Your furnace isn’t keeping the home warm enough in the winter. Your AC decided to take a summer vacation and leave you in a warm sweat. When your Northern One Hour technician comes by to troubleshoot the problem in your Twin Cities home, you find yourself wondering if it makes more sense to pay for a repair now or dig deep into your pockets and replace the entire system.
We get it. A new heating and cooling system is a significant expense, and a repair may be easier on the wallet, at least initially. But repairs can be a temporary fix, and an older system may continue to break down thanks to aging equipment and parts. How do you make this important decision? Ask yourself these eight questions to determine whether it’s time to repair or replace your unit.
1. How old is your heating and cooling unit?
Is your unit a couple of years old? Or did it come with the house when you moved in 15 years ago? Even the best systems aren’t designed to last forever. According to ENERGY STAR®, a typical AC unit or heat pump lasts about a decade, while a furnace or boiler can give you 15 years or more of heat. If your system is getting into the terrible teens, it may be time to shop for a replacement.
2. Does the repair cost meet the $5,000 rule?
In the heating, ventilation and air conditioning world, we have a rule of thumb known as the $8,000 rule. Simply put, multiply the cost of the repair with the age of the unit. If the number is under $8,000, go ahead and spring for a repair. Over $8,000? You may want to consider a replacement. For example, if your 10-year-old unit needs a $250 repair, you’re still under that $8,000 limit. If your 5-year-old unit is facing a $1,200 repair, it may make more sense to replace the unit. This is just a guideline. Your Northern One Hour technician can help assess the unit’s longevity and advise you of your options.
3. Are you experiencing repeated breakdowns?
Here at Northern One Hour, we love seeing our customers. But we don’t necessarily want to see you on a regular basis. Frequent breakdowns are a sign that the system is slowing down and deteriorating. If you’re calling us for a repair more than once or twice a year, let’s talk about potentially replacing the unit and saving you money over time.
4. Does your unit pose a safety risk?
Safety trumps almost all other considerations, including budgetary ones. A cracked heating exchanger can leak carbon monoxide into your home, which can cause flu-like symptoms and in some cases be fatal. Older systems that are in disrepair may also be fire hazards, especially if they have faulty electrical wiring or short circuits. Don’t compromise your family’s safety when it’s time to replace your system.
5. Does your air conditioner rely on outdated refrigerant?
Over the past decade, laws have changed to require more eco-friendly air conditioning technology. If your older unit relies on a refrigerant known as R22, it’s time to upgrade to a newer model. R22, also known as HCFC-22 or Freon, is banned in the country, and recycled R22 is increasingly rare and expensive.
6. Are you concerned about the environmental impact of older technology?
While we’re on the subject of environmental safety, consider that heating and cooling technology is constantly evolving and improving. Older units naturally become less energy efficient as their parts wear down and they have to work harder to heat or cool your home. Couple that with new energy-efficient knowledge, and you could be leaving a big footprint on the earth with your older unit. Northern One Hour can introduce you to new models that cut down on energy usage and can potentially save money on your monthly bills!
7. Have you maintained the unit over its lifespan?
Regular tune-ups make a huge difference in the life expectancy of your heating and cooling system. Minnesota’s hard winters can demand a lot out of your furnace or boiler, and an annual tune-up is one of the best ways to keep it running efficiently. During our annual maintenance check, the Northern One Hour technician will give your system a thorough inspection and safety check, cleaning the burners, blowers and sensors and calibrating your thermostat. Just as your automobile lasts longer with regular oil changes, your heating and cooling system can last longer if you follow a regular maintenance schedule.
8. Are you interested in new technology and features?
Maybe you’ve been reading about a zoned system that lets you control the temperature in different parts of your home. Or maybe you’re fascinated by the concept of a smart thermostat that lets you control your settings while you’re away from home and helps you determine the most economical heating and cooling schedule. Is your current system waking you up at night when it kicks on? A newer system can guarantee better slumber with its quieter operation. These are all legitimate reasons for exploring replacement options.
No pressure. Just good, honest information.
When you partner with Northern One Hour for your heating and cooling needs, you can take comfort in knowing that we’re going to give you clear, practical recommendations that fit your home, energy goals, and budget. If you want to talk about a new heating and cooling system – or you have a small problem you want to address – call Northern One Hour now at (763) 319-0872 to speak to a product expert or request a quote. Depend on Northern One Hour for honesty, efficiency and the best home comfort in the Twin Cities.