Knowledgeable Ocean County, NJ HVAC Professionals

When Will I Need to Replace My HVAC System?

When it comes to modern comforts, most people would agree there’s not much that beats the ability to stay toasty in the winter and to beat the heat in the summer. Because of the comfort your heating and cooling systems provide, they are customarily a top priority. However, even if you take appropriate measures to maintain and safeguard your equipment, your HVAC system has a useful life. One of the most important questions you’ll face is, when will your systems need to be replaced?

For HVAC installation or service near you, call 877-466-3657 or fill out our online request form.

At NJR Home Services (NJRHS), we understand the importance of protecting your residential HVAC systems. This page answers questions to help you proactively monitor your heating and cooling systems and make the right decisions.

Before looking at when it’s time to replace your HVAC system, here’s something else you need to consider — whether you should replace both your heating and cooling systems simultaneously. If one system is experiencing frequent breakdowns, should you replace both at the same time? As a general rule, the answer is “yes.”

Home heating and cooling systems are intended to function together. There are specific benefits you can reap if you replace both units simultaneously. Installing a heating system that complements your new AC unit, for example, can optimize airflow and reduce your overall energy costs. In addition, ensuring both systems function cooperatively can minimize the risk of overtaxing either unit. For example, if your new air conditioning unit is too big for your existing furnace, you could damage your coil — most manufacturers don’t offer a warranty for “coil-only replacements,” so you’ll have to pay for those repairs out of your own pocket. In addition, there are new systems available on the market that are more efficient than units manufactured just 10 years ago.

Back to the question of how long your HVAC system should last. You can’t really imagine being in your home if your heating and cooling systems are not working properly, so you diligently change filters and perform other routine maintenance and view it as an essential expense when the system needs repairs. But how do you know when it’s time to stop putting money into your existing HVAC unit and replace it? Obviously, if you’re calling a repairman on a regular basis, that’s a pretty clear sign — when the cost of repairs starts to catch up with the cost of a new one, it will almost always be more economical to install a new heating or cooling system.

What Are the Telltale Signs My HVAC System Needs to Be Replaced?

There are a number of clear indications your heating and cooling systems may be ready for replacement:

• Have your heating or cooling bills gone up with no dramatic change in lifestyle or the weather? As an HVAC system ages, it can become less efficient, requiring more energy to produce the same amount of comfort.
• Have you called for repairs more than once in the last two years? HVAC systems are made up of a number of moving parts, all of which have a useful life, so it’s not uncommon to replace parts as your unit gets older. If you’ve had frequent or expensive repairs in the last two years, it may be more economical to replace the system.
• Does your heating system make odd noises? A healthy heating system shouldn’t squeal, clang or rattle. If it’s making noises you haven’t heard before, it may be telling you something is wrong.
• Is your blower running all the time? A continually running blower may be a sign of other, more serious problems.

How Long Should I Expect My Water Heater to Function Efficiently?

As a general rule, the useful life of most water heaters is around 10 years.

How Can I Tell If My Water Heater Needs to Be Replaced?

As your hot water heater starts to decline, it will give clear signs that it’s in need of replacement:

• Changes in temperature. If it takes a lot longer to get hot water or if it never gets more than lukewarm, that’s a clear indication that the water heater may need to be replaced.
• Drips or leaks. One of the first signals that your water heater is failing is water leaking from any part of it. Look underneath the tank for puddles or rust stains.
• Rust or corrosion. The steel used in the construction of your water heater may rust and corrode. Ultimately, that rust can compromise the integrity of the tank.
• Sediment buildup. Pour a glass of cold water and a glass of hot water and compare the two. If the cold water is clear, but the hot water is cloudy, brown or murky, you may have a mineral buildup in your tank. The more sediment you have, the less efficient your water heater can be.

Experienced Technicians to Service Your Home Heating and Cooling Systems

If you live in or near Ocean County, NJ and have questions or concerns about your HVAC system or your water heater, our trusted team of professionals at NJR Home Services (NJRHS) can help. Our team has a broad knowledge of heating and cooling products and services and will thoroughly assess and diagnose your problem. We offer a wide range of HVAC services from the installation of new units to the repair of existing furnaces, boilers and air conditioning units. We also repair and replace hot water heaters.

NJR Home Services — Experienced Ocean County HVAC Professionals

Need licensed, knowledgeable and experienced service technicians to repair or service your HVAC system in Brick, Manahawkin, Toms River, Jackson or the surrounding communities?

Discover the ease of one-stop shopping. Simply call our customer service representatives at 877-466-3657 or complete our online request form. We’ll respond promptly and answer any questions you might have.