When AC Repair Costs Add Up: Knowing When It’s Time To Replace Your HVAC In The Charleston Area
With the calendar flipping over to April, summer is now closer than ever as temperatures continue to rise here in the Charleston area next week.
That elevated heat and humidity means it’s time for your home’s HVAC system to step up to keep your family cool and comfortable. Stepping up means longer, more intense operation throughout the day and night – creating conditions that elevate breakdown events and degraded performance.
Whether you’re working long hours during the day, enjoying some beach time, local shopping or other events that cause you to be outside for extended periods of time, you need that HVAC system to be at its best during the summer as you escape the heat & humidity.
The last thing you need is to constantly be worried about if your system is going to make it through the summer and breakdowns during the summer mean significantly more uncomfortable days waiting for your local HVAC team to come to the rescue.
If you find yourself feeling uneasy heading into summer, here are some common items to pay attention to as those repair costs add up – and a replacement option may be in store in the near future.
Poorly Maintained Systems
Even if your system is relatively new, if it’s not very well maintained it can lead to repair costs earlier than expected.
Just like you would with any other large piece of equipment (like your car or truck), there are several moving parts and electronic devices that have be watched closely.
Naturally, all of those components will eventually wear down – even faster when they’re not maintained with seasonal tune-ups.
Older Systems
Even with proper maintenance, there will always be definite lifespan for any HVAC system – whether you have a traditional central air system or a ductless mini-split system.
Older systems might be able to limp along with major repairs, but over time those AC repairs will pick up in frequency.
As the time between repair events get shorter and shorter, those costs keep adding up – to the point where a replacement is likely a better option.
Incorrectly Sized Systems
Perhaps overlooked, incorrectly sized systems can cause many issues as well.
If your system is undersized, your system can run continuously without ever cooling your home properly.
Oversized systems can present other issues like poor humidity control and short cycling: frequently turning on/off too often.
In both situations, the extra wear and tear from compensating (under or over), can lead your system to have a shorter lifespan than intended.
The Costs Add Up (In Many Ways)
Whichever situation you may be in above, the costs will add up over time.
Whether that’s through repairs after breakdowns or through higher energy bills because of inefficient operation, what you’re paying to keep your system going could be going towards a replacement system – and a better, more reliable comfort experience.
A Dream Summer
Summer shouldn’t be about your HVAC system.
It should quietly get the job done while you and your family enjoy the better life in the Lowcountry. If you happen to be in any of the situations above, get in touch with your favorite, local air conditioning company and schedule your replacement this spring.
