How to find out if you require a New HVAC System

Your Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system might need an overhaul during peak summer or winter when it is stretched to its limits. So, how do you know if your HVAC system needs a change or maintenance? Learn about what can influence the functioning of your HVAC system so that you can replace the malfunctioning one with a new one and ensure your energy consumption remains optimal. If not, then be prepared to pay more to your utility company. One way to lower energy costs is to compare energy prices and choose a company that offers the best rates at favorable terms using www.utilitydiscount.com. Another way is to check the condition and performance of your HVAC system and ensure it keeps working to its optimum.

Factors influencing the functioning of your HVAC system

The functioning of your air conditioning system depends on a slew of factors, as mentioned below:

Efficiency

Your HVAC unit is responsible for keeping your home or business cold or warm, depending on the temperature outside. For example, during summers, your HVAC thermostat is set to a cooler temperature, while the opposite is true during winters. However, if the thermostat is kept at a very low temperature when the sun is blazing outside, it would lead to higher energy consumption. Hence, it is advisable to keep the thermostat at a moderate temperature so that your air conditioning system does not have to work hard to cool your home. On the other hand, if your HVAC system is comparatively older, it may suffer from performance issues.

Thus, it is entirely possible that such a system may not be able to maintain a steady temperature at 75 degrees Fahrenheit inside when the outside temperature hovers at 90 degrees Fahrenheit. In such a case, the efficiency of your HVAC system should be checked to see if it is working at an optimal level. If not, replacing the system will save you a bundle on your annual charges. It is recommended that any HVAC system of more than 10 years and/or with a SEER[i] rating of 10 or less should be replaced with a system that offers SEER ratings between 14 to 23. Importantly, higher SEER ratings mean better energy-saving features and lower monthly bills.

Noise

If your HVAC system produces a whistle, windstorm, or whirring sound while running, it is time to understand that the system is nearing its lifespan and should be serviced and possibly replaced as early as possible before things go wrong. So, it is advisable to get a new air conditioning system and compare energy rates so that you get the best of both worlds – a new energy-saving system and a utility supplying energy at an optimum rate.

Warm air

With time your HVAC system may experience the leaking of the refrigerant or the failure of the capacitor, compressor, or fan motor. In such a case, your HVAC system may struggle to produce cold air, effectively sounding an alarm for its immediate repair or replacement.

Conclusion

The malfunctioning of your HVAC system may lead to higher energy consumption. Routine service is key to maximizing your unit’s efficiency.  Be sure to check, clean, or replace the filters every 3 months and have the HVAC system checked by a technician twice a year.

[i] SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. This is the ratio of the cooling output of an air conditioner over a typical cooling season, divided by the energy it uses in Watt-Hours. It may also be called a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. … This is how it simulates a typical season.