Quick Answer
If your HVAC system in Brilliant is over 15 years old, it’s likely costing more in power, comfort, and repairs than it should. Older systems lose efficiency and reliability with every season. Checking your system’s manufacture date now helps you decide whether maintenance, repair, or replacement will deliver the best long-term value for your home.
Many Brilliant homes along Market Street, Franklin Avenue, and the Route 7 corridor were built before 1980, often with original ductwork or gas furnaces that predate current efficiency standards. The Ohio River’s high humidity and occasional flooding accelerate corrosion, while uneven terrain challenges older systems. For households served by AEP Ohio and Columbia Gas, system age directly affects both performance and cost.
Repair Costs Rise With Age
Once a system reaches 12–15 years, repair calls become more frequent. Honest Fix technicians often find Brilliant homeowners spending hundreds on repeat fixes — motors, coils, and control boards — rather than addressing the root issue: aging equipment. When repair costs approach 30% of a replacement price, upgrading is typically the more economical move.
Efficiency Loss in Riverfront Conditions
A 15-year-old air conditioner rated at 10 SEER can consume about 50% more energy than a 20-SEER model. That difference is magnified in Brilliant’s humid summers and long winters, where heating and cooling cycles run longer. Upgrading to a modern system helps maintain stable comfort and can cut annual electric use by up to one-third under AEP Ohio’s rate structure.
Avoiding Winter Emergencies
Furnaces that age beyond 15 years often fail during freezing nights in January. By confirming your unit’s installation year, you can schedule upgrades during mild weather instead of during a cold snap — especially important for homes near the river where damp air and frost combine to stress older systems.
FAQs
How do I find my HVAC system’s age?
Check the label on your furnace or outdoor unit. The serial number typically includes the month and year of manufacture. Honest Fix can verify this during a seasonal inspection.
Do riverfront homes in Brilliant wear out systems faster?
Yes. Persistent humidity and damp soil near the Ohio River lead to rust and coil wear, reducing HVAC lifespan.
Exact HVAC replacement quotes available at (740) 825-9408 or HonestFix.com/schedule-service.
Author: Alex Largent
Alex Largent
Alex Largent is the Owner and Senior HVAC Efficiency Analyst at Honest Fix Heating, Cooling & Plumbing. With more than 20 years of field experience, NATE and EPA certifications, and a hands-on leadership style, Alex teaches his team to fix systems right the first time — with transparency, precision, and no upsells. He writes about HVAC diagnostics, home energy efficiency, and practical maintenance advice for homeowners across the Upper Ohio Valley. Read Alex Largent’s full bio to learn more about his expertise in the HVAC and Plumbing industry. Updated October 2025.
