HVAC Repairs In The Charleston Area: Short-Term Relief Or Long-Term Stress?
Published by Katy Wall on
If you live in your Charleston area home long enough, you’re going to run up against your fair share of repairs, maintenance and other larger projects – like home renovations – to keep your living space up to par and improve it.
From lawn mowing and landscaping to house painting and add-ons to roofing and plumbing – and everything in between – working on your home can be a never ending battle as the seasons pass in the Lowcountry.
While the easy living of the Lowcountry lifestyle can offer stress-reducing benefits, when your HVAC goes out, that stress level can often tick up – and add even more to your repair, maintenance and improvement list.
Of course, there are plenty of HVAC company options to choose from to help you out – but deciding on repairing or replacing your heating and air conditioning system can present a question mark no matter what you decide to move forward with.
Repairs Offer Quick Relief
Having your system repaired is the short-term option that many homeowners opt for, for obvious reasons.
While not all repairs are immediately fixed (some may take longer depending on how large it is), many will be able to be repaired quickly and have your system working again in a short about of time.
Depending on the current state of your system, though, that immediate relief could linger into long-term stress.
“Making It To Next Year Stress” Through The Seasons
If you’re a Lowcountry native, you know first-hand what it’s like during our peak seasons here.
Hot, humid summers – and cool, damp winters (perhaps cooler than most folks outside the area realize).
When those temperatures hit those peaks, HVAC systems will be pushed to its limits – including the parts that have been recently repaired.
While a properly repaired system can get you through some of those peak times, if you’re like a lot of area homeowners, stress will start to accumulate each hot/humid (or cold) day we have here.
This can especially be the case if your system is older – or hasn’t been properly maintained.
Frequent Repairs Can Stack Up
As the seasons pass, there’s a good chance you’ll experience more and more repairs, as your system struggles through each season.
While repairs can range in price, each time you have your system fixed, it can add another expected item to your home maintenance/repair/improvement budget.
As those stack up, it can often eat away at the budget to the point that it may cost you other improvement plans for the year.
Older, Worn Out HVAC Systems Can Be Less Efficient
On top of those repairs, as your system ages there’s a good chance it’s not going to be as efficient as it once was.
Small inefficiencies can really add up over the course of a year – and you’ll feel it most on your electric bills.
New Systems May Save You Money (In Many Ways)
Despite the initial amount of the installation – which often exceeds general repair costs – there are many long-term benefits of moving forward with a replacement.
The most obvious benefit is not having to worry as much about repairs — a new system has new parts and fewer “miles” of usage on it, meaning it should be quite a awhile before you have to pay for any repair calls.
As mentioned above, newer systems can run a bit more efficiently – especially if you opt for one with a higher SEER rating. This more efficient operation means you could potentially see reduced energy bills compared with bills with your old system.
A Replacement Offers More Than Just Comfort
Peace of mind.
Can you really put a price on peace of mind?
While replacing your system does come with a cost, the peace of mind of not having to worry about your system can be priceless.
Going back to your repair, maintenance and improvement list – each one of those can be made much more difficult when your system goes out.
No escape from the heat (or cold) after working outside and warm, sticky air as you work on your indoor list – not great situations to be in.
The role of your home’s HVAC system can’t be overstated – it’s not just another piece of equipment, it’s an investment in your family’s comfort.
As you approach your next HVAC repair project, it might be a great time to start thinking about a replacement with your HVAC company – and return to the lower stress levels we’re more used to here in the Lowcountry.
