5 Ways To Tell if You Need a New HVAC Unit

Spring is here and summer is right around the corner! As our weather gets nicer and our days get longer, that heat will be coming before we know it. Ensuring your HVAC (heating and cooling equipment) unit is prepared, it’s important to get to know the signs that you may need to replace it, before it’s too late. At Wyckoff Heating & Cooling, we see our fair share of HVAC troubles. Our service team members have helped homeowners across Central Iowa troubleshoot their HVAC concerns, and offer the best solutions. 

Here are 5 ways to tell if it’s time to replace your home’s HVAC unit: 

It’s normal for energy bills to fluctuate throughout the year, depending on the season. The longer you live in your home, the easier it is to tell when your energy bills are normal month to month, and year to year. However, if you’re receiving your energy bill and have noticed the amount begin to slowly increase over time, it could be that your system is losing efficiency. 

More obvious to our senses, strange noises, smells, and uneven temperatures throughout the home are big indicators that something is wrong. Typically, when our HVAC units are running, they should be a soft hum, omit no smell, and heat and cool our homes evenly. Many homeowners realize something is wrong when that soft hum turns into a grinding or banging noise. Or, they begin to smell a musty or sometimes “burning” odor. 

Another big indicator is feeling as though your home isn’t being cooled or heated evenly. First, be sure to check that all of your vents are either closed or open (depending on comfort level). Then, if you still feel as though your home isn’t cooling or heating the way you want it to, it’s time to call a service technician.

Has your HVAC needed more repairs lately? Is it slowing down or not running as efficiently as it could? Chances are, it’s nearing the end of its lifespan. Like all large home installations such as roofing, siding, and other major appliances—HVAC units are no stranger to the same maintenance and care. Access the unit’s installation documents or ask your HVAC installer. Otherwise, all air conditioners have a metal plate on the outdoor unit that includes vital information about the system, such as the manufacturing date (MFR date).

One of the best things about our HVAC systems is that they help to not only cool and heat our homes, but mitigate humidity as well. If your HVAC system is experiencing a humidity issue, you may be able to tell in the summer months when it’s distributing moisturized cool air. If that’s the case, it’s important to be aware of the issue sooner rather than later. An HVAC unit with a humidity issue can be cause for mold growth.

It also is not normal for there to be pools of moisture or water coming from the unit. Similar to issues with humidity, leaks can cause mold or wood rot in your home. Leaks also allow more air to escape your HVAC system, forcing it to run harder and less efficiently to make up for the lost energy.

Is your HVAC unit running more than usual? Outside of the normally scheduled times through your thermostat, HVAC systems are NOT supposed to be constantly running. If it is, it’s a big indicator that there is an underlying issue. A system that runs non-stop or takes a long time to reach your home’s desired temperature may be too weak or worn out. Once this happens, the amount of repairs to get it back in shape outweigh the cost of a new unit. 

If you suspect that it’s time to replace your HVAC unit, look no further than the Wyckoff Heating & Cooling team. As the seasons change, we can take a look at your HVAC unit and troubleshoot for any signs of complication. With decades of experience, we consistently work with Iowa homeowners on installing, maintaining, and repairing HVAC systems. The next time you need assistance, give us a call!