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Six Signs that You Need a New HVAC System

Don’t miss these tell-tale signs that can save you money.
By BGE Home

As the summer heat approaches and temperatures continue to rise, our air conditioners operate at maximum capacity. Considering how hard these systems work, you want to make sure your air conditioning and heating system can handle the job without multiple costly repairs.

Here are a few ways of deciding whether it’s time to replace your air conditioning and heating system rather than repairing it.

  1. It’s more than a decade old.

If your air conditioning and heating system is more than 10 years old, consider replacing it. Newer ENERGY STAR-rated systems operate more efficiently, saving you up to 20 percent on cooling and heating costs. You can also install a programmable thermostat with your new unit, to save even more energy. BGE HOME can help you find a new energy-efficiency HVAC system that is right for you and your home.

  1. It uses Freon

If your unit uses R-22 Freon as its refrigerant, it’s time to consider a new model. For one thing, Freon costs between $40 and $175 per pound. Fixing a leak and adding several pounds of refrigerant can cost you hundreds of dollars per service call.

Second, the federal government is phasing out production of R-22 Freon, and costs will continue to climb. Newer units use more environmentally friendly refrigerants such as R-410A.

  1. Your repair costs are through the roof.

Take a look at your annual air conditioning and heating system repair and maintenance expenses. If you’re repairing your unit more frequently, and the fixes are getting more expensive, you’ll likely save money over the long term with a new unit. Schedule a free estimate from BGE HOME today!

  1. It’s too humid or too dry indoors.

Does your home seem damp in the summer? Does your skin feel almost as clammy indoors as it does outdoors? Your air conditioner may have a humidity problem. In the winter, if you notice drier skin and a lot of static electricity, the humidity in your home is too low. Unusually high or low humidity is an indication that your air conditioning and heating unit may need replacing.

  1. Poor indoor air quality.

As your HVAC system ages, the ductwork may start to leak, bringing dusty attic or basement air into your home. Because of this, over time air filters may stop doing their job. Indoor air quality can be particularly important for people with allergies, who are sensitive to dust, pollen, and pet dander.  This can be an indicator that your system is aging, and no longer able to keep up with your family’s comfort needs.

  1. Rooms are too hot or too cold.

When an air conditioning and heating system reaches the end of its life span, it may have trouble cooling or heating your entire home. Does your upstairs stay hot while your downstairs feels cooler? Schedule an appointment with an HVAC technician to determine the cause of the problem. It may very well be an aging system.

On average, a new air conditioning and heating system costs between $4,000 and $8,000. Before you make the investment, ask yourself a few more questions to determine whether to repair or replace:

  • Is your system no longer under warranty?
  • Are your cooling and heating bills higher than they used to be?
  • Does the air conditioner run continuously in the summer?
  • Does the furnace short-cycle (consistently turn off and on) in the winter?
  • Is the cooling or heating system too noisy?

If your air conditioning and heating system exhibits one or more of the above symptoms, it’s time to consider replacing it and call BGE HOME.

They will help you find an HVAC system that meets the needs of your home, family, and lifestyle. From system selection to routine maintenance, you’ll benefit from up-front pricing, priority installation scheduling and a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

Want to save up to $3,000 on a high-efficiency system? Call 888.BGE.HOME or visit bgehome.com to request a free estimate. 0% financing and priority scheduling are available.

If you are worried about unexpected home repairs, protect your home and budget with a Smart Service Protection Plan from BGE HOME.  It’s an affordable way to avoid costly repairs to your AC system.

Make your home more comfortable today!

BGE HOME is not the same company as BGE, a regulated utility.

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