Winter is fast approaching here in Douglasville, Hiram, and the surrounding areas, meaning it’s time to start thinking about your heating system. Many homes in the area have old, inefficient HVAC equipment, and while we tend to get pretty mild winters in Metro Atlanta, that doesn’t mean we should settle for an underperforming furnace, heat pump, or mini split system.
At Anchor, we understand how frustrating it is when your HVAC has recurring problems, and how difficult it can be to decide if you should repair or replace it. While the best way to know for sure if it’s time for a heating replacement is with an inspection of your current system, here are some red flags to look out for to help you know when it’s time.
1. Your HVAC System is Over 10 Years Old
Any heating and cooling system will become less efficient as it ages, but if you’re having recurring issues on an HVAC system that’s more than a decade old it’s time to think about a replacement. Most heating systems have a life expectancy of up to 20 years but several factors can come into play, like the make, model, and if it’s had regular maintenance.
2. Your Energy Bills Keep Rising
When your heating bills increase without a coinciding increase in your usage or rates, you should have a professional inspection of your HVAC system. High energy bills can be caused by a number of issues, but the expert team at Anchor can help you pinpoint exactly where the problem lies and offer a reliable solution.
3. High Cost of Repairs
Comparing the repair vs replacement cost is tricky, but the HVAC industry has a rule of thumb to help you decide. In general, if the cost of heating repairs is more than half of the cost to replace your system, HVAC replacement is the best option. When you call Anchor for repairs, we’ll walk you through the whole process and provide a detailed estimate so you can make an informed decision.
4. Your HVAC Is Struggling to Keep Up With Demand
As your furnace or heat pump starts to age, it will have a difficult time keeping your home at a consistent temperature and get more vulnerable to a breakdown. You may notice that your system is running more frequently and still have issues keeping you comfortable. In the end, this will only expedite the need for a replacement, increasing your energy bills in the meantime.
5. Unusual Smells & Sounds
Many HVAC systems on the brink of a breakdown tend to have other, seemingly unrelated, issues. Gas or oil burning furnaces may get a leak or a heat pump may start making loud banging sounds. Make sure to take note of any out-of-the-ordinary problem with your heating system to better help our team find the source and make an accurate recommendation.
HVAC Troubles? Call Anchor Heating & Air
We’ve been helping homeowners around Sharpsburg and Powder Springs with their heating and cooling needs since 1971. Our team of HVAC experts are thoroughly trained on many makes and models of systems, so you know you’ll be in good hands.
If it turns out to be time to replace your heating system, we only install industry-leading brands, like Trane and Mitsubishi Electric, because of their superior efficiency and state-of-the-art technologies. Once installed, you can also sign up for our EZ-Pay maintenance program to get peace of mind that your new heating system will work at peak performance for as long as possible. Don’t let your HVAC troubles keep you from enjoying the cooler months and reach out to Anchor today!