Author: Jeff O'Hara
Let me preface this blog by stating the obvious. Nick’s Air Conditioning knows that there is no good time to replace your home’s HVAC system. It’s a time-consuming, messy process that can leave your family without the use of your heating or air conditioning systems for days. Sadly, many customers cannot choose to install a new HVAC system when it is more convenient or less financially burdensome. When your HVAC system suffers a catastrophic failure, especially in the summer or winter months, it must be replaced immediately.
If homeowners were honest, most of them needing to replace an HVAC system in an emergency would admit they had plenty of warnings that something was wrong with their system long before it failed.
Had these homeowners paid attention to the signs that their HVAC system was sending them, they wouldn’t be replacing units in July or February during the worst part of the season. Instead, they could have chosen to replace their HVAC system during the “off-seasons” of the HVAC industry—the spring and fall months—when the weather is nicer, warehouses are full of new HVAC equipment, and frankly, many of our HVAC technicians really need something to do.
You can only sweep the warehouse so many times before you wear the floor out.
Why Are Spring and Fall the Best Time to Replace HVAC Systems?
Customer Comfort During Installation.
Replacing an HVAC system typically involves having to shut down all functions of the home’s heating and air conditioning capabilities. This lack of service can last anywhere from a half-day to an entire week, depending on the complexity of the installation. Spring and fall are ideal months to install as the weather is generally milder, and you are less likely to rely on your HVAC system to maintain a comfortable environment.
Having to replace an HVAC system during extreme weather may require you to relocate your family to a hotel or rent a portable AC unit or portable heater—which are available from Nick’s.
Availability of HVAC Technicians.
Nobody likes an easy day at work better than the guy writing this blog, but HVAC technicians get bored in the off-season. The last thing you—or we—want is a building full of HVAC technicians with nothing to do. Most of the guys will keep themselves out of the way and look busy, but some are pranksters, and as bored pranksters will do, hilarity often ensues. The most juvenile hilarity you can imagine, but at least they’re having fun.
Instead of giving our guys time to create the world’s largest Jenga puzzle by stacking equipment pallets, call Nick’s to schedule a consultation for a new HVAC system installation.
Seasonal Promotions.
Many HVAC manufacturers offer money-saving seasonal promotions and discounts during the slower spring and fall months. These cost-saving incentives can include manufacturer rebates, unique financing options, or discounted equipment and installation service prices. Taking advantage of these deals can potentially save you hundreds on the overall cost of your HVAC replacement.
Get Your Home Ready for the Next Winter or Summer Season!
By replacing your HVAC in the spring or fall season, you can ensure it is ready to handle the demands of the upcoming peak seasons. You’ll already have a fully-functioning, reliable new system before you need it the most. By taking this proactive approach, you can avoid surprise breakdowns or the need for emergency AC repairs or replacements during extreme weather.
HVAC System Failure is Rarely a Surprise.
We live with our HVAC systems every day, and we become accustomed to the sounds they make, how they perform, and, based on electric bills, how energy efficient they are. More often than not, an HVAC system nearing the end of its useful life will develop symptoms that indicate the presence of some serious issues. Any combination of the following symptoms—or even a bad case of a single one—could mean it’s time to consult Nick’s Air Conditioning or any HVAC company quickly.
The System is Getting Older.
High-quality, well-maintained HVAC systems can provide homeowners anywhere between fifteen and twenty years of service. The first four words of that last sentence are critical to the reality of the last six words. Cheap HVAC systems, like those commonly referred to as “builder’s grade,” are usually installed in new homes in planned communities. Under the best of circumstances, these lower-cost entry-level units often start to fail between the seven and ten-year mark.
If you have an HVAC system older than seven years and requires repairs exceeding 50% of the cost of a new system, Nick’s AC always recommends replacement. HVAC repair calls are already expensive, and they always seem to happen during “premium billing” hours to add to the misery. Making multiple minor repairs on an elderly HVAC system to “limp it along” for an extra year could cost you as much as a new system.
Increasing Energy Bills.
Sudden, significant increases in your family’s energy bills without any other explanation can often indicate HVAC system inefficiency, which could indicate impending failure. As the system continues deteriorating, it will struggle to meet the demand for your thermostat settings and general comfort.
Insufficient Heating or Cooling.
Suppose your HVAC system can no longer adequately heat or cool your home despite regular maintenance, filter changes, and minor repair. In that case, it’s probably time to consider installing a new HVAC system. The inability to sufficiently cool or heat your home evenly can indicate problems with the AC compressor, blower motor, refrigerant leaks, or issues with other components.
Suppose you notice inconsistent temperatures throughout your home, with certain rooms consistently too hot or cold. In that case, you need to have your HVAC system thoroughly checked out by a professional. Uneven cooling between rooms could result from a failing blower motor, clogged air filters, or ductwork issues like tears or crushed sections of ductwork.
New, Unusual Noises.
Even under normal operating conditions, your HVAC system can make some sounds that might be unsettling from time to time. However, frequent unusual noises emitting from your HVAC system, such as grinding, rattling, or banging, can indicate mechanical problems. These sounds could result from worn-out components, parts that have worked themselves loose, or electrical issues that could lead to system failure if not addressed.
Your HVAC System Smells Funny.
Any unpleasant odors coming from the HVAC system could be caused by a variety of issues, from mold or mildew growth all the way up to serious electrical problems. Mold and mildew infiltration is extremely difficult to deal with, as removing every bit of the fungus from all ductwork and mechanical components can be challenging. Smells related to potential electrical issues often give off a ‘burning rubber or plastic” type of odor and a potential fire hazard must be addressed promptly.
Contact Nick’s Air Conditioning to Determine if You Need a New HVAC System!
Nick’s Air Conditioning offers professional HVAC system maintenance, repairs, and new system installations for Houston and the surrounding areas. Our HVAC technicians are all licensed, trained, experienced, and fully background checked to ensure quality work and customer safety.
Nick’s is proud to exclusively offer whole-house central HVAC systems from Trane® Technologies and ductless mini-split heat pump systems from Mitsubishi Electric (a division of Trane®).
Schedule an appointment today for one of our technicians to visit your home and determine the appropriate size and power requirements for your home. This is an excellent time to discuss any specific features you’d like your new HVAC system to have, like Wi-Fi capabilities, multiple zoning, variable speed compressors, and improved efficiency, reflected through SEER ratings.
If your HVAC system is older than seven years, and you’re noticing that it doesn’t seem to want to perform like it did when it was new, or is causing chronic repair issues, consider a new system from Nick’s. HVAC technology has advanced in many ways in the past decade, with the introduction of variable-speed compressor motors, new eco-friendly refrigerants, and interactive capability allowing the homeowner to control the entire system from any smartphone or tablet.
Call Nick’s Today. We’re on the Way!