How to Avoid Common Issues When Replacing Your Old HVAC System

Depending on the type of HVAC system installed in your home, you could enjoy heat and air conditioning for upwards of 20 years before you need to think about replacing your units. But when they go out and you find yourself facing an upcoming summer or winter season without the cool or warm home interior that will keep you comfortable and safe, it’s probably time to think about laying out the cash for replacement. The good news is that you can take this opportunity to upgrade to a system that is better suited to the needs of your home and family, not to mention one that is equipped with energy-efficient components designed to do less harm to the environment and knock some money off your utility bills, helping you to recoup some of your up-front costs over time. However, replacing your old HVAC equipment could lead to some problems in your home. Here are just a few common issues you’ll want to avoid.

These days you probably don’t have to worry too much about popping breakers or blowing fuses because your new equipment is overloading your system. But even if you have more energy-efficient units, you could still have serious problems if you purchase a furnace or AC unit that isn’t the proper size for your square footage. You might think that a larger, higher-capacity unit is going to give you more options for heating or cooling your home, such as managing the job more quickly or completely, for example. But this is not actually true. All that will happen when you get a unit that is oversized for your square footage is that it will run for shorter periods of time more often, which will ruin your shot at efficiency, for one thing, and reduce the unit’s ability to remove moisture from the air. What does this mean? Higher electric bills and the potential for mold growth. You also don’t want a unit that is too small for obvious reasons (if you overtax it, it’s bound to fail sooner than anticipated).

Another common issue when replacing air conditioning is failing to account for outdated ductwork. If you’ve been running at limited capacity for the last few years as your equipment slowly fails, then turning the air up full blast with a new system could cause some problems for already deteriorating ductwork. Leaks will become more pronounced and your duct work could even start to come apart behind the walls. Or you may install a high-efficiency furnace and AC unit only to discover that you’re still using low-efficiency ducts, basically sacrificing efficiency and negating any savings you might have gained. For this reason it’s not a bad idea to at least have your ducts inspected, if not torn out and redone when you decide to replace your HVAC system.

Once you have the appropriate system in place for your home you can contract with a qualified technician and a filter filler to maintain your new equipment and ensure that it is clean and in good repair. But you first have to make sure that you select the right components for you home and your particular HVAC needs. Doing some research up-front and listening to the advice of a knowledgeable and experienced expert is your best bet for avoiding problems following replacement.