Upgrading your HVAC System? Ask These 5 Questions Before You Make the Leap
In just a few short months, fall will show up on our doorsteps and with it your annual HVAC system heating inspection. Whether you have a home or business, this is also the time the year to start thinking about possibly upgrading or replacing. Will your home HVAC properly keep your family warm? Will your business HVAC keep your customers comfortable? Beyond routine HVAC repairs, it might just be time to toss out the old and get a whole new product.
We’ve compiled five important questions you should ask yourself before making any decision. While you should consult an HVAC professional to help with you with details, this guide should get you started.
- How Old Is My Unit?
If your unit is 10 years old or older, you’ll want to be on alert. Many 10-year-old units should still be going strong, especially if you bought a high-quality, energy-efficient unit in the early ‘00s. Just to be on the safe side, have an HVAC technician inspect it for any major damage or issues. If your unit is close to 15 years old, you’ll likely want to fully upgrade or replace.
- How Efficient Is My Unit?
Even if your HVAC system isn’t a dinosaur, it may still be running inefficiently. Some signs of an inefficient unit are spiking energy bills with the seasons and substantial increases in utility fees. The problem could be poor insulation or air gaps in your windows and doors. However, if your unit is approaching 15 years old, that’s probably the culprit.
- Is Dust a Problem?
If you notice your home or business is dustier than usual, it may be that your outdated HVAC system is circulating more dust around the building. First make sure you’ve changed the HVAC system filter. If that’s not the case, have an HVAC technician check to see if your ducts are properly sealed. If neither of these fixes work, consider replacing the entire system to prevent health problems associated with poor indoor air quality.
- Is My Unit the Right Size for My Home or Business?
Maybe your unit was perfect for your residence or building when you first bought it, but through renovations and add-ons, things change. A smaller unit has to work harder to heat your entire home and too large a unit racks up unnecessary bills. You may need multiple heating zones or matching your existing system’s specifications may not be ideal. Check with an HVAC technician for details.
- Is My HVAC System Still Under Warranty?
A final consideration toward updating your system is checking if your HVAC system is still under warranty. If it is, you will likely have HVAC repairs you can still make without depleting your budget. Even if your unit is older and you’re worried about impending malfunctions, check the warranty and look at options before you start making big decisions. Also, check to see that you’ve maintained warranty standards with recommended bi-annual maintenance calls.
The best HVAC technicians will guide you through this process and beyond when you have concerns about your HVAC system. For any questions about HVAC repairs or to schedule a consultation, give us a call today.
Featured Promotions
Special Offers
Could A New System Put Cash In Your Pocket Each Month?
Today’s HVAC systems are so energy-efficient they can greatly reduce your utility bill.
Get a FREE 2nd Opinion on Major Repairs
Has your heating and air system been diagnosed with something major? Call us for a 2nd opinion.
See What Folks are Saying About Us
Residential Customer Testimonials
Gorman Mechanical is interested in complete customer satisfaction and delivers on promises made. I have been completely satisfied with their integrity, honesty, customer loyalty, thoroughness and continued to follow up. I feel fortunate to have located their outstanding company among the many in the industry.
- Mark
Gorman Mechanical installed a brand new cooling and heating system in my home. The replacement unit was larger and more energy-efficient. Our house has never been cooler and our energy bill even went down…. I highly recommend them and their services.
- Thomas
I had an issue with my A/C unit not cooling properly. The technician, Stacy, arrived during the time frame I was given, and I received a phone call about 30 minutes prior to his arrival, letting me know he was on his way. He was very professional and conscientious in figuring out and explaining the issue to me. He work was complete in a little over an hour and my house is cool once again! I will definitely refer Gorman Mechanical to others.
- S.M.
A Gorman technician came over to set us up with a new A/C unit and he did a phenomenal job. He was very up front with any cost and got our install scheduled in one day. He did a great job at getting me the unit needed without running the price through the roof.
- Allen
I met with Gorman Mechanical’s Sales Manager. When he came out I had a bad taste in my mouth due to some misrepresentations made by another company that happened to be A rated on Angie’s List. Because of this I’m certain I was on the defensive and asked a million questions. He was very patient and took plenty of time answering all my questions. He was very knowledgeable and helped educate me on my options and the advantages/shortfalls of each. When I came to the actual bid, I felt it was very competitive compared to other bids I’d received. I felt so well informed and confident at that point I cancelled two other appointments I’d made for that day and signed up with Gorman Mechanical. He was able to promptly arrange a great deal on financing the bulk of the cost, leaving me to pay out of pocket for a couple last minute additions (extended warranty/Reme Halo). They did not want this until installation was complete. A couple days later they installed my new system and I’ve been very happy with it. Shortly after installation I had several other questions about maintenance and a small amount that was overcharged upon installation. He was very responsive answering my questions and arranging for a prompt refund check to be sent. Fortunately, it isn’t often that I need to spend so much money on an important purchase like this, but I felt very confident with my decision and going through the process with him and Gorman Mechanical made it painless. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Gorman Mechanical to friends and family.
- Rick
The repairman, Tim H., was prompt and courteous. I explained that he was a second opinion for our 21-year-old AC. The first company said that I would need 2 parts totaling $600 plus a coil that they would have to send a salesman out to quote me a price. Also first company was suggesting that I really needed whole new system. After inspection, Tim showed me how a part was wired the wrong way and he replaced a compactor and repaired a burnt wire. 2 lbs Freon were added. Total cost was retail: $217.75. I had a warranty so I paid less but what a difference in $600.00+ and $217.75! AC is working fine now. And we didn’t have to buy a new system. Thanks, Gorman Mechanical and Tim H.! The world needs more honest repairmen like you!
- Jeannie
