Repair or Replace your HVAC?

20 Mar Repair or Replace your HVAC?

Kingsport, TN

If you live or work in the Tri-Cities area of Northeast Tennessee, you already know how hot the past few summers have been. Climate research at East Tennessee State University found that temperatures last summer were 2-4 degrees above normal. When hot weather comes and stays longer, that means your HVAC is going to be working overtime. As we head into another summer, you probably need to contact an HVAC professional to provide maintenance on your unit. If there are problems, when is repair the best option, and when is replacement the better choice? Keep reading as, today on the blog, your HVAC experts in Kingsport help determine when you should replace an HVAC or just have it repaired.

How old is the unit?

No piece of machinery is built to last forever. Your HVAC is no different. A unit can wear out just from use through the years. However, if your heating and cooling system was installed more than a decade ago, there is another factor to consider. Older units likely use freon, or R-22, coolant, which is no longer manufactured. If you need new coolant, it can be replaced, but this is an expensive process. You need to weigh the costs of that upkeep – and what else will be needed to maintain your aging system – against the cost of upgrading to a new, modern HVAC.

Common HVAC issues and whether to repair or replace

Blowing warm air or not blowing air at all: This is a frequently reported problem, usually when turning on the air conditioning for the first time that year or when the weather becomes especially warm and the HVAC is running more frequently than usual. If the system is low on refrigerant, then repair is probably the better option, unless it’s an older unit that uses freon as mentioned above in this article. If the compressor has gone bad, however, then replacement is usually more cost-effective.

Diminished air flow: The culprit here could be something as minor as a clogged air filter that needs to be either cleaned or have a new one installed in its place. More serious potential causes of this issue include a broken motor or blower fan; the cost of repairing either could make replacement the better choice.

Strange noises: It’s not normal for an HVAC system to make noises such as bangs, thuds or grinding sounds while it is in use. Even a buzzing or rattling noise could indicate a loose part somewhere inside the unit. Any time that you hear a loud or unusual noise coming from your unit, we suggest that you contact an experienced HVAC repairman to have the problem diagnosed.

Foul smells: A musty smell coming out of your air conditioner vents could indicate that mold or mildew has developed in the ducts. You will need to have your ducts cleaned professionally to repair the issue. Other odor, such as a burning smell or melting plastic, could be indicative of a serious malfunction to the unit that could require total replacement of the system.

HVAC repair in Kingsport, Johnson City and Bristol in Tennessee

We hope this article provides helpful information on knowing when to repair or replace an HVAC unit. The best way to know for sure is to schedule an appointment with an experienced repair technician like the ones on staff at Thompson Electrical Service. We offer HVAC repair for both residential and commercial customers. To find out more, call (423) 343-5726 or complete our online contact form to get a quote.