The Dos & Don’ts of HVAC Replacement

Your heating and air conditioning system’s job is to provide thermal comfort and maintain good indoor air quality at home. If the air filter becomes clogged with dirt or another component — say, the blower motor — suffers severe wear and tear and causes the equipment to malfunction, the system will have a hard time keeping your living space cool and comfortable in the summer and warm and snug in the winter. 

To avoid bearing the brunt of weather changes, your HVAC system must be kept in tip-top shape at all times, and this includes replacing it on time before things start to spiral out of control. In this post, Cool Zone Air Conditioning and Heating, a contractor specializing in AC repair and replacement, shares a few guidelines to keep in mind when selecting a new HVAC system for your home.

DOs:

• DO know the correct size. Installing a larger air conditioner may seem like an effective way to combat the Arizona heat, but in reality, an HVAC system that’s too big or small for the square footage of your home will be less efficient at keeping it comfortable. For instance, a system that’s too big will not only use extra power, it will also occupy a bigger space in your home, whereas a system that’s too small won’t have enough output, forcing the system to operate longer than it’s designed to. To determine the best size of equipment for your residence, a professional AC replacement technician will take into account its square footage and the height of the ceilings.
• DO set a budget. Typically, the cost of a replacement unit increases with the size of the unit. It will vary depending on the specific components you need to replace, such as boilers, radiators and heat pumps. For many people, solely replacing the central air conditioner may be more practical, depending on their budget. High-performance, energy-efficient units tend to be more expensive, but they also allow for lower annual energy bills. When it’s time for a unit replacement, it’s worth thinking these points through.

• DO test the new system. Although your replacement system will likely operate just as it should, it’s always safer to give it a test run. A reliable AC replacement technician will assist you with this part of the installation process so you’ll know it’s in sync and running efficiently before they walk out the door.

• DO find a reputable contractor. At Cool Zone Air Conditioning and Heating, our skilled technicians are ready to take care of your indoor comfort needs. We’ll walk you through all your options and make sure you fully understand the proper operation of your new HVAC system.

DON’Ts:

• DON’T wait for repairs. Unfortunately, many homeowners put off repairs on their furnace or air conditioner until a problem, such as a musty smell or warm air blowing from the vents, noticeably starts affecting them. Although it may seem like waiting on repairs will save you money in the long run, it’s usually not as cost-effective as people expect. Broken parts will contribute to the wearing down of other components in the system, which will put it at further risk of needing extensive AC repairs.

• DON’T ignore the warranty. If you purchase a replacement unit that comes with warranty coverage, it’s crucial to know what it entails for your protection. Since the repair and maintenance of heating and air conditioning systems can be complex, the warranty is intended to help cover your expenses in the event of a system malfunction. Nearly all manufacturers offer a strong five- to 10-year warranty on their equipment. Make sure not to forget about yours so you don’t end up paying a large sum of money for replacement parts or skipping necessary annual tune-ups and maintenance that can render the warranty void.

• DON’T forget about annual maintenance. Just because you have a new heating and cooling system installed doesn’t mean you should go any length of time without caring for it. In fact, performing preventive maintenance — including inspections, tune-ups and safety checks — is the surefire way to keep your system running at peak performance for as long as it’s meant to. When your HVAC system sees more regular checkups, not only will you save more money on future repairs, you can also keep your home comfortable all-year-round.

• DON’T install the replacement unit on your own. The opportunity to install a brand-new HVAC system on your own is tempting because then you won’t have to pay the labor costs that come with a professional installation. However, unless you’re a furnace and AC maintenance and replacement professional who has the technical know-how to install a furnace or AC unit, ensuring the job is done right the first time, along with guaranteeing that every mechanical and electrical component is secure, may be too complicated of a task.

Replacing Your Furnace & AC at the Same Time

One way to save significant money when installing a new HVAC system is to replace both your furnace and air conditioner at the same time. If your AC, for example, is approaching the end of its life — approximately 12 to 15 years after the installation — you know it’s time to replace it. You may also consider replacing your furnace even if it has a few years left on it, as replacing both at once will generally cost significantly less than replacing each piece of equipment separately. Furthermore, you can ensure that the new thermostat that goes with your new AC works nicely with your new heating system as well.

Call Us for All Your Heating and Cooling Needs

When it comes to top-rated residential HVAC services, such as furnace installation or AC maintenance, Cool Zone Air Conditioning and Heating is the contractor to trust. Our team of skilled technicians is ready to help you improve the comfort level and indoor air quality of your home in no time. To schedule an equipment inspection or request a free quote, give us a call at (623) 322-0933 or fill out our online form.