Hello World! Welcome Friends! On average, it costs between $4,820 and $9,350 to replace an HVAC system in the United States. That includes the cost of buying a new gas furnace and a new central AC unit.
HVAC systems take care of the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning of living and working spaces, adding to the comfortability of these areas. After about 15 or so years, most HVAC systems need replacement.
If the time to replace your HVAC system has come, you need to make a decision between DIY HVAC replacement and hiring a licensed professional to take care of the job. Most homeowners who opt to do the job themselves do so to avoid paying installation costs.
But is it a wise decision? Is cutting the middleman a smart financial move, or is it a recipe for disaster? What are the dangers of DIY HVAC system installation or repair, and what benefits do you gain by working with a seasoned installer?
These are some of the issues we address in this post. But first,
How Do You Know It’s Time to Replace Your HVAC?
Few investments in your home are more important than an efficiently running HVAC. Without it, life indoors can be unbearable during the biting cold of the winter and the scorching heat of the summer.
But like all appliances, your HVAC system will not last forever, even with regular HVAC maintenance. If you’ve noticed the following signs in your HVAC, it’s time to start shopping for a replacement.
Your HVAC Is Old
The lifespan of your HVAC systems depends on several factors, including how well you maintain it. Generally, HVAC systems last between 10 and 15 years. If you installed your current HVAC system more than a decade ago, chances are it’s on its last legs.
Recurring or Expensive Repairs
Inevitably, every appliance will need repairs and part replacements on occasion. But when your HVAC system starts to demand repairs every few months, then it’s probably time to get a new one. Also, if the cost of repairs exceeds half the cost of a new one, replacing it makes perfect financial sense.
The System Is Making Unusual Noise
Does it sound like there’s a ghost inside your HVAC every time you run it? Noises like squealing, grinding, screeching, rattling, or banging are a clear indication that something is wrong with your system. If these sounds persist after multiple servicing and maintenance, it’s time for a new system.
Unusually High Energy Bills
Your HVAC system is responsible for a significant percentage of your overall energy consumption at home. But if you’ve noticed a drastic spike in your power bills over the past few months, then it could be that you have an inefficient HVAC system. If you’re sure that the system is well maintained, but it’s still consuming lots of power, it’s time to upgrade to a more energy-efficient option.
Your Home Is No Longer Comfortable
The reason you invest in regular servicing and maintenance of your HVAC system is to ensure your home remains comfortable all year round. If, after doing all that, your HVAC can’t cool or heat your home properly, then it’s time for a new one.
Should you opt for DIY HVAC Replacement?
The DIY movement has greatly blossomed in recent years, thanks to the quick access to tools in local hardware stores and online video guides. But there are limits on what projects you can do yourself over the weekend. Do-it-yourself HVAC installation or repair is highly discouraged.
Why?
Here are three reasons:
You May Break Something
Your HVAC system is more complicated than you may imagine. There’s an intricate combination of gears, cables, chemicals, and parts. Unless you know how everything works together, it’s easy to mess up things and make the problem worse.
You May Be Putting Your Safety at Risk
ACs use a variety of gases as refrigerants, some of which are toxic. Most furnaces burn oil or natural gas to provide heat to your living space. Additionally, HVAC systems are high voltage and can cause electrocution when not handled by someone who knows what they’re doing.
You Could Void the Warranty
A new HVAC system doesn’t come cheap, so you want to keep the manufacturer’s warranty intact in case something goes wrong. Opting for DIY HVAC repair or replacement equals foregoing the manufacturer’s warranty. It’s a risk not worth taking.
Professional HVAC Replacement
Now that you’ve seen the dangers of DIY HVAC replacement, it’s time to talk about some of the concrete benefits you stand to gain when you hire a professional. Here are three of them:
Savings
When homeowners insist on installing their HVAC unit on their own, they’re usually doing so to save on professional HVAC replacement. Quite often, they end up messing up things, voiding the warranty, and hurting themselves. In other words, they ultimately spend a lot more than they would have working with an experienced professional.
An HVAC expert will get the job done right the first time. They’ll also recommend what you need to do to keep the system running efficiently for a long time. This saves you on unnecessary repair costs while keeping your warranty intact.
Safety
A professional HVAC contractor knows their job. They do everything for you, so you don’t have to risk your safety by handling something that could potentially hurt you. Besides, they ensure that the wiring is done perfectly, so there’s no risk of electrical fires.
You Get Professional Guarantee
When you hire a reputable HVAC installation company, they ensure that the technicians they send are fit for the job. But sometimes, mistakes happen.
In case something somehow goes wrong, the company will usually cover any extra damages caused by the technicians. This way, you don’t have to worry about anything.
Always Insist on Professional HVAC Replacement
Your HVAC system is a huge investment, so you want to make sure that its installation and servicing is handled by the right people. Sure, DIY HVAC replacement may seem appealing for your wallet, but the immediate and long-term consequences can haunt you down the road.
Would you like to read more great content like this? Please keep visiting our blog for featured articles.
Click the links below for any posts you have missed:
One Room Challenge: Teen Bedroom – Week Five
Things you Should Know Before Moving to Canada
I’d love for you to join my email list! You’ll receive a notification straight to your inbox once a week on Monday which will include links to party posts and my home project posts! Simply enter your address below.
Thanks for stopping by! Have a wonderful day/night depending on where you are in the world! Go with God and remember to be kind to one another!
Toodles,
Leave a Reply