With proper service, your air conditioner will deliver worry-free cooling for a long time. But, similar to any other machine in your home, it will eventually need to be replaced. Knowing when to install a new one is essential to skip costly repairs, costly electrical bills and comfort disruptions.
When it comes to staying cool and your home’s energy efficiency, our US Air Heating and Cooling specialists are looking out for your best interests. There’s a lot that goes into determining when your air conditioner needs to be replaced. Here are a couple of aspects you should consider when you’re thinking about replacing your 15-year-old air conditioner.
Age
Typically, the Department of Energy says many air conditioners run for 15–20 years. If yours is 15 years old, it’s well past the center point. It’s wise to get started preparing for air conditioning installation before it fails so you aren’t roasting while you’re waiting for a replacement.
Dependability
How dependable is your air conditioner? Does it cool well, even on the hottest days? Or is it frequently malfunctioning? When your air conditioner is less trustworthy it’s time to get started preparing to get a new one.
Repair Expenses
Over your air conditioner’s life span, it’s anticipated for it to need several little repairs. But if your air conditioner repair cost is more than half the cost of a new air conditioner, it’s recommended to just get a new one.
Energy Efficiency
Every air conditioner has a SEER rating, which rates how well it uses electricity to make chilled air. If your air conditioner was installed in 2006, it will be at least 13 SEER according to federal guidelines. However, your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it ages.
As of now, 15–18 SEER is a popular number, but efficiency can go as high as the mid-20s. Air conditioners with higher SEER ratings are usually pricier but could pay for themselves over time through more energy savings. And getting an energy-efficient air conditioner, especially one that’s an ENERGY STAR® air conditioner, can make you eligible for extra rebates.
Comfort
Are you comfortable when your air conditioner is on? Or are you often turning down the temperature to stay cool? An aging air conditioner could struggle to keep your residence comfy because of reduced efficiency. A modern air conditioner, particularly a variable-speed air conditioner, can minimize high humidity and hot and cold spots. Instead of running at full blast all the time, these air conditioners run at multiple speeds to adapt your comfort.
Noise
Your air conditioner should provide cooling you can feel, not hear. If noise is bothering you, ask us about upgrading to a variable-speed air conditioner. Many of these air conditioners operate at a sound level that’s similar to an everyday conversation.
Smart Thermostat Compatibility
Adding a smart thermostat is a good approach to stay on top of energy efficiency, with not much effort necessary from you. And, depending on the rebates available by your utility company, you could be able to get a free smart thermostat or get one for not much. Many of these thermostats can pick up on your temperature preferences and then develop an energy-efficient schedule to match. They also know when you’re at home or gone and alter temperatures as necessary.
If you have an aging air conditioner, a smart thermostat might not work with it. Getting a new air conditioner is a wise way to ensure smart thermostat compatibility.
Refrigerant Kind
If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, it potentially uses Freon®. Also known as R-22 refrigerant, Freon is no longer being made due to its damaging effects on the ozone layer. You can see if your air conditioner runs on R-22 by checking the sticker on the outside unit, which will include the refrigerant kind.
If your air conditioner is working fine, you can keep on using it. However, if it ever develops a refrigerant leak, solving the problem will be pricey. That’s since Freon is only available in decreased, recycled amounts.
Newer air conditioners use Puron®, or R-410A. But you can’t just put Puron in a Freon air conditioner, since pressure requirements are different.
Our Pros Make Air Conditioning Installation Hassle-Free
If you’re still deciding whether you should replace your 15-year-old air conditioner soon, consider this. The Department of Energy says doing air conditioning replacement for a 10-year-old model can lead to 25–40% in energy savings! And those savings can really accumulate as time goes by.
We know that air conditioner cost is your first question. That’s why collaborating with US Air Heating and Cooling for air conditioning installation in Rock Hill and surrounding areas is simple and affordable. Our techs will help you choose the right option for your needs and then discuss all the possibilities. These include special offers to help you save more and financing for qualified customers to make your new air conditioner work with your budget.
Call us at 803-220-0761 to request your free, no-pressure estimate today!