The health of your home’s many systems is crucial to your family’s comfort. Even with regular maintenance, there comes a time when it becomes more feasible to replace equipment such as your AC, furnace, plumbing, or water heater, rather than spend the money for repairs. But how do you know when that time has arrived?
Regular Maintenance Can Help
The best way to ensure that your systems are running at peak efficiency is to have Haldeman Mechanical’s expert Service Technicians perform a thorough inspection and cleaning to identify potential problems before they become large ones and make sure your system is running at optimal levels. You can also assure the longevity of your equipment by regularly replacing air filters in your HVAC unit to increase efficiency and reduce strain on the system. Additionally, regularly inspecting your water heater, plumbing, and faucets for leaks, corrosion, or blockages can prevent a costly water disaster.
Average Equipment Lifespan
Generally, your HVAC system should last 15 to 20 years, although if your system is newer but requiring frequent repairs, a new system is probably more cost effective in the long run. Water heaters have an average lifespan of 8 to 12 years, with things like water quality and usage impacting when replacement is needed. For your home’s plumbing, fixtures such as toilets, faucets, and shower heads should be upgraded every 10 to 15 years to ensure you aren’t wasting water.
Repair versus Replace
So how do you know when to repair and when to replace? If you are noticing an increase in your energy and/or water bills with no change in usage, this can be a sign there is a problem. Other signs from your HVAC system include uneven or inadequate heating or cooling, frequent system cycling, strange noises or oders, or a deterioration in air quality. For your plumbing system, you might notice rust in your water, pools of water under sinks or toilets, or difficulty maintaining hot water temperatures or water pressure.
Benefits of Early Replacement
- Repair Cost Savings: The biggest advantage to replacing your equipment is not pouring more money into an older unit to fix ongoing issues, replace parts, and make emergency repairs.Energy Efficiency: Newer equipment is more efficient and can save you money on your energy bills. Even at peak efficiency, older equipment will still cost more to run.
- Increased Reliability: If your equipment has a history of breakdowns, you never know when the next issue will happen. A planned replacement gives you peace of mind and ensures you don’t have to worry about unexpected breakdowns.
- New Technology: Modern equipment offers enhanced features including programmable thermostats, smart home integration, and variable speed motors to provide easier control.
- Environmental Benefits: Newer equipment is designed to lower environmental impact and reduce your carbon footprint compared to older models.
- Increased Comfort: Older equipment may struggle to appropriately heat and cool your home. A new system that is the correct size for your home will provide optimal comfort all year long.
Have Questions? Haldeman Mechanical is here to help you make informed decisions about your home’s equipment. Contact us at 717-665-6910 or via email at info@haldemanmechanical.com.