As with anything, aging homes are prone to deterioration. The floors begin to sag and the plumbing starts to rust. Buying a house is a really large investment and the only choice that homeowners have is to protect that investment by repairing or replacing things that go wrong. This is especially true for the more expensive appliances like heating and air conditioning systems.
When faced with the choice between repairing or replacing your old HVAC system there are five things to consider that may help you in your decision-making process.
1. Get Certified
Newer HVAC units are designed to use less energy than older models. If your heating and air system is more than 12 years old, a new system will soon pay for itself. Replacing your old unit with an Energy Star certified model will cut your costs by up to 30 percent. Beyond that, your local utility company is likely to offer rebates for the installation of these systems.
2. Go Reusable
Older models of HVAC systems hosted an array of filter sizes. Unfortunately, this tends to make their replacement something of a burden as you search the home improvement store for the perfect fit. These days a simple google search will lead you to reusable filters that can be cleaned and put back in place. This will not only reduce the headache of constantly buying new filters, but the lack of replacement will save you money.
3. Zone Out
For those with lesser-used spaces around their home, a zoning system is a clear energy saver. New innovations have made it possible for homeowners to have more control over the areas that are being heated or cooled at any given moment. Because your HVAC is not trying so hard to control the climate of an entire home, it will run less and, therefore, cost less.
4. Be Smart
Anyone with a smartphone can now control their home’s heating and air conditioning systems from anywhere. The newest thermostats on the market are fully integrated with the latest digital technologies including the ability to connect them with your Amazon Alexa or Apple HomeKit. This remote control saves homeowners serious cash because they get to choose when, where, and what temperature each zone of their house should be.
5. Abandon Freon
By the start of 2010, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency began to phase out the use of the refrigerant R22 in air conditioners. Although this type of freon is still allowed for the recharging of older models, it is no longer being produced in the United States and the price is steadily rising as current stores are depleted. Also, R22 will no longer be available for use at all by the year 2020.
Yes, the decision to replace such a large and seemingly expensive appliance can be daunting, but the eventual savings are well-worth it in the long run. Make sure to contact your local HVAC service company if you decide to make the switch.
