Cooling and heating systems are an integral part of a home as they ensure that the temperature in your abode is always to your liking. Despite San Francisco, California’s residents being blessed with a moderate climate all year round, it is just as important for them to have upgraded HVAC systems as residents of any other city. That’s because an upgraded HVAC system not only allows for better control over indoor temperature but has many other advantages ranging from energy conservation to a cleaner and greener environment and much more in between. According to the San Fransico Chronicle, the percentage of homes with air conditioning rose to 47% in 2020 from 36% in 2015!
Hence, if you are a homeowner in San Francisco, CA, wondering whether you should take the leap toward upgrading your HVAC system, continue reading for all the reasons to do so.
Age Factor
The standard lifespan of an HVAC system is between 15 to 20 years. Once a system crosses the 10-year mark, the need for maintenance and repairs rises along with the associated costs. Therefore, having an HVAC system for over ten years is not advisable. A better option is upgrading to a new system, which would cost lesser in the long run than the cost of repairs to make an existing system last longer.
Difficulty Controlling the Temperature
As mentioned earlier, although San Fransico enjoys a mild and comfortable climate, in 2017, the Bay Area experienced temperatures as high as 106 degrees Fahrenheit! This shows that a cooling and heating system in San Francisco homes is necessary, allowing optimal temperature control throughout the house. If your current system is failing to control the temperature according to your preference, it is a clear indication of an underlying issue. The system may either be outdated, in need of repair or not be the right size.
Old HVAC systems generally come with two primary settings: on and off. This leads to major temperature fluctuations. However, newer systems can monitor and control the temperature in each part of the house separately. Thanks to multiple thermostats and variable-speed fans, the house no longer needs to be at the same temperature.
If your system requires repair, it shall face hindrances in performing up to the mark. Instead of diagnosing an issue, consult a trained professional service technician to take a closer look and discover the necessary repair work. It may also be that the HVAC system installed in your home is not the right size.
Units which are too large are unable to maintain a comfortable temperature. They can also lead to excessive wear and tear, meaning more money must be spent on repairs.
Increased Energy And Repair Bills
Are you experiencing hefty heating or cooling bills despite no significant increase in the usage of your HVAC system? That shows that your HVAC system is not performing efficiently any longer. The efficiency of an HVAC system drops as it ages, which means it requires more energy to produce the same amount of cooling or heating as before. Costs can also rise due to constant repairs and maintenance needed by an old system to continue working.
Therefore, if your energy bills are higher than usual or your system requires constant maintenance and repairs, it may be time to invest in a new HVAC system instead. Modern HVAC systems carrying an Energy Star Label can help you save up to 20 percent on energy costs. Furthermore, once the room reaches your desired temperature, the system switches to standby mode, conserving energy and money.
Depleting Air Quality
Your HVAC system’s work includes but is not limited to heating and cooling your home. It is also responsible for purifying indoor air. Most HVAC systems are accompanied by ventilation and filtration systems that draw in the impure air in your home and let out filtered air. Current systems even include special features that filter allergens like dust, lint, or pet dander.
That’s a great addition to the HVAC system, especially for those suffering from allergies and conditions like asthma. Modern units can also be equipped with air-purifying and air-cleaning systems, ensuring that the air you and your loved ones breathe is safe and non-contaminated.
Noisy System
A noisy HVAC is a thing of the past. Units that make noise indicate a problem with the indoor coil or other apparatus. Old units also lacked sound absorption, which resulted in their escape from loud noises. However, contemporary units are made with top-notch sound-absorbing materials that certify that no unwarranted noises or sounds escape and pose hindrances to your daily life at home. In this way, you always enjoy the right temperature with utmost peace.
Lack of a Programmable Thermostat
A new addition to updated HVAC units is programmable thermostats. These allow for timed adjustments in temperature. Let’s say you wish your home to be at room temperature once you leave for work, but cool down upon arrival. Using a programmable thermostat, you can set a timer for when you want your air conditioning to be cranked up a notch. As the timer ticks, the temperature shall be adjusted to the requested temperature. This results in energy conservation, lesser bills, and better temperature regulation throughout the house. Programmable Thermostats can even be controlled through cellular devices using Wi-Fi.
Extended Warranties
An older HVAC system means that the warranty may have expired. In the event of an unforeseen breakdown of your old unit, the entire repair cost shall fall on you with no warranty to aid. Due to this, investing in a new unit is a good idea as it shall come with an extended warranty, guaranteed to cover you for several years following the big purchase.
Better For The Environment
The final reason you should decide to upgrade your HVAC system is the positive impact on the environment. With the continuous advancements in technology, and ongoing efforts to reduce carbon emissions produced by heavy-duty machines, HVAC units can yield the same results but with lesser fuel consumption. Modern-day home temperature regulatory systems use one-third less fuel than their predecessors. Thus, installing a new HVAC system will reduce carbon footprint, ensuring a cleaner environment. Consider an upgraded unit not just beneficial for your home but also for the planet.
Conclusion
A comfortable home is every homeowner’s need that an HVAC system helps fulfill. Unfortunately, old systems pose various issues and should be replaced by upgraded systems at the earliest due to the above mentioned reasons. With an optimally temperature-controlled home, lighter energy bill, soundless unit, a warranty covering you for longer, and lesser negative impact on the environment, you shall be thanking your future self for getting your home equipped with the latest HVAC system!
