Considering a New System
Reasons to Consider Replacing Your Air Conditioner
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Discounts Available
Free Estimates on New Installations
Fair Pricing
Why You Should Consider Replacing Your Old AC
When your AC fails, you can either repair the existing unit by replacing parts or buy a new AC. Let your decision be based on what's in your best interests and not on the basis of a sales push by air conditioning and heating companies.
To help you with this important decision, we have gathered some important information that will help you choose whether to repair or replace your AC. There are 3 main factors:
- Life Expectancy - Most AC units last for 8-12 years. After that, they become expensive to repair and break down often. In some cases, the parts are discontinued which causes them to be more expensive, if not completely unavailable. If you live in an area near the ocean, the lifespan of your unit may be even shorter due to corrosion.
You'll need to consider the age of your equipment when you decide whether to replace or repair your AC. If your unit is 8 years old or older, it is nearing its life expectancy. If you have consistently had it professionally maintained during this time, you can add at least 4 years to this number.
- Efficiency - Completely restoring an aging unit is an expensive thing to do. At best, you will still only have the efficiency that it was rated for when it was manufactured. Due to constant improvement and increasing energy standards imposed by the government, older units are much less efficient than newer ones. Replacing your unit can save you money if your unit is old and inefficient.
Units are rated by S.E.E.R. or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. An easy way to understand these ratings is as follows; a unit that is rated at 10 S.E.E.R. gets ten units of cooling for a set amount of electricity, a unit rated 14 S.E.E.R. gets 14 units for the same amount of electricity, so you get 40% more cooling for the same amount.
When you replace your old system with more efficient equipment, you can save up to 60 percent or more on your electric or gas bill. In many cases, installing a new AC can pay for itself in energy savings within a relatively short time.
- Current Condition - Consider the current condition of your unit when you decide whether to repair or replace your air conditioning. Some factors to consider are the quality of the equipment (reputable brand, builder’s model, etc.), number of breakdowns, and how often the unit has been maintained.
If your AC hasn’t been maintained properly, is of inferior quality, or has frequent breakdowns, replacement is a serious option. There is little that can be done with a unit that is in very poor condition, besides restoring the unit, which is almost always prohibitively expensive.
Each of the points mentioned above must be carefully considered before you make the decision to repair or replace your AC. If any of these factors is a problem area, then you should consider replacement, and if two or three are problems, then replacement is almost always your best bet.
Get Advice From a Reliable Company
If you want to learn more about your options, it's always best to speak to a reputable company. As professionals in the industry, they will be in a position to educate you about all the available options so that you can make an informed decision.
If your unit is old, breaks down often, and consumes more energy than a newer system, installing a new AC can more than pay for itself over time. If not, then simple repairs may be the smarter option. In the end, the decision is yours. You should never feel pressured into buying something you don't need.
What You Should Remember About Matching Systems
When you replace your AC unit, you may also need to replace your indoor air handler, since the two units must be matched so that your new outdoor unit can work at maximum efficiency. Improperly matched units can shorten the lifespan of your new unit.
You can avoid these pitfalls by consulting a reputable company. The experienced and knowledgeable team at A & H Services, Inc will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have. Call
us today to learn more about your options.
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