Jacksonville Property Management Blog

6 signs it’s time to replace your HVAC system

 

Alt: An air-conditioning unit leaking and freezing due to malfunctioning, one of the six signs it's time to replace your HVAC system.

In states like Florida, an HVAC system is a necessity in any household or office. High levels of humidity foster mold formation, while high temperatures can cause dehydration in people, sometimes resulting in severe consequences or even death. These units efficiently regulate temperatures and increase your overall mood. However, after some time, you might notice that the unit does not operate correctly anymore. Whatever the reason may be, there are two possible solutions. First, you can call someone to do the maintenance. And second, you can purchase a new unit. Even though buying a new unit may seem expensive at first, you must consider that your electricity bills will be lower, especially if you opt for an energy-efficient one. Thus, in the long run, a new unit will actually save you money. To help you save money and time, here are six signs it's time to replace your HVAC system.

1. Your HVAC system is making funny noises

We have all experienced this at one point. You click the button on the controller, the unit starts to work, but it emits unusual noises, like loud humming, clapping, etc. If you notice this, be careful when using the unit. Test it for some time, and if the noise is consistent, it is best to replace it. Otherwise, it may lead to unnecessary expenses, trying to fix something that will keep happening again.

This issue usually happens when there is a problem with loose or worn-out parts. Even if you fix the problem temporarily, chances are you won't be able to avoid the part replacement. At that point, it is better to get a new system. You can find many quality companies that sell residential HVAC systems.

2. The energy bill is higher and higher every month

If your energy bill starts to rise substantially every month, that's a serious red flag. This is an even more significant issue if the HVAC system is in an office. Increased home bill is one thing, but a high company bill is a horse of another color. If you don’t use your HVAC for a while, humidity can cause your wood floors to bend, plaster on the walls may crack, and we have already mentioned the danger of mold growth. Therefore, since you can't afford to turn the HVAC off for an extended period of time, the best way to deal with this issue affordably is to look for licensed mechanical contractors that sell commercial HVAC systems, and that can install the unit in your office.

3. The temperature is uneven

If you notice that the HVAC unit is working inconsistently, and the place is too hot and then too cold, that means the unit is getting older. Sometimes you could try to repair it or change the filters. However, no number of repairs will fix old age. It is simply more efficient to get a new one. Who knows, that might give you wings to spruce up the rest of your place and give a new look to your household.

4. Are you calling the maintenance person every few weeks?

If the answer is yes, then it's time to get a new HVAC system. You will save yourself a bunch of trouble, stress, and unnecessary expenses.

5. The HVAC system is emitting an unpleasant smell

Honestly, there is nothing worse than when you want to cool yourself down or warm up the room to fight high temperatures, and the HVAC system emits this awful, dusty or moldy smell. You can't really turn it off because the idea is to balance the temperature, but the smell is just unbearable.

When this happens, you need to replace the filters and make sure you do it as often as your unit requires. Some units will need to have filters replaced monthly, and others will need new filters every three months. This will depend on the type of unit you have, as well as the kind of filters. Also, it may be necessary to blow out the system. The smell may appear if you didn't use the unit for a long time as well.

However, if you replace the filters and the issue happens again soon, the refrigerant might be leaking, or there could be too much moisture inside.

6. Your circuit breaker trips when you turn on the HVAC system

Finally, if you turn on the HVAC system and your circuit breaker trips, that is a sign the there is too much electricity flowing through it, or it cannot handle the current load. If you have never had this issue, and it has just started to occur any time you turn on the unit repeatedly, that's a clear sign that the heating system is faulty. In this case, know that you cannot repair it permanently.

How does COVID-19 affect HVAC systems?

The Coronavirus pandemic substantially changed our lives. All industries are finding ways to continue to do business while protecting employees. Because of the danger that COVID-19 exposed, new technologies are being developed - improved systems that will have built-in protection against a dangerous virus, now and in any future event.

Per CDC, air ventilation and filtration are good ways to prevent the virus from spreading. It is another important reason why you need to pay special attention to how your HVAC system works. Any malfunctioning can reduce the efficiency of your unit to ventilate the rooms properly.

If getting a new HVAC unit, you need to look for those that use HEPA or high-MERV filters. They increase the clean air delivery rate. Furthermore, they should have precise temperature and humidity control systems.

Another essential piece of advice is to let the unit run 24/7, especially if it's located in a public place like schools, public halls, and other sites where people pass all the time.

Additional features you should look for in your new HVAC unit are:

• Increased outdoor ventilation;
• Precise control of the vapor pressure;
• Increased filtration system.

A few closing words

Let's do a quick summary that will help you recognize when the time comes to replace your HVAC system:

• Recurring funny noises are a sign that there might be damaged, loose, or worn-out parts.
• A sudden increase in your monthly utility bills is a sign that there is something wrong with energy consumption.
• Uneven temperature and frequent situations where the unit suddenly turns off is another reason to be worried.
• If you are trying to repair the unit every few days or weeks;
• There is horrible odor coming out of the HVAC system;
• If the circuit breaker trips as soon as you turn on the unit;
• Consider the current situation with COVID-19, and make sure that your HVAC unit is following the latest requirements for air circulation and ventilation;
• If needed, purchase a more advanced unit that lets you control all of the operations more precisely;
• If the units are located in a public place with a high circulation of people, let them run 24/7, to reduce the chances of airborne virus transmission.

6 signs it's time to replace your HVAC system delivered

And there you have it. Be on guard for these six signs it's time to replace your HVAC system and save yourself a lot of trouble, unnecessary expenses, and stressful situations. Act quickly and improve your living space today! On the other hand, if you are a property owner with too many daily obligations, you might want to consider delegating some tasks to a professional property management company. They will maintain your rental units and address any issues that come up, swiftly and efficiently, so don’t hesitate to reach out!

 

 

Photo used: 

https://pixabay.com/photos/air-conditioner-cold-conditioner-5313347/