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Your heating and air conditioning is something you dont think about too much until it stops working.
Read on to discover what the right choice is for you.
Man doing maintenance on a HVAC unit
Our experts recommend repairing the unit if possible.
However, this will also depend on whether the unit is older or in rough condition.
A warranty can cover repairing your HVAC unit, so youre not paying out of pocket.
Man doing maintenance on a HVAC unit
Pritchard highly recommends opting into such a plan if offered.
But what about an older HVAC unit that can be repaired?
Older systems can pose challenges when sourcing obsolete parts, rendering repair unfeasible.
Man replacing HVAC unit
Investing in a new system could offer greater long-term efficiency and reliability.
Check the Seasonal Energy Efficiency (SEER) ratio of each unit youre considering.
The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the unit.
Many people opt for a heat pump system, which is usually the most energy-efficient option.
“However, we recommend a reliable 15 SEER heat pump system if no specific requirements are requested.
This rating ensures a good balance of energy efficiency and performance for most residential applications.
How long do HVAC units last?
The average HVAC unit lasts between 10 and 20 years.
Once units start getting older, it can also be increasingly hard to find replacement parts, explains Schmitz.
However, there are some things you could do to increase the longevity of your HVAC unit.
Scheduling an annual tune-up can help catch potential issues before they become too costly to fix.
What if I do nothing?
When your HVAC unit is experiencing issues, its best to address them immediately.
Several signs could indicate your HVAC unit needs attention.