Replacing Your HVAC System – Environmental Systems Associates

Is it time to replace my system?

The best time to replace your system is when YOU are planning on it, not when the system finally fails and you rush into a decision without careful consideration.

The useful life of a system is usually 10 to 15 years for the compressor in the outdoor unit. Heat pump compressors tend to fail earlier than air conditioner compressors because they are used year round. The typical life span of a furnace is between 15 and 20 years.

As your system begins to wear out, you will encounter refrigerant leaks and motor failures. Sometimes, the compressor in the outdoor unit will short out or the heat exchanger in a gas furnace will develop cracks. All of these are expensive repairs and it may prove more cost effective for you to replace your system rather than repair it.

Today's higher efficiency systems have innovative comfort features like two stage compressors, variable speed fans, and automatic temperature/humidity controls.

These enhancements consistently convince owners to replace older, unreliable systems that have not yet completely failed. Not only will you save money on repairs, but you'll see monthly savings on your utility bills. At the same time you'll experience more consistency and comfort from your heating and cooling system system.

A home HVAC ("Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning") system is usually composed of both a heating system and an air conditioning system. There is an outdoor unit, the "air conditioning" or "condensing" unit and an indoor unit, the air handler or furnace that contains an evaporating coil plus a blower-fan to circulate the air in your home.

In our area, heat pumps can provide both heating and cooling. But, because heat pumps cannot produce enough heat at temperatures close to freezing, they have a supplemnental source of heat fueled by electricity or gas in the indoor air handler. Air conditioners are usually coupled with gas furnaces to provide heat in the winter.

If you are replacing a complete HVAC system, you will need both an outdoor unit (heat pump or air conditioner) and an indoor unit (air handler/evaporating coil or gas funance with an evaporating coil).

In addition to the basic system you may also wish to add a humidifier or high-efficiency air cleaner to further enhance your indoor air quality.

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Replacing Your HVAC System - Environmental Systems Associates