Repair or Replace Your Heating System? Here’s What To Do This Winter In The Charleston Area
Published by Katy Wall on
It’s been a very cool fall so far here in the Lowcountry.
While temperatures like these are perfect for holiday gatherings and events around the Charleston area, it also means extended workload for your heating system.
Heating systems come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from your traditional furnaces, to heat pumps to ductless mini splits – no matter the particular make or model, it’s going to be stretched to its limits when temperatures dip this low.
Systems that are overworked tend to run into more issues over time.
From simple repairs to full on meltdowns – and everything in between – it can be rough sailing for you and your family when your heating system grinds to a halt.
Not understanding if you need a quick heating fix for your furnace or heat pump, or it’s time to look into replacement options can result in unnecessary stress, on top of your family being cold this winter.
To help you out below are some tips for you to review so you can understand when a replacement might be needed or if a repair might get the job done this year or in the New Year in the Lowcountry.
If Your System Is (Relatively) New, Repairs Could Be A Good Path
If you happen to know that your system is relatively new — installed or replaced within the last few years – getting a repair could be the best path for your family.
As many of your system’s components are new, repairing the problematic part can mean your system can be setup to still get to its longest lifespan (with proper preventative maintenance, of course).
One situation that may be a case where a replacement could be a good option for a newer system is if you’re not happy with the performance or if your system is over- or under-sized for your home.
If you’ve moved into a home and that newer HVAC system happens to be of a lower quality or is driving up your energy bills, turning that repair into a replacement might be a great opportunity to “future-proof” your comfort in Charleston.
Even If New, Frequent Repairs Could Be Early Warning Sign
Another situation where replacement might be a good option on a newer system is if your repairs bills are stacking up.
Frequent repairs on newer systems – while rare – are an early warning sign that your system isn’t going to make it to its intended lifespan, sadly.
By the time you pay for those frequent repair costs, the total bill could outpace a replacement early on in the process.
Older Systems Are Likely Replacement Candidates
No matter how many new parts you end up putting into an old heating system, there will come a time when those newer parts won’t get you through season.
On top of that, older systems likely operate less efficiently than newer systems, stacking additional monthly costs on your energy bills.
Waiting On Replacement Could Cost You More In The Long Run (In A Few Ways)
As mentioned above, the longer you wait the more likely you’re going to end up paying (between repairs, energy bills and finally your replacement).
Generally speaking new system costs can go up over time as well, so the sooner you’re able to get one in place, the better.
Repair Or Replace Your HVAC System?
When it comes down to it, it’s ultimately your choice on repairing or replacing your HVAC system.
Any proper HVAC company will lay out the options for you, and help you weigh out your options.
Doing what’s best for you and your family starts with a mutual understanding of HVAC needs and paths to getting back up and running.
And with a little help from your family-friendly HVAC contractor, you’ll have the clarity you need to get back to living the Lowcountry lifestyle you deserve in the Charleston area.
