When you find yourself calling the AC repair guys too often, or your AC isn’t working as well as it should, then maybe it’s time for an AC replacement.
Most people shy away from replacing their ACs because they find it too expensive. However, if you crunch the numbers, you’ll find that the repair and maintenance end up costing you more in the long run. That means replacing a worn-out AC is more cost-effective than staying with an old one.
If you’ve been mulling about whether you should replace your AC, read on to find out about a few factors you should consider before doing so.
1. Cost of Repairs Vs. Cost of Replacement
How often do you repair your AC and how much do the repairs cumulatively cost? Compare that to the cost of one single AC replacement to know your next move. If the cost of multiple repairs overweighs the cost of a one-time replacement, then you should just replace the unit.
If the AC needs major repairs like a replacement of the outdoor unit, for instance, then it’s the ideal opportunity to replace the entire AC. If you do so, you’ll save yourself a bundle in repair costs while having an efficient AC.
2. Age of Your Current AC
If you have a very old air conditioner, then it may have outlived its purpose. The lifespan of an air conditioner is typically between 15 to 20 years, sometimes even less. If you live in the warmer parts of the country and you use your AC more often, then it could last you only ten to twelve years.
If you suspect your AC has outlived its lifespan, then it’s high time for you to replace it. Your AC is officially old if:
- Your energy bills are unusually high
- You hear strange noises coming from the AC
- Your house doesn’t cool evenly
- Your home seems dustier than usual
- You constantly have to repair the AC
If you’ve experienced the above, then your entire AC unit needs a revamp.
3. Your Home’s Comfort
The AC is in place to ensure your home is comfortable even when it is searing hot or freezing cold. If you’re still uncomfortable even with your AC on, then your AC isn’t working as it should. You can repair your Ac or replace it so that you can get back your home’s comfort.
If your house has started being uncomfortable only recently, then a couple of repairs here and there will do the trick. However, if the repairs do nothing, then it’s time to replace your AC.
4. Your Current AC’s Efficiency
An inefficient AC is detrimental to both your comfort and your bank account. If your AC isn’t efficient, then it’s likely to have longer running circles to keep your house cool, and sometimes it won’t turn off at all. Either way, you’ll have to pay steep energy bills every end of the month.
Another way your AC can be inefficient is if it only cools a few rooms and does nothing in other areas.
The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio or SEER is the measure of the efficiency of an air conditioner unit. As of 2015, only air conditioners with SEER ratings of above 13 are fit for US homes. Anything below this and your AC isn’t fit for any American home.
An older AC is likely to have a lower SEER rating, which means you’re probably spending more on energy costs than you should. If your AC has a SEER rating of below 14, then you need to update your AC for more efficiency and to be in line with SEER regulations.
5. Air Conditioner Maintenance
Repairs aside, you also need to take note of how often and how well you maintain your air conditioner. If you take good care of your AC and regularly maintain it, then it’s likely to last you a good, long time.
As a rule of thumb, apart from regular maintenance, you should have professional technicians in Venice, West Villages, Nokomis, or Sarasota inspect your AC at least once a year to keep it in tip-top shape. By doing so, they’ll be able to detect any problems earlier on before they become much serious.
Remember to change the filters monthly or at least every three months. Cleaning the filters is sometimes not enough, especially if you notice your house is becoming dustier.
If you haven’t been taking good care of your AC and now it’s acting up, then arrange for repairs ASAP. If the repairs are too expensive or too frequent, then consider replacing your AC unit. After you do so, don’t make the same mistake of overlooking air conditioner maintenance again.
6. Advancements in Technology
You can’t compare an AC unit that was manufactured ten years ago to one that was made this year. AC manufacturers keep churning out new designs and incorporating new technologies each year to keep up with the competition. As such, you should expect newer ACs to be more efficient, more effective, more convenient, and longer-lasting.
Nowadays, we even have ACs with interactive control and smart thermostats. The latter is especially useful since you don’t have to adjust the temperature to fit your preference. You can use your phone or let the thermostat learn your home’s temperature patterns.
For professional and expedient AC replacement in Venice, West Villages, Nokomis, or Sarasota, contact us today, and we’ll sort you out.
It’s Time for That AC Replacement
Even though you don’t want to, an AC replacement is sometimes mandatory. In situations where your AC breaks down, you don’t have any choice but to replace it. However, make sure you get the right unit for your home and the right AC professionals should you decide to replace your AC.
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