HVAC 101: Replacement - Middleton Heat & Air

HVAC replacement is a big investment most people will only make a few times in their lives. With so many factors to consider, many homeowners don’t even know where to begin. In this week’s edition of HVAC 101, we’ll answer your top 4 HVAC replacement questions, and link to even more resources to help you make the best decisions for your family.

1. How long will it take?

Proper HVAC replacement can take anywhere from several hours to several days, depending on the elements being replaced, the size of the home, duct accessibility, and the weather. The best way to get a clear understanding of the time commitment you face with a replacement is to be upfront about your concerns with your HVAC contractor during the initial estimate, and to be mindful of the weather when scheduling installation dates.

2. When is the best time to schedule?

Because weather can have such a serious impact on the length and ease of a replacement installation, the smartest time of year to schedule replacement is in the fall. This time of year has the mildest temperatures, but unlike spring, you don’t have to be too worried about unexpected rain. It’s also the perfect time to remove and replace an A/C system that was overworked during the Summer since you won’t need it again for a while!

3. What should I look for in new unit?

When looking at HVAC units you should first determine what you need. If your furnace is perfectly functional, you could only need an A/C replacement. If you’d rather have an all-in-one unit, a heat pump could be more functional for your family. Feel free to ask your Comfort Specialist for options and opinions about what would be most efficient for your home. Once you know what kind of system you’re shopping for, it’s time to start getting serious about MERV, SEER and EER ratings.

4. How do I know a full replacement is really necessary?

There are three “rules of thumb” to consider when debating if it’s time to bite the bullet and go for a full replacement. 1. If your system has already operated 2/3rds of its expected life, but will require at least 25% of the replacement cost in repairs, it makes more sense to save your money for a newer, more reliable unit. 2. If your system is highly inefficient, such as units with a SEER of less than 13, the energy savings alone could justify the cost of a new unit. 3. A/C systems that still run on R-22 Freon are typically recommended for replacement because they are expensive to maintain and have been officially outmoded by the government.

When you’ve considered all your options, and are ready to take the plunge, we would love to be there to help you along your replacement journey. At Middleton Heat and Air, we have over 40 years of replacement experience, and work with some of the highest trained expert technicians in the business. We’d be happy to answer any questions you may have by phone or online message, and want to remind you that replacement estimates are always free! Give us a call today to get started at 1-800-404-0371.