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5 Signs You Need to Replace Your HVAC System

Your home relies on a fully functioning HVAC system to stay comfortable through the seasons. If you’re reading this article, chances are you’ve run into one or more problems with your HVAC system. The signs that we talk about here encompass all types of HVAC systems. However, one caveat is that one or two signs by themselves aren’t confirmatory that you need to replace HVAC straight away. To be 100% sure, we recommend talking to a professional.

As one of the most trusted brands for providing heating and cooling solutions for homes, we have a number of authorized Napoleon dealers who will be more than happy to give expert insight on whether or not your need to replace any component of your HVAC system.

 

1. Your Home is Never Cool or Warm Enough

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The first sign that you need to replace HVAC, replace AC, or replace your heating unit is when your house is never reaching the optimal temperature. Through time, you may observe that your house is not as comfortable as it used to be. It’s too cold or too hot even when you keep adjusting the thermostat. This is a major red flag that something is wrong with your heating system, cooling system, or both.

However, this is not exclusive to indicating HVAC functionality. Check your home for leaks (usually through faulty windows or doors). There is a chance that your HVAC might be performing well but the house just isn’t sealed properly.

 

2. Your Energy Bill Has Significantly Spiked

Have your energy bills been spiking recently without any obvious cause? If so, it might mean that your heating unit, cooling unit, heat pumps, or air handlers are struggling to function. With decreased efficiency, these electrically powered devices may be contributing to the spike in your energy bill.

Note:
Depending on the kind of system you have in your home, you’ll have different components working together to heat or cool your space. Some systems don’t have heat pumps or air handlers.

A high energy bill, by itself, is not a reliable sign that the efficiency of your HVAC system is compromised. Other malfunctioning electrically powered appliances may be contributing to the spike in your bill as well. For example, poorly sealed refrigerators and malfunctioning water heaters can also eat up a lot of power.

 

3. Any of Your HVAC System Components Are Past Their Lifespan

In our article, The Ultimate HVAC Tune-Up Checklist, we talked about the different components present in various HVAC setups. Here is a summary:

Type of HVAC System

Components

Split Systems

  • Air conditioner (for cooling) – the condenser and compressor are in an outdoor unit, but also has an indoor component

  • Gas furnace (for heating) – installed inside

  • Ducts

Hybrid Split Systems

  • Heat pump (for heating or cooling) – installed outside

  • Air handler (for moving air around) – typically used with the heat pump but installed inside

  • Gas furnace (for heating) – installed inside

  • Ducts

Ductless Systems

  • Condenser unit – installed outside

  • Air handlers (for moving air around) – typically used with a heat pump but these are installed inside

Note: some types of ductless systems have wall-mounted air conditioners (as the indoor component)

Packaged Systems

  • A packaged HVAC unit containing the compressor, coils, and air handler

  • Ducts

 

Though high-quality HVAC components can live past this time, these are average numbers that can serve as a benchmark for any brand. If any of your HVAC components are past the listed average lifespans, and you’re experiencing other problems on this list, it could be time to replace HVAC, replace AC, or whichever component(s) are weakening your system.

 

4. You Have Tuned-up the Components of Your HVAC System and You're Still Having Problems

Essentially, HVAC tune-ups involve the removal of debris, dust, and dirt that are around or inside HVAC components. Tune-ups also involve spotting and replacing worn out parts or wiring. Before opting to replace your heating and cooling, make sure that you have first done a thorough tune-up of the HVAC’s components. Check out our guide, The Ultimate HVAC Tune-Up Checklist, for detailed steps.

Once you’ve done the step-by-step tune-up and you see little to no difference in your home’s heating or cooling, this is a strong indicator that repairs or replacements are required.

 

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5. You've been Paying for Frequent Repairs

If you’re paying for repairs every other month, it’s one of the more obvious signs that you need to replace HVAC, replace AC, replace the gas furnace, and so on. You are not supposed to be shelling out on frequent repairs. With a high-quality HVAC system in place, you’ll be worry-free for years.

 

Get a Durable and Long-Lasting HVAC System for Your Home

This wraps up our guide on when to replace HVAC, replace AC, and so on. For other related resources about HVAC repair or replacement, check out these blogs:

 

If you’re looking for durable and long-lasting HVAC system components, Napoleon is a brand you can count on. Check out our collection of durable air conditioners, gas furnaces, heat pumps, air handlers, and ductless systems. In addition to these, we also offer solutions for improving the quality of your indoor air.

Take the next step to hassle-free and energy-efficient home comfort. Check out our heating/cooling solutions today or find an authorized Napoleon dealer near you!

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