Let's face it; most of us would rather not have to worry about our HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system. It's doing its job best when we don't have to think about it all, right? Wrong, you ignore your HVAC at your own peril and expense because when it's time to replace your system, it will tell you in its own way. There are almost always red flags that precede an HVAC failure. You just need to learn to spot them and, most importantly, take the time to notice them.

Age

The number one indicator of HVAC problems is the age of the unit. This one may seem obvious, but when you're content to ignore your HVAC systems, it's easy to forget how old they are. On average, a residential furnace has a lifespan of between 15 and 20 years while air conditioning units may last 10 to 15 years. Gas and electric storage tank hot water heaters, on the other hand, last only 10 years. If one of your HVAC systems falls within those age ranges, it's time to start checking it regularly for problems.

Escalating Heating or Cooling Bills

Another red flag that easily goes unnoticed is a heating or cooling bill that rises slowly. When it happens gradually, it's easy to overlook a couple dollars a month on your utility bill. But when your HVAC systems fall within retirement age, it's time to take a look at your utility records. Figure out how much you were paying initially and compare those bills to the most recent bill. If you notice an alarming difference, it might be time to look into HVAC installation services before something goes drastically wrong and floods your home or worse.

Puddles

Speaking of floods, have you noticed puddles of water near your air conditioning unit? It's not unusual for small amounts of water to drain from your air conditioning unit, but that should happen in small, steady drips. If you've got puddles, though, you've got problems. Puddles could indicate a few serious issues, including broken pipes, clogged lines, or an oxidized drain pan.

Uneven Heating or Cooling

Another major red flag is uneven heating and cooling, specifically longer running times. When your HVAC begins to wear out, it may need to run longer than it used to in order to achieve the programmed temperature. This is a tricky red flag to catch before your HVAC stops working because most people ignore their systems and would never notice a slightly longer running time. That's why it's so crucial to pay attention to the function of these important appliances.

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