Are you considering air conditioner replacement? It’s that time of year again. The days are getting hotter and the nights are sticky and humid. You know what that means–it’s time to start thinking about replacing your old, inefficient air conditioner with a new one. But where do you start? Don’t worry because we’re here to help.
In this blog post, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about replacing your home’s air conditioner. So, whether you’re an experienced homeowner or a first-time buyer, this guide will help you decide whether you should repair or replace your air conditioner.
Signs You Need Air Conditioner Replacement
Here are a few signs that it may be time for air conditioner replacement.
Your AC Unit is More Than 10 Years Old
If your air conditioner is more than ten years old, it may be time to start thinking about replacing it. While your AC unit may still be working, it likely isn’t operating as efficiently as it once was. Newer units are much more energy-efficient, saving you money on your electric bill. Not to mention, newer units come with improved features and better cooling capacity. So, if your air conditioner is on its last leg, it may be time to replace it with a newer model.
Significantly High Energy
If you notice a dramatic increase in your energy bills, it could be a sign that your air conditioner is no longer operating efficiently. As AC units age, they lose their efficiency and work harder to cool your home. If your unit struggles to keep up, it could result in higher energy bills. Replacing an old and inefficient unit with a newer, more energy-efficient model could help you save money in the long run.
Your Home Isn’t Cooling Evenly
If certain rooms in your home are hotter than others or if you notice that your AC unit isn’t cooling your home as quickly as it used to, it could mean that your unit is too small for your home or that it’s no longer operating correctly. An AC professional can look at your air conditioner and determine if replacement is the best option.
Frequent Repairs
If you have to repair your air conditioner more often, it may be time for an upgrade. While occasional repairs are typical, multiple repairs in a short period can be costly and frustrating. A new air conditioner will have fewer problems and won’t need repairs as often.
Things to Consider When Replacing Your AC Unit
Once you’ve decided that air conditioner replacement is the best option for your home, there are a few things you need to consider before making your purchase.
Size
One of the most important things to consider when replacing your air conditioner is size. If your air conditioner is too small, it won’t be able to effectively cool your home. On the other hand, if it’s too big, it will cool your home too quickly and won’t remove enough humidity, which can make your home feel stuffy.
The best way to find out what size AC unit you need is to have a professional come and do a load calculation. An expert will consider the square footage of your home, the number of windows, and other factors.
Energy Efficiency
Another thing to consider when you are replacing your AC unit is energy efficiency. All AC units must have an Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER), which measures how much cooling an AC unit produces for each watt of energy it uses. The higher the EER, the more efficient the unit is. You should also look for units with the Energy Star label, as these units have been independently verified to meet strict energy efficiency standards.
Energy-efficient air conditioners cost more upfront but can save you money in the long run by reducing your energy bills.
Features
When shopping for a new air conditioner, you’ll also want to consider the essential features. Newer models have various features that can make your life easier, such as air filtration systems, remote controls, and programmable thermostats.
You’ll also want to decide if you want a central or window air conditioner. Central air conditioners are more expensive but energy-efficient and can cool your entire home. Window air conditioners are less expensive but are less energy-efficient and can only cool one room at a time.
Do Not Delay Maintenance
Finally, one of the most important things you can do when replacing your AC unit is to ensure you do not delay maintenance. Your new AC unit will come with a warranty, but for that warranty to remain valid, you must ensure that you keep up with regularly scheduled maintenance appointments. These appointments will ensure that your new AC unit runs efficiently and does not experience any unexpected breakdowns.
Conclusion
If your air conditioner is old, inefficient, or needs frequent repairs, it may be time to replace it. When replacing your air conditioner, you need to consider the size of your home, the unit’s energy efficiency, and the crucial features. You should also ensure you do not delay maintenance on your new air conditioner.
Please contact us today if you have any questions about air conditioner replacement or would like to schedule a load calculation to find the perfect air conditioner for your home. We are happy to help you choose the best air conditioner for your needs.
