay area for years. We will quickly assess your old HVAC system to see whether it has service years in it. For more information about our HVAC services, contact us today.
