A furnace is a major investment, probably one of the most expensive appliances in your home. It’s natural that you’d want to get the most from that investment, and keep the furnace running as long as possible. That means calling a furnace repair service whenever it breaks down.
But what happens as the years go on, and breakdowns become more frequent? When is it time to start seriously think about buying a new furnace? These are some of the key considerations.
Repairing vs Replacing: Is it Time for a New Furnace?
1 – Repair Frequency
Perhaps the best metric for deciding if it’s time to replace your furnace is how often you’re calling for repair jobs. Furnaces are designed to run for long periods of time, with only occasional maintenance like changing the filters. You should go years between furnace repair service calls. If you’re having to call for help multiple times a year, the furnace is probably too broken-down to keep going for long.
2 – Age
How old is your furnace?
A properly-installed, well-maintained furnace can be expected to last at least a decade, and probably more like 15-20 years. Electric furnaces tend to last longer than gas-burners, but either way, consider 15 years the baseline for a good furnace lifespan.
If your furnace is older than that, then your repairs are going to be doing less and less good, adding maybe a year or two to its overall life.
3 – Comparing Costs
If you’re on the fence about whether to repair or replace, start comparing costs. Call a few shops and get an idea of what it would cost to replace your furnace. Then look at your repair calls as a percentage of the replacement cost. If its a cheap repair, that’s not a big issue. But once repairs start costing 25-50% as much as a replacement, that means you’re spending a lot of money keeping the old furnace running. At that point, a new furnace would probably be a better investment.
4 – Energy Efficiency
Another factor to consider is the operating costs of your furnace. Modern furnaces – especially those based on heat pump technology – run much cleaner and more efficiently than furnaces from 10-20 years ago.
So compare the energy efficiency of your current furnace against new models on the market. If there’s a substantial difference, you could end up saving money in the long run with an upgrade.
Think Before Repairing an Older Furnace
At Melton’s Heating and Air Conditioning, we’re always happy to provide furnace repair services whenever you need – but we don’t want you wasting money on a furnace which is past its prime. We carry a wide range of modern furnaces with excellent energy efficiency, compared to older models, which can provide better heating at lower operating costs.
If you aren’t sure if it’s time to upgrade, we’re here to help. Just contact us for a service call, and our repair crew would be happy to discuss your options while they’re there.
Tips for Avoiding High AC Unit Repair Costs in Salem, Oregon
Temperatures can vary drastically throughout the year in Salem, Oregon, which makes a functional and efficient AC system crucial. While these systems are designed to provide a decade or more of reliable service, they won’t last forever without proper care. Fortunately, there are effective strategies to extend the lifespan of your AC unit and steer clear of costly repairs.
In this guide from our team at Melton’s Heating & Air Conditioning, we explore tips to maintain your AC and furnace, highlight the costliest components, and explain how simple actions can save you money in the long run.
Understanding High Costs in HVAC System Repairs
HVAC systems comprise various components, some of which can be quite expensive to replace if they fail. Key parts like the compressor, which acts as the heart of your HVAC system by circulating refrigerant, are crucial and costly. Other important components include the evaporator and condenser coils, essential for heat exchange and dissipation, and the blower motor, which distributes air throughout your home.
For furnaces, the most expensive parts usually include the heat exchanger, which is important for transferring heat, the ignitor that starts the combustion process, the gas valve, and the control board that regulates furnace operations. Understanding these components’ roles and their replacement costs can prepare homeowners to make better maintenance decisions to prevent failures.
The Consequences of Neglecting Your HVAC System
Neglecting your HVAC unit can lead to a domino effect of mechanical failures and increased operational costs. For instance, something as simple as not replacing an air filter can restrict airflow, strain your system, and cause the coils to clog, all of which reduce efficiency and hasten the wear and tear on your system. This can translate into higher energy bills and premature breakdowns of important and expensive parts.
In addition, ignoring minor issues like refrigerant leaks can force your AC to work harder and potentially lead to compressor damage—a repair that can cost thousands. Skipping annual inspections might mean missing out on identifying serious issues like a cracked heat exchanger, which is expensive to fix and potentially dangerous.
Tips to Avoid Costly Repairs and Replacements
Taking proactive steps to maintain your AC system is important. Here’s how you can avoid expensive repairs and replacements to ensure your system runs smoothly and efficiently:
Regular Maintenance
Regular professional maintenance is the cornerstone of AC care. When you schedule annual inspections, skilled technicians can take care of small issues before they escalate into major, costly problems. They’re trained to spot potential failures that might not be obvious to the untrained eye. They can adjust settings, lubricate moving parts, and ensure that your system is running at peak efficiency.
Replace Air Filters Regularly
Air filters are your AC unit’s first line of defense against dust and other particulates. When filters become clogged, airflow is restricted, which forces your system to work harder, increases wear and tear, and decreases efficiency. When you change your air filters every one to three months, you ensure that your system maintains proper airflow and efficiency, which can extend the life of your system.
Clean Coils
The condenser and evaporator coils play important roles in the heat exchange process, but they are prone to dirt and debris buildup, which can impair how they function. Keeping these coils clean is vital for reducing strain on the system and ensuring efficient operation. This can be done during routine maintenance checks or by scheduling additional cleanings in environments that are dustier or have higher air pollutant levels.
Address Refrigerant Leaks Quickly
Refrigerant leaks reduce the efficiency of your AC unit and lead to major damage to the compressor and other important parts. If you notice your system isn’t cooling properly or see signs of leakage, it’s important to call a professional immediately. Quick repairs can prevent more extensive damage that could be far more expensive to fix later.
Invest in Programmable Thermostats
Programmable thermostats are a small investment that can lead to big savings. By allowing you to set and automatically adjust the temperature based on the time of day, you can minimize the operation when it’s not needed, which reduces wear and tear on the system. This smart technology can adapt to your lifestyle and lower your energy bills by maintaining the best comfort levels.
Upgrade Old Units
Older AC units tend to be less efficient and more prone to breakdowns. If your unit is nearing the end of its expected lifespan or has required multiple repairs, it might be time to consider an upgrade. Modern AC systems are more energy-efficient, more reliable, and give you improved features that enhance indoor comfort. Although the upfront cost can be higher, the long-term savings in reduced repair costs and lower energy bills can make it a worthwhile investment.
Keep Your AC in Top-Notch Shape
Routine maintenance is key to extending the life of your AC system and ensuring it operates efficiently year-round. In Salem, companies like Melton’s Heating & Air Conditioning offer full services that include checking for wear and tear, cleaning, lubricating components, and replacing parts that show signs of deterioration. Such proactive service prevents more severe issues as well as keeps your system running smoothly.
Contact Melton’s Heating & Air Conditioning for Top AC Unit Repair Services in Salem, Oregon
When it comes to maintaining or repairing your AC unit in Salem, Melton’s Heating & Air Conditioning stands ready to offer top-tier service. Our team of technicians is well-versed in diagnosing and taking care of a range of AC issues, from routine maintenance to complex repairs.
To ensure your system is in its best condition and to avoid costly future repairs, schedule a maintenance or tune-up service by reaching out to us. Take proactive steps today to protect your investment and enhance your home’s comfort and safety!
As summer temperatures soar, air conditioning has become an essential part of many households. However, the comfort of a cool home often comes with a hefty price tag in the form of increased electricity bills. The good news is that there are effective strategies to minimize these costs without sacrificing comfort.
Here, our team at Melton’s Heating & Air Conditioning explains how understanding your air conditioner’s operation and making smart choices can lead to major savings.
How Air Conditioners Work
Contrary to popular belief, air conditioners don’t generate cold air. Instead, they cool existing indoor air by passing it through an evaporator coil and recirculating it. This process differs from typical air coolers that use outside air. Understanding this fundamental operation is crucial for optimizing your air conditioner usage and reducing energy consumption.
The Impact of Thermostat Settings
Many people believe that setting a lower temperature will cool a room faster. However, this isn’t the case. Your air conditioner’s thermostat monitors the room temperature and instructs the compressor accordingly. Setting a lower temperature simply means the compressor runs longer which consumes more electricity.
Factors Affecting Air Conditioner Energy Consumption
Several factors influence how much electricity your air conditioner uses, including:
Indoor and outdoor temperature difference
Thermal insulation of your home
Air conditioner temperature setting
The larger the temperature difference between indoors and outdoors, the harder your air conditioner must work. Similarly, a well-insulated home requires less cooling which can lead to energy savings.
Smart Cooling Strategies
Utilize Ceiling Fans
Using ceiling fans in combination with your air conditioner can increase comfort while allowing you to set a higher temperature. This can lead to huge energy savings.
Avoid the ‘Quick Cool’ Trap
Many modern air conditioners come with a ‘Quick Cool’ feature that sets extremely low temperatures, often around 64 degrees Fahrenheit. While it might seem effective, it consumes excessive energy. Stick to a more moderate setting around 75 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal comfort and efficiency.
Understanding Older Air Conditioner Models
If you have an older air conditioner without a thermostat, it likely offers high, medium, and low cooling options. These settings adjust fan speeds but don’t control air temperature directly. While they impact comfort, they don’t affect efficiency.
Tips for Maximizing Air Conditioner Efficiency
Regularly clean or replace air filters.
Ensure proper insulation in your home.
Use curtains or blinds to block out sunlight during the hottest parts of the day.
Consider upgrading to a more energy-efficient model if your current air conditioner is old.
Contact Melton’s Heating & Air Conditioning for Professional Air Conditioning Services!
While these tips can help you save on air conditioning costs, professional maintenance is key to ensuring your system operates at peak efficiency. At Melton’s Heating & Air Conditioning, our expert technicians can provide complete air conditioning services, from routine check-ups to energy-efficient upgrades.
Contact us today to schedule a service and start saving on your cooling costs this summer!
