There are many reasons why you may need to replace your HVAC unit. Your unit may need extensive heater or air conditioner repairs, you may no longer be able to get parts for it, it may be unreliable, or it may be extremely ineffective. A recent study has shown that with insulation and proper HVAC maintenance, you may be able to reduce your home's energy usage by as much as 30%, according to the United States Department of Energy. If you're considering replacing yours, here are six important questions to ask before replacing your HVAC.

1. Can My Unit Be Repaired?

Before you commit to replacing your heater or air conditioning unit, you should ask an HVAC professional if your unit can be repaired. You may be shocked to discover that heating or air conditioner repairs can solve many issues with your unit, helping revive it and bring it back to life. It is important to note that not every unit can be repaired and repairs aren't always the best option for every unit. However, before you buy a unit or sign a contract to have a new unit installed, you should first find out if your unit is fixable.

2. Why Do You Recommend Replacing the Unit?

Another important element to consider before you fully commit to replacing a unit is whether a professional recommends replacing the unit and why. Air conditioner repairs may be possible, but the parts needed for the repairs may be next to impossible to find. You want to hear from a professional exactly why they recommend replacing your unit.

3. What Size Unit Do I Need?

Once you have decided that replacing your heating or cooling unit is the best decision for your home, you should ask a professional what size unit you need. You should not automatically assume you need the same sized unit that was there before. The insulation in your home may have degraded, you may have added on to your home, or you may have more or fewer people living in your home. A load capacity test should be done to help determine the right-sized heating and cooling unit for your home.

4. What Equipment Would You Recommend and Why?

After determining what size unit is right for your home, you can start the search for a heating or cooling unit. An HVAC professional may be able to offer you advice on what type of equipment they would recommend and why. They will likely take your budget, desired amount of maintenance, and preferred temperatures into account when helping you select the units that may be right for you.

5. How Much Experience Do You Have?

Upon selecting a unit, you then have to work with a professional to get it installed. While there are numerous heating and cooling professionals who can install units, they aren't all the same. You want to choose the best one for you. A competent and trustworthy professional will stand behind their work and have lots of experience. Always ask your contractor any additional questions you may have regarding their services or products.

6. How Do I Care for the New HVAC Unit?

Lastly, prior to replacing your HVAC unit, always ask how to care for the new one. You want to ensure that you know how much care and maintenance your new unit needs. In order to ensure your warranty from the manufacturer isn't voided, you need to follow all the maintenance requirements. It's also important, as it helps to extend the lifespan of your unit and ensure your new unit lasts as long as it's designed to. Properly maintaining your unit can also cut back on repairs in the future.

Before you replace your HVAC unit, there are many important questions to ask. While you may think that your unit needs to be replaced, in some instances, heater or air conditioner repairs may solve the issue. In other instances, you may need to replace the unit, but asking the right questions can help you select the unit and the installer who is the best fit for your needs. If you're looking to replace your HVAC system, we can help. Reach out to us today at Joe Hurley Inc to get started.