Tag: HVAC replacement

How Long Do HVAC Systems Last? Life Expectancy Explained

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(Colorado Springs Edition) – Let’s Be Real About HVAC Lifespans

Let’s be real, getting a new furnace or AC isn’t cheap. You want that thing to last as long as humanly possible, right? Most HVAC systems should give you somewhere between 15 and 25 years of service. But honestly, that’s a big range, and a lot of things can change that number. Even with the best upkeep and fixing things as they break, eventually, every heater, AC, and heat pump is going to call it quits.

So, What’s the Deal with Lifespans?

It really depends on what kind of system you’ve got and where you live (Colorado Springs weather plays a part!). Here’s a quick rundown:

  • Furnaces: Good news here! Gas furnaces, if you take care of them, can run for 20 to 30 years, sometimes even longer. Usually, the heat exchanger going bad is the reason for replacement – it’s a big, pricey part. Skip maintenance or get a cheap system, and you might be looking at replacing it in just 10 years. Oil furnaces? Expect a bit less, around 10 to 15 years because they can be a bit more finicky.

  • Boilers: Boilers are built tough. Think 20 to 35 years on average. Like furnaces, heat exchanger leaks are usually the end of the road.

  • Air Conditioners: Most ACs will cool your Colorado Springs home for 15 to 20 years. Some might tap out closer to 10. Things like a busted compressor or corrosion are usually what lead to needing a new unit.

  • Heat Pumps: These guys are workhorses, heating and cooling. Expect 10 to 20 years, with 15 being typical. Since they run more often, they can wear out a bit faster than AC-only units. Same failure points as ACs – compressor and corrosion.

  • Mini-Splits (Ductless): Similar to heat pumps in lifespan, 10 to 30 years, depending on use and care.

Think About Upgrading Sooner Than Later

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Yeah, those are the typical lifespans. But lots of folks in Colorado Springs swap out their HVAC systems earlier. Why? Well, older systems just get less efficient. That means higher energy bills and more repairs. Once you hit that 10-15 year mark, a new, energy-efficient system can save you cash every month – sometimes enough to make the upgrade worth it, especially if your old system is acting up a lot.

What Kills Your HVAC System Faster?

Lots of things can shorten the lifespan of your heating and cooling. Here are the biggies:

  • Skipping Check-Ups: No maintenance is a recipe for disaster.
  • Cheap Parts: Bad components from the start aren’t going to last.
  • Wrong Size System: Too big or too small is bad news (more on that another time!).
  • Bad Install: If it’s not put in right, problems are coming.
  • Overworking It: Running it constantly at full blast takes its toll.
  • Using it Wrong: Heating or cooling with windows open? Wasting energy and stressing the system.
  • Harsh Environments: (Less of a Colorado Springs issue, but think salty air near the coast)

Honestly, skipping maintenance and getting the wrong size system are the biggest culprits. No maintenance? Things wear out way faster. Oversized system? It turns on and off too much, stressing parts like the compressor.

Got Questions About Your System? We’re Here in Colorado Springs!

Worried about your current HVAC setup? Give Elevation Mechanical a shout! We’re right here in Colorado Springs and can take a look. We’ll give you the straight scoop on how much life is left in your system. Thinking about an upgrade? We do full replacements. Just need to keep things running smoothly? We handle maintenance and repairs too.

Give Elevation Mechanical a call today (719) 460-7091! We’re here to help you stay comfortable in your Colorado Springs home, year-round.

 

HVAC GUIDE FOR NEW HOME OWNERS

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HVAC Guide For New Home Owners.

Have you recently bought a new home? That’s great news! Perhaps, this is not the first time you have bought one. Whether it is your first time or fourth, there are a few things that you should take care of in your new home.

The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system or the HVAC provides heating and cooling to residential buildings. If you have one installed at your home, you must take care of a few things. To ensure that the system remains in good and functioning condition, you need to conduct yearly tune-ups.

Apart from the annual maintenance, you need to take care of a few other things as well. To ensure the HVAC system’s optimal working, we have formulated an HVAC guide that is a must-read for new homeowners.

Know Your HVAC System Better

Be it an air conditioner, a water heater, boiler, or a heat pump; you should be aware of how it works to understand how the house gets cooled or heated. There are a few things that you must be aware of about your HVAC System.

  • Efficiency Rating: The heating and cooling system installed in your home has some specific ratings, as listed below.
  • Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency or Heating Seasonal Performance Factor.
  • Energy Efficiency Ratio or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio.
  • A highly efficient system has a higher rating and vice versa.
  • Unit’s Age: If the home that you have purchased is five to ten years old there is a chance that the HVAC system installed is old too. You should find out your HVAC system’s age and plan to get it replaced with a new one if it is too old. An old system requires relatively high maintenance and breaks down often.
  • Warranty: If your new home’s HVAC system is still in warranty read through the terms and conditions of the warranty carefully. If you have recently bought a new HVAC system understand the terms properly so that it doesn’t become void because of a minor mistake.
  • Inspection Reports: You should ask the former owner to provide you with the HVAC inspection reports. These reports prove that the HVAC system has gone through annual maintenance and you can learn about any problems previously reported. These reports will also help you understand what kind of performance to expect from the system.

Maintain Your Grounds

Make sure the area around your HVAC system is well-maintained so that the system can operate efficiently. You should always keep your plants, shrubs, and all other foliage at least two feet away from the HVAC system’s outdoor unit. Also, all garden tools should be kept away. In case dirt and dust fall on your HVAC system, get it cleaned as soon as possible.

Change Filters When Required

Changing the HVAC system’s filters on time and when required will help you keep it in working condition. Manufacturers recommend changing filters after a regular interval. A few systems are equipped with alarms that will remind you to get your filters changed when it’s time.

Even if you have a unit in the attic you should get its filter changed too. An unclean filter will disrupt the cooling or heating system. Moreover, dirty filters reduce the system’s life expectancy, and its efficiency is hampered. If required, get your filters changed even during the summer season.

Check The Ductwork Of Your Home

If you experience a musty smell in your home, if it feels extra humid, you experience fluctuating temperatures, or if you are receiving extremely high bills, get your ductwork inspected. These are the signs that something is wrong with your ductwork. It would help if you got it inspected by a team of specialists as soon as possible. If your ductwork has leaks, then the performance of your HVAC system will be negatively affected.

Do Not Close Your Vents

A few homeowners often close the vents to a few rooms that they don’t use much. As a new homeowner, you should not make the same mistake. Even if you have a few extra rooms, keep the vents open. People do it to save energy costs, but you should know that it doesn’t help save energy costs. It is simply because, when you close the vents, the HVAC system will have to work harder to maintain a consistent temperature level throughout. Because of that, it helps if you keep the vents open and you keep the areas near the vents clear of any clutter.

Maintenance Of Your HVAC

Annual maintenance of the HVAC system is critical. You should get your furnace and AC checked every year to know if there are any potential damage. The best time to have your system serviced is during spring or fall. It will help increase the life expectancy and efficiency of your system.

Remove The Ice

During the winter season, call for a professional as soon as you see ice forming on your HVAC system. If your HVAC system develops tiny heaps of ice, large sheets, or blocks of ice, you should get the system assessed by professionals to get to the root cause and protect your HVAC from getting damaged further.

Hire A Professional Company

You should always hire a trusted company for all your HVAC repair and replacement needs. It would be best if you did not wait until there is a severe problem with your system, and you will then have to look for an expert service provider. You should also check if the contractor has been in business for enough years to have the required expertise in the field. Professionals will be able to provide emergency services as well. Reliable and genuine contractors are aware of the tips and tricks to keep your system in perfect working condition.

Conclusion

Owning a new home will give you a sense of security. Though homeownership is exciting, it brings several responsibilities along. Follow the steps mentioned above and take care of your HVAC system to keep it working as expected.

TIPS WHEN CHOOSING THE RIGHT HVAC CONTRACTOR

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Tips When Choosing The Right HVAC Contractor.

The quality of air inside any property with an AC unit will be dependent on the unit. So it is of utmost importance that you get the best one possible. To do that you require an HVAC contractor who perfectly suits your needs. AC units (centralized or not) have to overcome a series of hurdles to provide you with the perfect indoor temperature. Therefore, they require regular maintenance so that proper climate control and pristine air quality can be ensured. As these units age they guzzle more energy and need a lot more maintenance.

That’s why you need a professional HVAC contractor who knows the work in and out, has an airtight reputation and provides after-sales services like maintenance, repairs, replacements, etc.

Why Should You Hire An HVAC Contractor?

It can be seen quite often that individuals decide against hiring a professional HVAC contractor and decide to take care of the installation part of an AC unit on their own. The high cost of hiring any contractor is arguably the biggest reason behind this. However, the problem that arises in such a situation is that it is quite easy to make a mistake and it is almost impossible for a non-professional to know all the rules, regulations, and techniques to follow when installing an AC unit.

It is entirely plausible that the individual will be unaware of all the pre and post-installation that must be completed for an AC unit installation. Finally, you also have to remember that installation faults are among the top reasons causing massive depreciation of longevity in AC units. It’s better to leave it to the professionals.

Factors To Consider While Choosing The Right HVAC Contractor

  1. Climate – The contractor whom you choose should provide you with an AC unit that can work without any problems in the climate conditions of your region. The AC unit has to withstand that type of climate during the installation and must continue working optimally for a long period after. It might be advisable to select a contractor who provides personalized systems that can easily cope with the weather conditions of the installation space and still maintain an optimal indoor climate.
  2. Background Checks – Do a proper background check on any contractor you may like. A central AC unit is a huge investment and so only select the contractor who has proper licenses, certificates, etc. That way, you can rest assured that the quality of work, services, and equipment will be of the highest quality. If a contractor does not have products with the “ENERGY STAR” (A symbol trusted by everyone which promotes energy-efficient products), and other industry certificates, it would be unwise to hire the contractor. The internet has made it a lot easier to do background checks on any contractor. You can go to each of their websites and search for references. Going through the ones they provide lets you know exactly who you are getting involved with. It would be wise to only hire a contractor who possesses the proper experience, trained employees, a solid reputation, and only provides top-notch service.
  3. Expenses – Cost is another important factor when trying to choose the right HVAC contractor to install an AC unit since it is quite a sizable investment. The expenses of having an AC unit are not just limited to the installation costs. You have to factor in the running costs of the unit since they can add up to be quite substantial, like the maintenance costs, repair costs, etc. So, when choosing the right contractor go through the packages each contractor provides with a fine-toothed comb. Check the extra services that are included in the price for buying the unit. For example, whether the installation of the AC unit comes included in the price, the length and type of warranty on the unit, the kind of maintenance and repair services they provide, etc. Maintenance will be of utmost importance regarding AC units. A prudent decision would be to opt for an HVAC contractor who provides you a very good maintenance plan, even if it may be a bit pricier than packages offered by other contractors. You should also ensure that you have a good warranty.
  4. Energy Efficiency – Energy efficiency not only allows you to lessen your bills, but there is also a big impact on the environment. As time passes, each AC unit starts to consume more and more amounts of power and requires a lot of maintenance to function optimally. So, the intelligent decision would be to single out the HVAC contractor providing a very energy-efficient AC unit. That way, you will be saving a lot on your power bills. And, since the unit will consume less energy, it exerts considerably less amount of damage to the environment.
  5. After-Sales Services – Installation of the AC unit, maintenance, repairs and replacement at regular intervals are all important after-sales services regarding AC units. The best option would be to select the contractor who offers the highest quality after-sales services. These services are so important they hold the power to severely extend the lifespan of your AC unit.
  6. References and Referrals – Recommendations from trusted sources will go a long way in narrowing down the list when trying to select the right HVAC contractor. If you are able to call or email them you might be able to find out as much as you can about the contractor. Another thing that can help you here is reviews of each contractor given by past customers. Most prior customers leave these reviews on the contractors’ websites, making it very easy to locate them. You can find out the type of work and quality of the work that any particular contractor provides.

Final Note

Hiring the perfect contractor can turn out to be a very tricky process. Even though you may have a plethora of options on hand, it is the lack of having an objective way to hire an HVAC contractor that may cause an issue. Ensure that you find out all the information you can about the contractors so that you can make an informed decision, as to who the right contractor is for your needs.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO REPLACE AN AIR CONDITIONING UNIT?

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How Long Does It Take To Replace An Air Conditioning Unit?

Air Conditioning has become an integral part of the modern everyday lifestyle. It is hard to think of a place where we do not see an air conditioner unit used. The malls, movie theatres, offices, at homes, AC units are present everywhere. However, we often tend to overlook the need for continual and proper maintenance (and repairs, if needed) for these AC units.

If you take all the units that are present in each city across the globe it adds up to an obscene number – arguably the biggest reason why the HVAC Industry has seen its biggest growth since its inception. On the topic of maintenance and repairs, a common question that crops up is, “What is the amount of time necessary to have an AC unit replaced?”

Now, even though the customer will always want the repairs done in the least possible time, while done at the highest level, several factors impact the time that will be required to replace your AC unit. So let’s take a look at the things involved in installing a brand new unit and the factors affecting how long it takes for a total AC replacement.

Time Required For Installation

Once you’re done with selecting the AC unit you want you can move on to the actual installation of the unit. The first thing that you must take into account before you start trying to install a new AC unit is the size of your home. The installation time will also depend on how accessible the storage space for your internal AC components is. Quality of all your ductwork, the dimensions of your AC unit, and all other factors taken into account the installation of an AC unit should take anywhere between four hours to eight hours, on average.

The Type Of Repairs You Need

The first factor that will greatly affect the amount of time that you need to have your AC unit replaced is its location in your home. The first step you have to take in this situation is to deduce the type of AC repairs that you need. In case you are on a strict budget, you must ensure that you only try to replace one segment of the AC unit. Making an effort to replace the entire AC system will be extremely expensive and take up a huge amount of time. However, on the flip side, that will ensure that you will not require any repairs for a long time.

Dimensions Of Your Home

At the time of replacing your AC unit, there is a chance that you might also need to have the ductwork replaced and the new vents installed. The larger the size of your house, the more amount of work will be required, thus pushing the deadline back even further. Also, the conditions that your vents and ducts are in will play a part in how long the AC unit replacement takes. Dust can easily clog up the airways and mold can keep growing in dark passages and block them up. This will add to your schedule since the ducts must also be cleared first before the AC unit can be replaced. Having to repair the whole duct system will also make the entire replacement process a whole lot more expensive. However, it is always a prudent decision to get an improvement on all of the components, if it’s affordable.

Where Your Home Is Located

You also need to consider your home’s location when you are trying to calculate how long it is going to take you to replace your AC unit. Repair crews find it a lot easier to access townhouses or family homes, making the whole process a lot quicker. High-rises are a lot harder to access and thus repair and/or replacement crew(s) will require a lot longer to complete the replacement.

Calculating The Time For Replacing An AC Unit

The problem is that, since there are a multitude of factors that affect the total time necessary for replacement, it’s virtually impossible to figure out an exact time limit. Just putting an AC unit in for the first time can take up to eight hours, on average. During a replacement, you have the whole process of taking out the previous unit and rechecking the entire system for any faults. Only when every component is in pristine working condition can the new unit be installed. You have to be flexible enough to roll with the ups and downs and accept that there will be variables like availability and budget at play.

The only thing to be sure of is that the simpler the repair, the less it will cost (both time and money) you to get the replacement done. For example, in case your AC unit is outside the walls of your home, and thus easily accessible, the whole replacement could take less than 24 hours. However, if there is a need for upgrading your ductwork along with the entire system, it will cost a lot more time. Accessibility issues, dust and dirt clogging, passageways blocked by mold, etc., tend to complicate things.

In The End

Since it is arguably impossible to get an exact calculation of the time you will need to replace your old AC unit with a new one, what you can aim for is collecting all the information you can about the factors that may affect your replacement process. Spend more time doing diligent research and find out as much as you can about the type of work that you need to be done, the exact measurements of your home, and the state of all the components of your system. Make sure that you hire professionals to do the job.

In case the work does not meet the necessary standards, you will have to do the whole thing again, basically doubling the time and money you have to spend. Contact professionals beforehand to find out what is easily accessible for them, whether your home location has any advantages, how much it may cost, whether they provide discounts, and the type of service they provide. Once you have all the information in front of you, make a schedule and stick to it to the best of your ability.

CAN I REPLACE MY FURNACE WITHOUT REPLACING MY AC?

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Can I Replace My Furnace Without Replacing My AC?

Do you have problems with your furnace? Do you have problems finding whether your furnace needs replacement or not? Are you confused about whether to replace your air conditioning along with the furnace or not?

These are the questions that plague many customers that have HVAC systems installed. The fact remains that heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems are very sophisticated and intricate in their design, parts, and components. Therefore one must ascertain the need for the parts, repairs and replacements.

Repair Or Replace?

Furnaces, like any other component of the HVAC system, suffer depreciation. There are wear-and-tear problems that reduce the efficiency of the furnace.

The first consideration while encountering such a problem related to the furnace is whether to repair or replace it.

Many issues can be dealt with by an HVAC maintenance team. Repairing a furnace takes less time, money, and labor than replacing the furnace. Let us consider all the situations that require the furnace to get repaired.

  • Changing the Filters:

Sometimes, a dirty filter causes many issues in the furnace. Due to dirt, the filters get clogged, which reduces the free flow of air. This increases the pressure on the fan motor. This leads to the motor getting burn-out. The burning out of the motor leads to an increase in the electricity bills. Therefore, it is advisable to change the filters in 2-3 months regularly.

  • Inspect the Thermostat:

In many cases, the furnace might not be the actual problem. It would help if you inspect the thermostat. Some of these are battery-run. If the thermostat has a low-battery, it may interrupt its efficient working.

  • Inspect the Circuit Breaker:

If the furnace is not getting turned on, then one must look at the circuit breaker. Sometimes the furnace circuit is not in the same direction as the rest of the circuits. Therefore, one must try to flip it off and then turn it back on.

Issues With The Pilot Light:

The older furnaces have a pilot light. If the light is out, then the furnace does not work. You may relight it on your own or call a professional HVAC team to fix it.

If, after proper inspection and fixes, the issue is not solved, then you may have to replace the furnace. The following are the cases where the only solution is to replace your furnace:

  • When your furnace has crossed 15 years

The average lifespan of furnaces is about 15-30 years. That does not mean that you have to stick to your old furnace for 30 years. Often, a furnace that is over 15 years old becomes less efficient and has some issues consistently. Rather than spending tons of money on repairing the old furnace, you may buy a new one. This would be a more prudent approach to solving your furnace issue.

  • When you see a consistent rise in Electricity Bills

Furnaces, as they get older, tend to burn-out. This makes the furnace work harder. As a result, electricity bills rise. Then, it is appropriate to replace the furnace and bring down the electricity costs.

  • When it becomes too noisy

Soft noise from the furnace can be expected. But any loud hissing, humming, popping, or screeching noise needs to be checked. The louder the noise, the more they need a furnace replacement.

Are You Replacing Furnace And AC Together?

Many salespersons may advise you to replace the air conditioning unit along with the furnace. But this might not be a prudent solution for you. There are a lot of factors to be considered before arriving at such a decision.

Sometimes, when you change one component and introduce the new part with the HVAC system, the system as a whole may suffer and not work optimally. Mismatched parts and components can create many problems like:

  • Reducing the System’s Lifespan

When some parts are introduced in the air conditioning system, the new mismatched furnace may lead to more issues than it intended to solve. The overall efficacy and functionality of the HVAC system are compromised. This may cause more problems and warrant more repairs in the future.

  • Causing Inefficiencies

When the furnace is replaced without replacing the entire air-conditioning unit, and the new furnace is incompatible with the HVAC system, the entire system suffers from reduced efficiency. The air conditioning is less effective. This defeats the whole purpose of the replacement.

  • Doubling the costs

When incompatible parts of the HVAC system work with lesser efficiency, one must pay for two installations. Firstly, the furnace installation in the immediate time frame. The other one is the air conditioning system’s installation costs incurred in the future due to the parts incompatibility and the issues arising thereof.

However, replacing the AC and furnace together might not be a plausible solution in the following cases.

  • If the AC is new:

Suppose you have moved places and the furnace in your new home is ten years old. However, only a few years ago, you purchased your air conditioning system. You may replace your furnace without replacing your AC since the furnace may have irregularities in its functioning while the AC is perfectly well.

  • Checking the air conditioner when the furnace is being replaced:

When the furnace is replaced with a new one, one must check the evaporator and coils of the air conditioning system to determine whether it is functioning well or if there are some leakages. If the air conditioning system is working efficiently, then you may replace the furnace without replacing the air conditioning unit. However, if there are some issues like leakages etc., one must have an HVAC team inspect and let them replace the furnace and the air conditioning system together. This will save on the future costs of repairs and replacements.

Conclusion

To sum up, when you have to replace the furnace and your air conditioning unit, you must consider the factors like parts mismatch, the lifespan of the furnace and the AC system, and future repair costs, among others, to come to a definite conclusion. Replacing the furnace and the air conditioning system is an expensive affair; therefore, one must take a prudent decision by doing a thorough cost-benefit analysis.