Is your home too hot or too cold during the year? Is your boiler constantly breaking down, or are the systems too noisy? Certain telltale signs indicate when it’s time to replace heating and cooling equipment, or upgrade the entire system. The experts at EnergyStar.gov suggest calling a professional if the following conditions occur:

• The heat pump or air conditioner is more than 10 years old
• The furnace or boiler is more than 15 years old
• Your cooling and heating equipment needs frequent repair, and your energy bills are high
• Some rooms in your house are too hot or too cold due to duct problems, inadequate insulation or improper equipment operation
• You don't have a programmable thermostat, and no one is home for long periods of time during the day
• Your home has humidity problems; the air is too dry in the winter or too humid during the summer.
• Your home has excessive dust
• The heating and cooling systems are noisy

Addressing HVAC problems sooner rather than later can save time, money and hassle in the long run.