When it comes to your HVAC system, functionality is extremely important. If your HVAC system isn’t working, then you’ll probably want to get it repaired and fixed as quickly as possible so you can be comfortable in your own home again. 

One question that many homeowners have is when to draw the line between getting your HVAC system repaired and just replacing the whole system and installing a new HVAC unit. 

This can be a difficult decision to make, especially if you don’t know much about HVAC systems like most homeowners. Should you repair your system or should you spend the money to replace it? There are a few conditions that make this decision easy, including:

• If you’ve tried repairing your HVAC system and it still isn’t working
• If your HVAC system is over 15 years old
• If multiple things are breaking and in need of repair over a short amount of time
• If you feel as though you’re constantly repairing your HVAC system or constantly having problems
• If a major HVAC repair will cost more money than your system is worth or than the cost would be for a new HVAC system ans installation.
• If your HVAC system is extremely damaged or irreparable 

If any of these are true, then it’s time to replace your HVAC system. 

Some conditions that may mean you should first try repairing your HVAC system include:

• If your system is less than 10 years old
• If the HVAC repair won’t cost very much money
• If you could do the repair on your own
• If it is a simple repair
• If you haven’t had many other problems with the HVAC system until recently.

If any of these conditions are true, then you will want to try repairing your HVAC system rather than replacing it. 

It is more expensive to replace your HVAC system and install a new one than to repair it if possible. That is unless you are constantly having to make repairs. These small repairs will add up until eventually, you may have spent more money repairing your old system than you would have if you’d just purchased a new system, to begin with. This is something that Southaven HVAC can help you determine. It’s up to you where to draw this line, but typically a good rule to follow is that if you are making substantial repairs to an HVAC system that is more than 15 years old you would be better off just buying a new system. HVAC systems don’t usually last beyond 15-20 years, so eventually you’ll need to get a new system anyway. Many homeowners like to drag out their system for as long as possible, repairing them and making them last far beyond the recommended 15 years. If you’re doing this, just be aware that you are probably spending money on something that isn’t worth it. As your system ages, the overall efficiency of your system will go down, eventually costing you more money in energy bills and system repairs. 

Something that can affect the efficiency of your HVAC system is your ductwork. The ductwork in your home is integral to the overall efficiency of your system. If your ductwork leaks or is damaged in any way, then your HVAC system may be up to 30% less efficient. The less efficient your system is, the more energy that will be wasted and the more money you’ll spend on energy bills. Over time, this money can really add up and make you wish you’d taken care of the problem much earlier. To avoid this, it’s wise to have your ductwork inspected and possibly repaired before spending much money on your HVAC system. By having an effective duct system and an effective HVAC system, your home’s temperature will be as efficient as possible and will cost you as little extra money as possible. 

After making sure your ductwork is up to par and isn’t what’s causing the problem, you can decide whether or not a repair or a replacement will be the most effective. 

Repairs can cost anywhere from a few dollars to hundreds of dollars. It really depends on what is being repaired and who you are paying to do it. If you need a repair as small as changing the air filter, then you can do this yourself by purchasing an air filter for a couple of dollars and replacing it. This is an easy repair, but most repairs will need to be done by a professional. If you hire a contractor to repair your HVAC system, you’ll not only have to pay for the part being replaced, but also for the labor of the contractor. If your system needs a major repair, then the repair can cost hundreds of dollars. At this point, you should take a look at the lists above and determine whether it would be better to replace your entire system. If your system is over 15 years old and needs to be repaired often, then this will likely be the best choice for you. 

A replacement can cost a few thousand dollars, which may seem like a lot. Keep in mind that if you are paying for major repairs every few months on your HVAC system, then eventually you will surpass this number and will wish that you had just bought a new system a long time ago. Finding the balance between paying for repairs and buying a new HVAC system can be hard and stressful, but by doing research and with the advice of an experienced contractor you’ll be able to make an informed decision and do what is best for your home and budget. 

An experienced contractor in the Southaven, Mississippi area is Southaven HVAC. If you live in this area and need an HVAC inspection, repair, replacement, or advice, Southaven HVAC is the place to go. With years of experience in all types of HVAC systems, Southaven HVAC is more than qualified to take care of all your HVAC problems. If you have any questions or to make an appointment, give Southaven HVAC a call today.