HVAC systems are hard-working machines that typically perform efficiently, and deliver good value for the money. However, once they have used up most of the valuable part of their life, they can become problematic. This often happens to older systems found in older homes. Here are some of the likely problems you may experience if you own an older home with an aging HVAC system.
Energy Inefficiency
An HVAC system comes fully packaged with proper components and features to heat and cool homes without going overboard on energy consumption. However, as these systems age and the original components get old, you’ll have to replace them.
Therefore, they’re likely to affect the overall performance and efficiency of the HVAC system. Besides, as HVAC systems get old, the irreplaceable components become inefficient, requiring more energy to power and operate. The few efficient parts will have to do more work than they are naturally supposed to, which ultimately leads to an increase in your energy bills.
Leaking Ducts
The air that your HVAC system heats, cools and circulates through your home must go through the ductwork. As time passes, your home’s ductwork elbow and joint sealing will become loose, causing air leaks that can also lead to increased wear and tear and a drop in indoor air quality.
Inefficient and leaky ductwork that allows air to leak into the attic or basement is a threat to the efficiency of your HVAC system. It forces the HVAC system to work harder, leading to energy loss and increased energy bills.
Reduced Indoor Comfort
Old and tired HVAC systems can’t efficiently ventilate your indoor spaces. You’ll find that the air introduced in and out of your home contains foreign particles. The system will also struggle to remove pollen, dust, and dirt particles.
That means if you have family members or loved ones suffering from asthma, allergies, or respiratory problems, they’ll have more respiratory issues. Old HVAC systems may also struggle to adequately heat and cool your home. At Climatemakers, our range of offerings includes indoor air quality and HVAC installation services.
More and Costly Maintenance
Older HVAC systems often have a couple of outdated and faulty components. If you’re not replacing the thermostat today, you’ll be replacing the compressor and condenser tomorrow. And if none of these components has faults, you might have to repair or replace the blower motor, heat exchanger, evaporator coil or combustion chamber sometime in the future.
HVAC components are costly, and replacing them doesn’t mean your HVAC system will perform efficiently. So long as the irreplaceable components are old, the newly installed components will suffer the same fate over time. The best way to avoid costly HVAC maintenance is to upgrade to the latest, most efficient HVAC systems.
Frequent System Cycling
As HVAC systems age, there can also be inconsistencies in responding to signals and commands. The failed components in your HVAC system will make your HVAC system short-cycle due to these missed signals.
You might find your heating and cooling system going off and on frequently. This could also be an indication of a faulty thermostat.
Old HVAC systems can exhibit various problems that, if not handled promptly, could lead to more costly issues. If your HVAC system has hit 20 years and above, it most likely means a new system installation is needed. However, if your HVAC system has only served you for some months or a few years and shows the above problems, contact our HVAC maintenance specialists at Climatemakers for prompt and lasting solutions.
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