I’m right there with you on the older systems being easier to keep running. My house is pushing 120 years, and the HVAC from the late ‘90s is still chugging along. I do think regular filter changes and keeping the coils clean make a bigger difference than people realize. The newer models are tempting, but I’ve heard too many stories about circuit boards going out for no good reason. Unless you’re seeing leaks or the compressor’s getting noisy, I’d just keep up the maintenance and ride it out.
Honestly, I get where you’re coming from—those older units are tanks compared to some of the newer stuff. But I’ll throw in a different angle: after about 20 years, even with perfect maintenance, efficiency really starts to drop off. I swapped out my ‘98 furnace last winter, mainly because my gas bill was creeping up every year even though I kept up with filter changes and cleaned the blower regularly.
Here’s what I did:
1. Got a couple quotes just to see what the new high-efficiency models would cost.
2. Ran the numbers on my average yearly energy use (old vs. projected new).
3. Factored in rebates and tax credits—surprisingly decent right now.
4. Decided to go for it when I realized the payback was about 6 years.
I was nervous about the circuit boards too, but knock on wood, no issues yet and it’s noticeably quieter. Maintenance is still key, but sometimes newer tech really does pay off in the long run... even if it means learning how to reset a board once in a while.
I hear you on the efficiency drop—I've flipped a few houses where the old units looked like they could survive a tornado, but man, those gas bills told a different story. One place had a furnace from the early 90s, and it sounded like a jet engine every time it kicked on. I was stubborn at first, thinking “if it ain’t broke…” but after seeing the numbers, I caved and upgraded. The rebates helped, but honestly, not having to explain to buyers why the utility bills were sky-high was the real win. Circuit boards still make me nervous though... feels like one more thing to break, but so far, so good.
Those old units really are tanks, but I totally get what you mean about the gas bills. I’ve seen clients fall in love with “vintage charm” until they see the monthly costs.
—I used to say that too, but after one winter in a house with an ancient furnace, I was done. The circuit board thing is a little nerve-wracking, but honestly, not having to design around a noisy beast is worth it. You made the right call.“if it ain’t broke…”
“if it ain’t broke…”
Yeah, I used to swear by that too, until our 90s-era furnace started rattling like a washing machine full of bricks. Kept patching it up, but the gas bills were just brutal. Swapped it out last year—house is quieter and my wallet’s happier. Those old units are tough, but man, they don’t do you any favors on efficiency.
