Repair or Replace?

Existing System

To help us with your evaluation, we need to know what type of system you have in your home. Review the system types below, and chose the one that best represents the system you have in your home. Click on any item below for more details about that system type.

• Air Conditioner
• The air conditioner is part of a split system. You have product that resides inside and outside your home.
• Air Conditioner: Cools refrigerant
• Furnace and Evaporator Coil: Converts refrigerant and circulates air
• Ducts: Carry the air throughout your home
• Control or Thermostat: Your interface for controlling your system
• Optional Air Quality Accessories such as Air Cleaners or Ventilators: Clean your air before it circulates throughout your home
• Heat Pump
• The Heat Pump is part of a split system. You have a product that resides inside and outside your home
• Heat Pump: Cools and/or heats refrigerant
• Furnace with Coil or Air Handler: Converts refrigerant and circulates air
• Ducts: Carry the air throughout your home
• Control or Thermostat: Your interface for controlling your system
• Optional Air Quality Accessories such as Air Cleaners or Ventilators: Clean your air before it circulates throughout your home
• Furnace
• The furnace can be part of a split system or may be the only part of your system.
• Furnace: Circulates air throughout your house
• Ducts: Carry the air throughout your home
• Control or Thermostat: Your interface for controlling your system
• Optional Air Quality Accessories such as Air Cleaners or Ventilators: Clean your air before it circulates throughout your home
• Boiler
• The boiler can be part of a split system or may be the only part of your system.
• Boiler: Circulates water to your radiators
• Control or Thermostat: Your interface for controlling your system
• Packaged System
• A heat pump or air conditioner combined with an evaporator coil in a single unit outside your home.
• All you need is a control or thermostat and any air quality accessories you'd like.
• Packaged Systems may be located on the exterior of your home either on the rooftop or in the yard.
• Optional Air Quality Accessories such as Air Cleaners or Ventilators: Clean your air before it circulates throughout your home

Equipment Age & Life Expectancy

Most equipment is designed for a life expectancy of 15 to 20 years.

Older equipment is prone to the following:

• More expensive repairs, such as compressors or heat exchangers
• Much lower energy efficiency vs. today's standards
• Reduced performance due to clogged or corroding coils

Equipment Repair

Repairing existing equipment can be a good decision as long as:

• The cost of the repair is less than 30% of the cost of new equipment
• The rest of the system is in excellent operating condition

Otherwise, the cost of the repair would be better invested in a new system.

Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio

The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) is an energy efficiency rating for air conditioners. The higher the SEER, the better the energy performance, the more you save.

Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency

The Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) is a measure of a gas furnace's efficiency in converting fuel to energy, by projecting the average thermal efficiency for a complete heating season. A higher AFUE rating means greater energy efficiency.

Length of Residency

If you are moving within the next year or two and believe investing in a new home comfort system will improve the value of your home, you should consider making the investment. If you plan to live in your current residence for many years, it may be wise to invest in your future comfort.