When you’re faced with the choice between replacing or repairing part or all of your heating and cooling system, rely on Element Home Solutions as a Bay Area dealer of Bryant® and other top heating, ventilation and cooling systems. We will find you a solution that’s affordable, keeps your family comfortable and makes sense long-term.
We start with an inspection to identify current maintenance needs and costs, and interview you for your individual heating, cooling and air quality priorities. Whether you choose to make repairs or replace your system, expect to receive whole-home comfort.
Here are some of the issues you need to keep in mind when deciding whether to repair your current HVAC equipment or upgrade to a new system:
The Cost and Convenience of HVAC Repair or Replacement
Cost is always a consideration – the price of repairs will usually be less than installing a new model. But age is a factor: How old is your current system? Will the cost of repairs recur in a few years? If the cost of repairs is more than a third of what a new system would cost, it may make more sense to replace it. And if the repair bill approaches 50% of the cost of a replacement, an upgrade is the better long-term choice.
On the other hand, if repairs are a third of the replacement cost, or less, and your system is less than 10 years old, the repair could buy you many productive years ahead. Even 25-year-old equipment can still keep your home comfortable with proper maintenance and attention.
But, an older system is more likely to require repair again in a few years, and may be out of warranty.
HVAC Efficiency and Long-Term Savings
As with many significant home appliance purchases, you look beyond the up-front price tag to see the cost of the system over time. More energy efficient systems mean lower monthly utility bills, leading to savings you’ll reap year after year for the life of the system.
We measure the heating efficiency of a furnace by its Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE). It calculates the percentage of energy actually used to heat your home. Newer furnaces have an AFUE of 80% or more, and some of our HVAC furnace models offer up to 98.3%. If your current system has an AFUE of less than 80%, you could obtain significant saving on your monthly energy bill with an upgrade.
Air conditioners and heat pumps are rated using the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER). “14 SEER” is the minimum currently required for most markets We currently install models rated up to 20.5. Upgrading to a higher SEER rating means energy savings over the life of the system. For heat pumps in heating mode, look for a Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF) of over 10 for greater efficiencies.
Installing a more efficient system may also qualify you for tax credits or local utility rebates. Talk to us for more information on those programs, and manufacturer bonuses as well
Improving Indoor Air Quality
We offer a simple, 30-minute analysis of the air in your home to discover any indoor air quality issues. When you understand the indoor air quality implications of your heating and cooling system, you can literally breathe a little easier!
The Bottom Line on HVAC Repair or Replacement
Your heating and cooling system is one of the most expensive components of your home, and one of the most important as it impacts your family’s comfort. So, deciding between replacing and repairing your HVAC system is a big one. But think long-term and act: If your furnace goes out in December, or your air conditioning fails during a summer heat wave, the impact on your family’s comfort is dire!
Our Element Home Solutions professionals will walk you through the pros and cons of repair or replacement, and deliver the right solution for you and your family.
Call us at 888-980-4822 or contact us here.
