Repair or Replace

Additional References:

Energy Efficiency:
 Free Energy Savings Calculator:
Environmental Considerations:
Energy Star:
Natural Resources Canada
Financial Incentives:
Information on US Tax Credits

decisionIf you’re like most of us, you probably don’t think about your HVAC system until there is a problem with it, and at that point, it can be almost impossible to ignore. So what do you do?

Perhaps you’ve already called a repairman and been told your unit is in need of service. Now you’re looking at the estimate to fix it and wondering, should I repair my unit or replace it?

It’s not always an easy decision to make. We’ve compiled some important considerations here to help you through the process.

  • Age of Your System

  • Energy Efficiency

  • Financial Incentives

  • Home Improvements

  • Environmental Impact

  • Comfort

Age of Your System

Consider the 50% rule: When the cost of repairs approaches 50% of the value of your heating or cooling system, it’s generally time to replace the system.

  • The average life expectancy of an air conditioner or heat pump is 10-12 years.
  • The average life expectancy of a furnace is 15-20 years.
  • If your unit is nearing the average life expectancy, you’ll need to weigh the repair cost against the possibility that more repairs may be needed very soon, or even a complete replacement.

Energy Efficiency

For a helpful energy savings calculator

  • Equipment that is approaching the end of its life expectancy will typically be much less energy efficient than today’s equipment, for example 8 - 10 SEER on the cooling side, and 68% AFUE for a furnace. Compare that to modern products that rate as high as 18 SEER and 95% AFUE. Be sure to consider the savings on your monthly energy bills when considering a new unit.
  • Energy costs (gas, oil, electricity) have risen significantly in the last decade, and will likely continue to do so. Consider the energy consumption of your unit and your potential savings over its lifetime.

Financial Incentives

For details about US tax credits.

  • There are often financial incentives for upgrading to a new system, which can be an important factor in your decision.
  • Under the Middle Class Tax Relief Act of 2010, the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is implementing consumer tax credits for homeowners who make qualified improvements of higher-efficiency HVAC equipment to their primary residences.
  • Search on your own at www.dsireusa.org.
  • Be sure to ask your independent Armstrong Air dealer what other incentives are currently available in your market.

Home Improvements

If there have been upgrades made to your home that improve its insulation and energy efficiency (new windows, door, insulation, roofing, sealing, etc.), then your current unit may actually be over-sized for your needs.
  • smaller unit would cost less and use less energy to run.
  • Conversely, if there have been additions
  • or significant remodeling to your home, your current unit may be too small (ask your dealer for details about properly sizing a unit for your home).

Environmental Impact

For other environmental considerations that may help you make a decision, visit the energy star website: www.energystar.gov or in Canada, the Natural Resources Canada website


  • Modern equipment uses less energy and will reduce your carbon footprint. Research shows that water heating, air conditioning and heating account for more than 50% of domestic energy use.
  • Newly manufactured air conditioning units have changed to R410a refrigerant, a much more environmentally friendly product than it’s predecessor, R22.

Comfort


  • Are you happy with your current system? Your HVAC system can be responsible for things like air quality, noise, temperature swings, and hot or cold spots throughout the house.
  • Over the last decade, modern systems have incorporated major advances in home comfort technology.