A: For our region— in the Houston and surrounding areas, we have long, hot, humid summers. It makes sense to move up to something with a little bit better technology. Most new homes are furnished with single-stage equipment—surely due to cost. Most people don’t have to replace their air conditioning system that many times in their life. So, when that time comes, we recommend to consider moving up to at least two-stage if not multi-capacity equipment.
That’s because you can get something that’s more efficient, that will operate at different capacities, that will remove more humidity from the air. That will raise the comfort level in your home as well as improve indoor air quality. It makes more sense than replacing a single-stage system feature for feature—you’re going to get the same mediocre results if you do that.
Cooling and heating a home in Houston is no easy task when you have a unit that has exceeded its life expectancy. In fact, it can be downright expensive, and yet it highlights just how much we take air conditioning for granted. Keeping a home at the right temperature and the right humidity is essential to having a comfortable home environment. If it’s too hot, people get irritable or even ill. If it’s too cold it can be just as unbearable as the heat. Add too much humidity to either condition and it gets borderline torturous.
Why An Entire HVAC Replacement In Houston Makes Sense
What happens when your AC unit goes out but the furnace, although not showing problems, is still the same age? Do you hold on to the furnace a bit longer and save money just replacing the AC unit?
The short answer is—ABSOLUTELY NOT.
When your AC unit needs to be replaced, if the furnace is the same age you should shop for a complete HVAC replacement in Houston. The numbers don’t lie and statistics show that when your AC unit shows signs it’s dying—the furnace isn’t far behind. There are numerous reasons besides expected failure to replace both system components at once though. In the end, all of the reasons do culminate to translate into major financial savings and efficiency boosts.
Improved Efficiency
If either of your HVAC’s main components is out, be it the air conditioner or the furnace they’re likely both very old. Entry-level units will last up to 10 years, even if their inefficiency leaves a lot to be desired. If you bought a home with an HVAC system already installed, and it wasn’t documented as a recent upgrade—it could be quite old. When it comes to deciding on HVAC replacement in Houston the age in and of itself is not the issue.
However, with age comes wear and tear on parts that can never be restored to new condition. With that depreciation comes a dip in efficiency as well. So, while your HVAC system may be paid off and still technically working—it could be costing you hundreds per month in extra energy usage. When you compare a unit that is even only 10 years old to new ones—there’s huge savings when you replace both at the same time.
Better Parts, Better Technology
Many AC repair companies recommend a full HVAC replacement in Houston vs. just one component and it isn’t for the upsell. It’s because if you replace one failing component, the other, inefficient component will negate the energy savings. When you start seeing that you’re not saving as much as promised by the AC repair company—you’ll blame them. So, to be quite honest, many of these companies are looking out for you—but also their good reputation. The last thing they want is a customer to be upset with their purchase for any reason. New HVAC systems offer a vast improvement in parts and technology that make them more efficient than previous generations. Even a system from 10 years ago is considered obsolete by modern standards.
New systems use new types of efficient coolant, new mechanical construction, new computers, sensors, and more. All those things contribute to getting the most out of your HVAC system while spending as little energy as possible. Also, when you mix new technology and old technology, it can put excessive stress on the whole system. The AC and furnace both work together and share some common components. So, if one is wearing things down faster than the other—you’re going to have problems sooner rather than later. For this reason, most manufacturers are hesitant or unwilling to warranty a system that is being mixed with an older unit.
HVAC Replacement In Houston Increases Savings
Let’s say you have a failing AC unit but the furnace seems ok—just a bit loud. You only replace the AC unit and then fall comes and the furnace finally dies. Now, you’re not only stuck with no heat, but that furnace is going to cost even more.
Why? Because while the HVAC company was installing the AC unit, they could’ve replaced the furnace as well. This would’ve been covered under your installation charges already. But now, having to go back in and install the furnace now, it’s going to cost you all over again. The installation of these furnaces and AC units are complex and time-consuming. So, installation charges are where you are going to get hit with those extra costs. Installing together also helps when maintaining your HVAC system. If everything was installed at the same time, it’s a one-time trip for a technician to do a tune-up. If you do them separately you may have multiple trip charges and materials fees. Not to mention, when you buy both AC and furnace—they’re both guaranteed to be under warranty.
The bottom line is HVAC replacement vs. piece by piece replacement is the smarter way to go. However, you also need to be smart about shopping for one. Because simply buying a new HVAC system doesn’t mean you’re getting anything better. You need to know what you are looking for such as size, and a lot of other factors.
HVAC Replacement In Houston Done Right
As we’ve covered, it’s never a good idea to replace your HVAC system on a piece by piece basis. One bad part or incompatible component can cause expensive breakdowns and void the warranty. Those things aside, there are some important tips you should follow when replacing your HVAC system:
- Don’t Make A Lateral Move— If your original system came with the house, chances are it’s a single-stage and just big enough to pass. Don’t go out and look for a newer system with the same specs. On the flip-side of that, just because you have a huge unit, doesn’t mean you need a new unit of the same size. With the advancement in HVAC technology, a smaller system might perform as well as a larger older system or better. Keep in mind the efficiency of your HVAC system is also contingent upon other home factors. For example, the efficiency of the insulation, doors, and windows in your home can cause heating and cooling issues.
- Spend Within Budget, But Wisely—If your budget is tight, you can still get a very good HVAC system if you just do your homework. You don’t have to buy the top of the line SEER rated unit at 23 SEER. With today’s advancement, you could even get by with a lower SEER rated unit and still save good money.
- Be Careful The Contractor You Choose— Do your research when hiring an HVAC contractor in Houston. Don’t just go with the first quote you get and never proceed unless they’ve done a comprehensive survey of your house. You should check out what your neighbors have to say about HVAC contractors they’ve used.
Hire The Pros Of HVAC Replacement In Houston
If you’re not sure how to start looking for HVAC systems or are confused by all the technical terms—contact Airteam. One of our comfort consultants can direct you towards the systems perfect for your needs, not our pockets. Click here to schedule your free consultation.
