Becoming a homeowner often involves taking on many additional responsibilities that you may not be accustomed to if you’re used to renting. One of those responsibilities is maintaining home systems like your HVAC. Your HVAC system is an essential part of maintaining both the comfort and safety of your home. It has a variety of functions, from air filtration to temperature regulation, all of them important.
Anyone who has never been responsible for this kind of repair and maintenance may not know how to tell when something needs to be fixed. It can be particularly difficult to tell when you need a new thermostat if you don’t know what to look for. If you’re not sure if it’s time to have a technician come by, read on to learn how often you should replace your thermostat.
How often should you replace your thermostat?
If you don’t know much about HVAC systems, it may be difficult to know when it’s time to replace your thermostat at home. Fortunately, there are several signs that you might need a new thermostat. The average lifespan of a thermostat is around 10 years, but that doesn’t mean you won’t need a replacement sooner.
Your thermostat’s primary function is controlling your HVAC system, so your HVAC system turning on and off unexpectedly can be a sign that you need a replacement. A malfunctioning thermostat may also display faulty or inaccurate temperature readings, which can make it hard to manage the temperature inside. When a thermostat isn’t working, you may also notice higher energy bills as a result of your HVAC’s overworking to compensate for the inaccurate temperature reading.
You may want to consider investing in a smart thermostat when you replace your old one. A smart thermostat is automated and programmable, and it operates via a timer or can often be controlled through an app or computer program. Being able to control your thermostat this way can help you reduce your energy consumption and, in turn, lower your utility bills.
Why is a quality HVAC system so important?
There are a number of reasons why a well-maintained HVAC system is necessary for your home. The most obvious reason is that maintaining a comfortable temperature indoors relies on heating and air conditioning in many places. The majority of American homes use an air conditioner, and the cost associated with doing so makes up about 12 percent of home energy expenditures.
Your HVAC system is also responsible for air filtration and maintaining indoor air quality, two important functions for protecting the health and safety of everyone in your household. The EPA estimates that indoor air quality can be 2 to 5 times worse than the quality of the outdoor air. Your HVAC can filter out a number of contaminants including allergens, dust, mold, and mildew. It can also assist in removing unpleasant odors from your home.
After10 years, you should be looking to replace your old thermostat. However, there are several warning signs that may necessitate installing a replacement sooner than that. High energy bills and an HVAC unit that turns on and off without warning are two major indicators that something is wrong. Inaccurate temperature readings are another major issue, one which can cause your HVAC unit to overwork in response.
If you notice something wrong with your HVAC, it’s a good idea to have a technician come and inspect it right away. Monitoring the condition of your thermostat and looking out for signs of disrepair will help you know exactly when the right time is to invest in a replacement. Maintaining the quality and temperature of the air indoors is essential for any healthy and happy home.
