No homeowner wants to think about it, but we all know that the day will come. Your HVAC system will wear out one day and need to be replaced. Shopping for a new system can be confusing, time-consuming, and yes, expensive. But there are signs you can’t ignore: the signs that it’s time to replace your HVAC system.

Just a Matter of Time

While South Florida is a beautiful place to live, it can be unbearably hot and humid much of the year without air conditioning. So, if you notice these signs of failure, it’s time to start researching your options.

1. Constant running

As the system wears down, it can no longer keep up with your thermostat settings. If you’ve had it serviced and cleaned regularly, and it’s still running constantly, it may be cheaper in the long run to replace the system.

2. Set temperatures are never reached

If your system can’t reach a reasonable temperature, it will run continually. This means you’re paying for more electricity without ever becoming comfortable. In this case, the cost of a new system may be less over time than the increased electric bill.

3. Electric bill fluctuations

You probably know what to expect on your monthly electricity bill. However, if it suddenly jumps much higher than normal, it’s a sign that time and wear has made it less efficient.

4. Hot and cold spots

As your system ages, it’s unable to maintain adequate airflow to keep the temperature balanced. If you’ve had the system tuned and serviced, and it’s still uneven, it may be time for a system replacement.

5. Regular Breakdowns

Even with regular service, your HVAC system has a finite life. Along with issues of inefficiency, the accumulated cost of repairs can outstrip the cost of a new system.

What’s the Lifespan of an HVAC System?

Depending on how well it’s been maintained, your HVAC system can last over 20 years. The real dilemma is that technology improves so much faster than the lifespan of even the most well-maintained units.

One sure sign that it’s time to replace your HVAC system is that it costs more to run and maintain than it would to replace it.

Special considerations

For South Florida homeowners, our humid climate is a real issue. Excess moisture in indoor air is more than just uncomfortable — it provides the perfect environment for the growth of mold and mildew.

Mold is unsightly, but it can also cause property damage. It can also pose serious health risks for many people.

If your system can no longer adequately remove humidity from the air, it’s a sure sign that it’s time to replace your HVAC system.

Make an appointment today with the experts at One Hour Air in Miami. If you haven’t had your system serviced in quite a while, we can perform maintenance that may extend the life of your old system. We can also help you find the best new system for your home.