As a homeowner, repairs and upgrades are simply a fact of life. That said, it's not always easy to know which is the right one to choose. Is your HVAC system doing well? The season is getting hot, so it's more important than ever to ensure a cool house. To avoid heat-related difficulties, it's important to stay on top of your HVAC system's health. Here's how you can know if it's time for an upgrade.

Excessive Noise

This sign is easy to spot if you're used to a certain level of silence. As you know, a healthy HVAC unit shouldn't make so much noise that you can't make a phone call or listen to the television. When you turn on an HVAC that's functioning properly, you’ll hear an initial click, followed by a slight humming that can easily melt into ambient noise. However, your AC should be felt, not heard. If there's excessive rattling, grinding, shaking, and noises going on, then your unit could definitely use an upgrade. There may be loose parts or issues with the motor.

Constant Repairs

Like with anything else in your home, you'll almost certainly need to repair your AC at some point. In our experience, the average lifespan of a residential AC unit is somewhere between a decade and 15 years depending on the upkeep, so a few repairs are expected within that time. That said, if you find yourself making excessive repairs, that's an issue. After all, according to This Old House, repairing an air conditioner usually costs anywhere from $100 to more than $1,000. Calculate the cost of your repairs over the years or the most recent year. If you find yourself spending thousands of dollars, you may have already paid for the cost of a new one. Instead of wasting more money, consider upgrading to a better unit.

Bad Smells

Not only should you not hear your AC across the room, but you also shouldn't have to smell it. A funky HVAC unit is a sign of built-up dust, dirt, allergens, and mold. Such a buildup can happen when you don't do regular maintenance repairs on your unit. We recommend having an inspector look at your HVAC unit at least once a year. When you avoid those maintenance calls, it gives plenty of time for dirt and other debris to build up in the ducts. Mold can form over time and cause several health issues like asthma, bronchitis, and other severe allergic reactions.

Leaks

Does your AC appear to leak? A leaky unit means there's something wrong with the refrigerant levels. This can lead to water damage in your home. Not only can water damage ruin your drywall floor or other areas the water seeps in, but it's also a breeding ground for mold. If the unit leaks persistently, we would highly recommend removing it from your property as soon as possible.

High Energy Bills

Your energy bills are a major aspect of your home expenses. When your AC unit is malfunctioning, those costs can skyrocket even further. When you upgrade to a more energy-efficient model, you'll have an AC unit that runs smoothly while burning less energy. Doing so will both help your home budget and create a healthy impact on your carbon footprint in the environment.

Age

Everything has a shelf life, and that includes your AC unit. According to Bob Villa, a typical unit will last about 10 to 15 years. So, note how old your AC unit is before making more repairs. If it's closer to the end of its life cycle, an upgrade is worth it, even if it hasn’t shown any obvious issues. Plus, if you plan on selling soon, showing potential homeowners a new unit as opposed to one that’s over a decade old will give a better impression. Whether you plan on staying or not, definitely consider upgrading an aging unit.

Your HVAC system is imperative to maintaining a comfortable environment. When you need heat in winter or cool air in summer, a functioning unit keeps the temperature on point. If you're experiencing any of the above signs, don't hesitate to reach out for an upgrade! Call our local team at Terry's Plumbing Air & Energy for an appointment today.