205-655-2396 5 Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Old HVAC System
Even when you schedule regular HVAC maintenance and HVAC cleaning in Birmingham, AL, your aging HVAC system will eventually need to be replaced. If you haven’t scheduled a maintenance appointment or had an inspection in a while, there are certain signs you should look out for that may indicate it’s time for an HVAC replacement in Birmingham, AL.
- A Higher Than Normal Power Bill
- Unable to Keep Up During Extreme Temperatures
- Strange Sounds
- Mysterious Odors
- Your Unit is More Than 10 Years Old
Higher Power Bill
With energy costs going up everywhere, you may not realize your HVAC unit is putting extra strain on your power consumption (and your wallet). One way to figure this out is to go online and check out your billing history to see how much power you are using in comparison to similar months in the past. Outside of extreme temperature swings, you should be able to determine if your power usage is on an upward trajectory.
It may make sense to schedule an appointment to discuss the installation of a unit that has improved energy efficiency – which will save you money on energy bills in the long run.
Variable Heating or Cooling During Extreme Weather
If, during a summer heatwave, you get ready for bed and set your thermostat at 65, you likely expect to sleep through the night in cool comfort. If your HVAC system is beginning to fail, you may find yourself tossing the sheets off and on again all night long – you may even need to turn a fan on to be able to sleep. Conversely, when it is very cold outside, your system may work continually and your home may still never reach the level of warmth you desire.
Things That Go Bump in the Night
Has your HVAC system been making strange noises, perhaps even waking you up at night? If you hear clanking, screeching, or squealing – or even if your system is just louder than it used to be, it may be time to consider the benefits of a new HVAC system. A good rule of thumb is when you begin to say to yourself, “That doesn’t sound right,” it’s time to assume something is wrong.
Odd Smells and Mysterious Odors
One obvious issue would be if your CO2 detector is going off – it might mean your gas furnace has a heat exchanger issue or another problem causing CO2 to enter your home. This is a serious issue and should be addressed immediately.
Another problem that requires attention is any smokey or burning smell that may indicate a short in the electrical wiring or a circuit board has gone bad. Any type of electrical issue can be a fire hazard and should be checked out by a professional sooner rather than later.
HVAC Systems Don’t Age Well
Unlike wine, HVAC systems do not improve with age. If your system is beyond the manufacturer’s warranty, it may be time to consider a replacement. The typical warranty is for ten years if it was registered by a licensed HVAC professional – if it wasn’t, then the warranty is only good for 5 years.
While your older HVAC system may still function well, it is important to know the age of your unit so you can be especially aware of problems that may arise in older models. Furthermore, you may want to consider replacing the unit to improve your indoor air quality or take advantage of a newer, high efficiency system.
If you don’t know the age of your equipment we can help you out – all you need to do is call us with the model and serial number. Often these numbers are coded in a way that it’s hard for anyone that isn’t a pro to determine the manufacturer date. You will usually find them on the name plates of both your indoor and outdoor units. The outdoor unit is usually easier to access and was likely installed at the same time as the indoor unit, so we recommend checking there first.
All nameplates are different, but here is an example of a typical nameplate:
Basically, if you can’t remember when your furnace was installed, or if Bruno Mars and the Blackeyed Peas were topping the charts when your unit was brand new, it’s probably time to reach out to our dedicated team of highly-skilled HVAC technicians at Wilbur’s Ar Conditioning, Heating & Plumbing to discuss replacement options.
