If you’re like most people, you probably don’t think about your HVAC system until a problem arises, and at that point, it can be almost impossible to ignore. So what do you do?

Perhaps you’ve already called a repairman and been told your unit is in need of service. Now you’re looking at the estimate to fix it and wondering, should I repair my unit or replace it? It’s not always an easy decision to make. The Armstrong Air professionals have compiled these important considerations to help you through the process.

The average life expectancy of an air conditioner or heat pump is 10–12 years.

The average life expectancy of a furnace is 15–20 years.

If your unit is nearing the average life expectancy, you’ll need to weigh the repair cost against the possibility that more repairs may be needed very soon or even a complete replacement.

Consider the 50% rule: When the cost of repairs approaches 50% of the value of your heating or cooling system, it’s generally time to replace the system.

Equipment that is approaching the end of its life expectancy will typically be much less energy-efficient than today’s equipment. For example, compare 8–10 SEER on the cooling side, and 68% AFUE for a furnace to modern products that rate as high as 18 SEER and 95% AFUE and you’re looking at some substantial savings on your monthly energy bills when considering a new unit.

Energy costs (gas, oil, electricity) have risen significantly in the last decade, and will likely continue to do so. Consider the energy consumption of your unit and your potential savings over its lifetime.

There are often financial incentives for upgrading to a new system, which can be an important factor in your decision.

Search for incentives at www.dsireusa.org.

Be sure to ask your independent Armstrong Air dealer what other incentives are currently available in your market.

If there have been upgrades made to your home that improve its insulation and energy efficiency (new windows, doors, insulation, roofing, sealing, etc.), then your current unit may actually be oversized or undersized for your needs.

A smaller unit would cost less and use less energy to run.

Conversely, your current unit may be too small and maybe working harder and less efficiently than it should.

Research shows that water heating, and air conditioning, and home heating account for more than 50% of domestic energy use.

Research shows that water heating, air conditioning, and heating account for more than 50% of domestic energy use.* It’s good to know that modern equipment uses less energy and will reduce your carbon footprint.

Newly manufactured air conditioning units have changed to R410a refrigerant, a much more environmentally friendly product than its predecessor, R22.

Consider choosing ENERGY STAR® heating and cooling equipment to lower your energy footprint.

*U.S. Department of Energy Statistics

Are you happy with your current system? Your old HVAC system can be responsible for things like air quality, noise, temperature swings, and hot or cold spots throughout the house.

Over the last decade, modern systems have incorporated major advances in home comfort technology.

There are many different types of systems that can make your home a comfortable oasis. Let the professionals show you just how everything fits together.

A professionally installed heating and cooling system can come in several different configurations. Typically, a system requires an air conditioner or heat pump outside your home and a furnace or air handler in your home.

The Pro Series from Armstrong Air takes control to a whole new level., Featuring Armstrong Air’s best-performing heating, cooling, and air quality products, the Pro Series delivers more in every way. More precise temperatures. More control throughout your home. More healthy air. It also controls your energy costs, with air conditioners up to twice as efficient as common systems and gas furnaces that squeeze more heat out of every dollar.

The most common type of system. In this configuration, an indoor unit such as a furnace or air handler works in tandem with an outdoor unit such as an air conditioner or heat pump. Together, they circulate cool air throughout your home in the summer and warm air in the winter.

In a system with a Comfort Sync communicating thermostat, all components work together through an electronic connection. As the central brain of this setup, Comfort Sync adjusts the amount of heating and cooling produced, while changing airspeed and temperature in varying increments to preserve ideal indoor conditions.

One that pairs an electric heat pump with a gas furnace. Because it can use either gas or electricity to keep you warm, your system will automatically switch to whichever fuel is most efficient for the weather.

An entire home heating and cooling system in one; the furnace and either heat pump or air conditioner are contained in a single unit that handles both heating and cooling.

Your Armstrong Air dealer can tell you exactly how your equipment will work once installed, but these videos can help guide you with the decision-making process.

The Comfort Sync® A3 Thermostat is a communicating thermostat that establishes a connection between all the different system components. That means each unit is being constantly monitoring to optimize the overall system performance and deliver greater efficiency, comfort and savings.

Before you sit down with your dealer, learn the difference between single- and two-stage cooling, and the advantages each one can offer to your comfort or efficiency.

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In warmer climates, your dealer may recommend an electric heat pump, because it can keep you cool all summer and warm through the winter. See if it’s right for you.

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Learn the differences between a single-stage furnace, a two-stage furnace, and a two- stage furnace with a variable-speed blower. This way, you’ll know the advantages of each when you sit down with your dealer.

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When your dealer installs an electric heat pump and a gas furnace together, it creates a dual-fuel system. This allows you to stay incredibly efficient using a combination of gas and electricity.

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Ducts are located within the wall, floor, or ceiling and are used to deliver heated or conditioned air through your home. Having the correct network of ducts is critical to system efficiency and performance.

Choose from these suggestions:

• Keep you comfortable
• Lower your energy bills
• Include a programmable and easy-to-use thermostat
• Allow you to zone (direct heating and cooling to specific rooms in your home)
• Qualify you for local or state utility rebates
• Have ENERGY STAR ®  qualification
• Reduce dust, pollen, mold or other asthma/allergy triggers

To help you get the most out of your visit from an Armstrong Air professional, it may help to answer these questions.

To get the system that’s perfect for you, be sure to bring up these questions when consulting with your Air Doctors Heating and Air Conditioning.

• Based on the size of my home and where I live, should I be concerned about high-efficiency equipment or comfort features like variable speed? If I prefer comfort over efficiency, what should I be looking for?
• Will you perform a load calculation?
• What are all of the advantages of replacing equipment instead of repairing it?
• What are the advantages and costs associated with replacing the entire HVAC system, not just the broken furnace or air conditioner?
• Do you know if there are regional or state utility rebates that I could qualify for?
• Do you have financing or a monthly payment plan?
• Do you have special service or maintenance plans?