Reward Yourself With a New HVAC System This Year!
HVAC systems provide heating, ventilation, and air conditioning services to control internal temperatures in residential and commercial buildings. These systems are considered worthwhile investments and have a relatively long service life of about 10 to 15 years. However, due to several factors such as frequent usage, improper installation, and poor maintenance, HVAC systems can break down unexpectedly, hence requiring replacement.
When To Replace an Existing HVAC System
An existing HVAC system that is older than 10 years will begin to break down gradually, consequently needing repairs. It is advisable that after 10 years, homeowners should consider replacing their HVAC system with newer and more efficient technologies. Other factors indicating the need for HVAC replacement include unusual noises and smells from the air vents, poor air quality, and a rise in energy bills.
Factors To Consider When Replacing an HVAC System
When replacing an HVAC system, sizing is one of the key factors that need to be considered beforehand. The first step in sizing an HVAC system is identifying the energy needs and requirements of the building.
The heating load refers to the amount of heating or cooling that a specific building needs. On the other hand, heating capacity is the level of heating or cooling that an HVAC system can provide. Therefore, it is important to ensure that the HVAC systems’ heating capacity meets the heating load of a specific building.
Sizing ensures that the HVAC system of choice will fit correctly, considering the size of the building, climate of the area, the number of occupants, the positioning of windows, among other considerations. If the HVAC system is too small, it risks facing certain difficulties in controlling temperatures in the building.
An HVAC system that is too big is more prone to wear and tear and will need constant repairs. Homeowners can establish their HVAC systems’ size and energy by determining the energy levels needed in the building.
However, several factors other than size and energy consumption may affect the efficiency of an HVAC system. It is recommended to have professionals take measurements of the building to design an HVAC system that is efficient and guaranteed to have a longer service life.
The Importance of Proper Maintenance of HVAC Systems
Once the right HVAC system has been installed, regular and proper maintenance is necessary to ensure the device is running in good condition. Proper maintenance helps save money that would have been spent on repairs or getting a replacement.
Homeowners are advised to schedule regular HVAC maintenance and evaluations, preferably annually. These checkups help determine the current condition and efficiency of the HVAC system. For best results, homeowners can also take steps to change and clean dirty air filters, drain lines, and condensers, preferably once a month.
Alternatively, homeowners may consider investing in smart AC controllers to access information on the usage history and receive alerts when the air filters need cleaning. Smart AC controllers can even detect when the air conditioning system is not functioning optimally and give information about the indoor air quality.
About Daniels Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning, LLC
Based in Santa Fe NM, Daniels Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning, LLC has over 10 years’ experience in a wide range of services from HVAC repairs to plumbing. They are always available 24/7 to provide HVAC installation or replacement services in the region while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism.
