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Thomas Hoffmann Air Conditioning - AC Repair & Replacement St. Louis

Thomas Hoffmann Air Conditioning - AC Repair & Replacement St. Louis

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Archives for November 2018

Why Quality Installation Matters in the HVAC Industry

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The two best ways to control quality is by researching a respected brand and making sure your HVAC installer is experienced and responsible.

When it comes to the HVAC industry, smart consumers look at a few critical factors before making purchases. The two you are likely familiar with are brands and total cost, however the quality of installation is incredibly important too. Here’s why..

Efficiency

One of your top priorities when shopping for your new HVAC system might be efficiency. The reasoning behind this desire is simple. You want to cut your costs, lessen your footprint, and have a system that works less to do more. Unfortunately, a poor installation will significantly cut into your efficiency and make your system function like one that is much worse than it really is. Some experts even believe that improper installation can decrease output by 30%, which is a significant sum.

Comfort

There are two ways that a poorly installed system can decrease your comfort. First, heating and cooling will take longer. Like most people, you probably keep your system off for most of the day. Then, when you need it, you make a temperature change and let it get to work. A poorly installed system will make your wait much longer. The second way is through uneven heating and cooling. Having hot and cold spots throughout your home definitely isn’t optimal.

Service Life

As we explained above, decreased efficiency leads to your system working harder to produce less. The result is an overworked machine that is prone to breaking down. While you might expect 10 or 15 years of life out of a well-functioning system, you could get significantly less out of one that is continually strained. Not only will that give you a hefty replacement bill, but you’ll have to deal with the inconveniences of having a contractor continually working on your home.

Wasting a Big Brand Name

Many HVAC customers make the smart decision of choosing a reliable brand for their system. They believe that doing so will increase the power, efficiency, and life of the machine. In most cases, they are right, but not when poor installation is a factor. Instead, they pay extra for the best machinery possible and end up with the output of a lesser brand and model.

The Cost to Fix or Replace

There are two ways in which poor installation can affect your wallet. First, you might notice poor efficiency or spotty heating and call an HVAC company for a repair. Doing so will lead to a lump sum cost to correct the installation and get your system working well again. The second way presents itself when you don’t fix the issue. In this case, your system ends up accruing more costs over time and breaking down earlier than expected. The latter results in you have to buy a new one sooner than usual. Both of these results are unfavorable and frustrating.

Choosing an HVAC system may seem trivial in the moment, but remember that you’re likely going to have it for a decade or more. The two best ways to control quality is by researching a respected brand and making sure your HVAC installer is experienced and responsible. Once you carry out those two tasks, you can enjoy a well functioning system that will pay dividends for many years.

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How to Choose Between HVAC Repair and Replacement

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If you notice that your HVAC system is performing poorly or is entirely dysfunctional, you will need to decide if it’s time to repair or replace it.

Choosing between repair and replacement is a predicament we find ourselves in often. The most common case is with cars, but the same goes for your HVAC system. If you notice that your unit is performing poorly or is entirely dysfunctional, you will need to make this choice quickly. Here are some factors to consider when making your decision.

Age

Just like with a car, you generally shouldn’t keep getting repairs on a system if it is too old. The reason is that an old machine will likely need a repair soon after the current one. Going through that cycle a few times will cost you much more than replacement. The number you should look at in these situations is 15. If your system is newer than that amount of years, you will likely want a repair. If it is older, updating your technology is a smart idea.

Which Costs More?

This factor is an easy one to understand. Sometimes, an HVAC system is so flawed that getting a repair is actually more expensive than a full replacement. In these situations, you should generally opt for a new system. The one challenging aspect of making this decision is getting accurate information. You can do so by hiring a good, trustworthy HVAC company that will recommend the best option, rather than the one that makes them the most money.

Advanced Cost Analysis

When a repair costs more than a replacement, your decision is usually easy. Unfortunately, you will rarely run into this situation. Instead, the better option will be less clear, and it will require a more advanced cost analysis. The following are 3 factors to consider.

Outright Cost – This expense is what we covered in the former section. All you need to do is compare the two service estimates.

Likelihood of Another Repair – This factor takes age and reliability into account. What might happen with an older system is that you pay for a costly repair, then are forced to do so again in just a couple of years. Alternatively, a new system will likely not need major maintenance for many years.

Electricity Bills – The general trend is that newer systems have higher efficiency, which brings down your monthly bill. Additionally, you can pay more for brands that specialize in lowering electricity costs. Doing so might save you a lot of money in the long run.

Effectiveness

One thing you might notice in your home is that the temperature takes a long time to change. The most likely reason for this effect is a poorly performing HVAC system. If this is the case, you should consider updating your technology for the simple fact that it will lead to a more comfortable life.

Now that you understand the factors that go into the repair vs replacement decision, you can solve your HVAC issues with confidence. First, think about the simple factors like age and outright cost. Then, if necessary, consider more complicated factors like advanced cost analysis and effectiveness. This decision is best made with the help of an experienced St. Louis HVAC company.

CALL NOW 24/7: (314) 471-7625