Should I Repair or Replace My HVAC System?
If your HVAC system is acting up—maybe it’s blowing uneven air, making strange noises, or just not keeping you as comfortable as it used to—you might be starting to wonder:
“Should I have it repaired, or is it time to start thinking about replacement options?”
It’s a common dilemma, especially in Chicago, where your heating and cooling system works hard all year long. The right answer? It depends—and that’s exactly why it’s so important to have a trusted, experienced HVAC professional in your corner.
A trustworthy contractor won’t just jump to “replace” or “repair”—they’ll take the time to look at your whole system, your home, and your goals to help you make the decision that makes the most sense.
At Shavitz Heating & Air Conditioning, we’ve been helping Chicago families make smart HVAC decisions for over 100 years—and we’re here to help you do the same.
This guide walks you through these key factors to consider, so you can make an informed choice that suits your comfort, budget, and peace of mind:
- Consider the Age of Your Equipment
- Are You Calling for Repairs … A Little Too Often?
- Are Your Energy Bills Creeping Up?
- Is Your Home Actually Comfortable?
- Still Using R-22? Here’s What You Should Know
- Has Your Home Changed?
- Do You Want to Improve Indoor Air Quality?
At Shavitz, we’re a family-owned, locally operated HVAC company that has been in business since 1904. Our secret to success? We respect our customers and do things the right way. Request a quote on your next project and let us help you create a healthy, efficient home.
1. Consider the Age of Your Equipment
We all wish our HVAC systems could last forever—but like any hardworking appliance, they eventually wear down. Most systems start to show their age after 10 to 15 years, even with good maintenance. Here in Chicagoland, between our brutal winters and hot, muggy summers, your furnace or AC gets put through the wringer.
If your system is 12 years old or more and is facing a costly repair, that’s usually your cue to start thinking long-term. Today’s high-efficiency equipment doesn’t just heat and cool better—it also saves you money every month and offers upgraded comfort features older models simply can’t match.
Shavitz Tip
We’ll never push you to replace a system that still has life left in it. If your aging unit is struggling, we can walk you through your options and show you how much you could save with a modern system—no pressure, just honest advice.
2. Are You Calling for Repairs … A Little Too Often?
While we always enjoy catching up with our customers, a system that keeps breaking down isn’t just inconvenient—it’s often a sign that something bigger is going on.
A single issue here and there? Totally normal. However, if you’re calling us out multiple times a year or suddenly facing a repair of $1,500 or more on a system that’s 12 or 13 years old, it’s time to step back and look at the bigger picture.
Here’s what we mean:
- If your furnace or AC is out of warranty, you’re paying out-of-pocket—not just for repairs, but for parts, labor, and your time.
- That $1,500 repair might fix the issue today, but it doesn’t reset the clock. Next season, you might be facing another expensive fix.
- Older systems are also less efficient, so even if it’s working, it’s probably costing you more to run—especially during Chicago’s extreme temperatures.
Shavitz Tip
We never push replacements. But when we see homeowners spending thousands just to keep an old system going—without getting reliable comfort in return—we think it’s only fair to say: Let’s talk about your options.
A new high-efficiency system might seem like a bigger upfront investment, but it can:
- Lower your monthly energy bills
- Cut down on surprise repairs
- Improve airflow, humidity, and indoor air quality
- Qualify for rebates and financing
- Give you years of stress-free comfort with a full manufacturer’s warranty
In other words, replacing your system doesn’t just mean fixing a problem—it’s about upgrading your peace of mind.
Let us run the numbers for you, compare options, and help you decide what’s best for your home, your comfort, and your budget.
3. Are Your Energy Bills Creeping Up?
If your utility bills have slowly climbed over the past few seasons—even though your usage habits haven’t changed—your HVAC system might be the reason.
Older systems tend to lose efficiency with age. Coils get dirty. Motors wear down. And your equipment has to work harder and run longer just to keep up. That extra run time shows up on your gas and electric bills month after month.
And here’s the kicker: Even if your old system still “works,” it may be using 20–30% more energy than a modern high-efficiency model would for the same job.
Plus, pairing a new system with a smart thermostat can help fine-tune your energy use even further—automatically adjusting temperatures while you’re sleeping, working, or away for the weekend.
At Shavitz, we can help you compare your current energy usage to what a new system could save you. You might be surprised how quickly that monthly savings adds up.
Shavitz Tip
Today’s furnaces and air conditioners come with variable-speed motors and modulating burners that deliver just the right amount of heating or cooling—without blasting at full power every time they turn on. That means more even comfort, a quieter operation, and lower utility costs.
4. Is Your Home Actually Comfortable?
Your home should be your haven—not the place where you’re constantly reaching for a sweater in one room and a fan in another.
If you’re dealing with hot and cold spots, stuffy air, or humidity that just won’t quit, it’s not just annoying—it’s a sign your system isn’t distributing air properly. And that’s not something you have to “just live with.”
We talk to Chicago homeowners every week who say things like:
“The furnace works fine, but the upstairs is always freezing.”
“Our AC cools the living room, but the bedrooms are unbearable in the summer.”
Sound familiar? You’re not alone.
Shavitz Tip
Comfort issues like these are often caused by outdated, single-speed equipment or systems that weren’t sized correctly from the start. Newer systems, equipped with modulating heat, variable-speed blowers, and smart zoning, are designed to deliver the right amount of heating or cooling to every part of your home—not just the closest room to the thermostat.
This can often compensate for inadequate ductwork and negate the need for costly duct modifications, although this isn’t always the case.
Even better, they’re quieter, more efficient, and do a better job of managing humidity—so your home feels just right, not too dry or too muggy.
And if your air feels dusty or stale, that might be tied to your airflow and filtration, too.
Related: How to Reduce Dust in Your Home
Related: Why Do I Need a Humidifier in the Fall?
If you’ve stopped noticing your comfort issues because they’ve just become “normal,” that’s a red flag. Let’s take a fresh look. You deserve a home that feels great in every season.
Still Using R-22? Here’s What You Should Know
If your air conditioner or heat pump has been around for a while, it might still be using R-22 refrigerant—and while that’s not necessarily an emergency, it’s something to start thinking about.
R-22 (sometimes referred to as Freon) has been phased out for some time. The phase-out actually began back in 2010, and by 2020, it was officially discontinued in the U.S. due to its environmental impact.
That means it’s no longer being produced, and the small supply that’s still circulating is becoming increasingly scarce and more expensive every year.
If your system still runs on R-22, it’s almost certainly 15 to 20 years old. While it might still be cooling okay for now, the next service call could turn into a costly repair that’s tough to justify.
Yes—you can still legally refill an R-22 system. However, between rising costs and aging equipment, it’s often not the most prudent long-term move.
Why it matters:
- A refrigerant leak on an R-22 system isn’t just a routine repair—it can turn into a costly band-aid for an outdated unit.
- Even if it’s cooling okay for now, it may be running inefficiently behind the scenes—wasting energy and driving up your bills.
- If your system is already 10–15 years old, you’re likely nearing the point where replacement makes more sense than another expensive fix.
Shavitz Tip
We’re not here to pressure anyone into replacing a working system—but we are here to help you plan ahead. If your equipment is still using R-22, it’s a great time to explore your options on your terms—not when it breaks down mid-July.
And if you do decide it’s time to upgrade, we’ll walk you through systems that are more efficient, environmentally friendly, and built to deliver comfort you’ll actually feel.
Let’s figure out what makes the most sense for your home—and your budget.
6. Has Your Home Changed?
Added a bedroom? Finished a basement? Upgraded insulation?
Your current system might no longer be sized properly. Undersized systems struggle to keep up, while oversized units cycle on and off too quickly—wasting energy and causing wear and tear.
What to ask for:
A trusted HVAC company (like Shavitz!) should always perform a Manual J load calculationbefore installing a new system. It’s the only way to ensure your system is matched to your home’s actual needs—not just square footage.
7. Do You Want to Improve Indoor Air Quality?
If allergies, dry air, or dust are a constant battle in your home, upgrading your HVAC system can be a big help. Modern systems are compatible with:
- Electronic Air Cleaners (EACs) for capturing fine particles and allergens
- Whole-home humidifiers to balance moisture in the winter
- UV lights to reduce bacteria and mold
- Advanced filtration for cleaner, healthier air
Related: How Often Should You Replace Your HVAC Filter?
When to Consider Repair
- Your system is under 10 years old
- The repair is minor and infrequent
- Your energy bills are stable
- You’re still getting consistent, comfortable airflow
When It Might Be Time to Replace
- Your system is over 12–15 years old
- You’ve had multiple or costly repairs
- Utility bills are rising
- Airflow is uneven, or the system still uses R-22 refrigerant
- You want better air quality or smart-home features
We Can Help You Decide Whether to Repair or Replace
Choosing to repair or replace your HVAC system is a big decision—but you don’t have to make it alone. By considering your system’s age, performance, efficiency, and comfort, you can make the choice that’s right for your home, your budget, and your peace of mind.
Need expert advice? Shavitz is here to help you every step of the way.
How May We Help You?
At Shavitz Heating & Air Conditioning, we’ve been helping Chicago homeowners make smart HVAC decisions since 1904. Whether you’re hoping to get a few more years out of your system or looking to upgrade with confidence, we’ll provide a transparent, no-pressure evaluation and walk you through all your options—including energy-saving rebates. Call us at 847-861-5559 or request service online to speak with a member of our team.