Heating and Air Conditioning
Heated Discussion: Repair Heating and Air-Conditioning Units or Buy New
 
by Karl Fendelander
 
Are you comfortable? Not too hot, not too cold? Spending too much money to stay that way? Regardless, it's never a bad time to evaluate your home's heating and air conditioning needs. Is it time for a little tune-up, a few repairs, or all-out replacement?
 
To Air Is Human: Take Your Heating Seriously
Your furnace is getting a little old; what's the worst that could happen? Well, in a word: death. Carbon monoxide is created from incomplete combustion; it's deadly; and, unless you've got special detectors around your home, you won't know anything's amiss until it's too late.
 
Telltale Signs That Repair Isn't the Answer
Energy Star, a joint effort of the EPA and U.S. Dept. of Energy, offers up some things to look for before wasting money on repairs that may not help:
  • Too Old: If your air-conditioning unit is over ten, it's time to say goodbye. For a furnace or boiler, the age limit is fifteen.
  • Too Costly: If your heating or air-conditioning units require frequent repair, chances are you've already been told it's time to replace them by the technician. Listen to them. Chances are that your old unit is costing you more in repairs and on power bills than it's worth.
  • Too Cold, Hot, Humid, or Not: When your house has a wider range of climates than can be found in North America, it might be time to call someone in. It could be just your ducts or insulation, though, so get this one checked out before buying.
  • Too Loud: If your friends jump when the furnace comes on, or your cat runs under the couch every time the air conditioning starts up, you might need to replace one, the other, or both.
 
A yearly inspection keeps you informed about your heating and air conditioning units. If the verdict is that you need to buy new ones, but it feels like a sales pitch, get a second opinion.
 
Sources
BobVila.com, Repair or Replace Furnace????
Energy Star, When is it time to replace?

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