With ample maintenance, your air conditioner will deliver worry-free service for many years. But, similar to any other machine in your house, it will eventually need to be upgraded. Knowing when to replace it is key to prevent expensive repairs, expensive energy bills and interrupted comfort.
When it comes to staying cool and your house’s energy efficiency, our Speedy Air Conditioning pros have your best interests at the forefront. There’s a lot that goes into determining when your air conditioner needs to be replaced. Here are several things you should consider when you’re thinking about updating your 15-year-old air conditioner.
Age
Most of the time, the Department of Energy says most air conditioners work for 15–20 years. If yours is 15 years old, it’s well past the center point. It’s smart to begin planning for air conditioning installation before it wears out so you aren’t sweltering while you’re waiting for installation.
Trustworthiness
How trustworthy is your air conditioner? Does it cool dependably, even on the toastiest days? Or is it frequently needing repairs? When your air conditioner is less trustworthy it’s time to start preparing to get an upgraded one.
Repair Bills
Over your air conditioner’s lifetime, it’s anticipated for it to need several minor repairs. But if your air conditioner repair cost is more than half the price of a new air conditioner, it’s smarter to just get a new one.
Energy Efficiency
Every air conditioner comes with a SEER rating, which rates how proficiently it uses electricity to create cold air. If your air conditioner was installed in 2006, it will be at minimum 13 SEER to meet federal guidelines. However, your air conditioner loses efficiency as it wears out.
Today, 15–18 SEER is a popular ranking, but efficiency can go as high as the mid-20s. Air conditioners with bigger SEER ratings are often more expensive but might pay for themselves over time through increased energy savings. And purchasing an energy-efficient air conditioner, especially one that’s an ENERGY STAR® air conditioner, can make you eligible for added rebates.
Comfort
Are you comfy when your air conditioner is on? Or are you often dialing down the temperature to keep cool? An old air conditioner could have trouble keeping your residence comfy due to reduced efficiency. An updated air conditioner, particularly a variable-speed air conditioner, can reduce high humidity and hot and cold spots. Instead of running on high constantly, these air conditioners run at multiple speeds to fine-tune your comfort.
Noise
Your air conditioner should give cooling you can feel, not hear. If noise is bothering you, call us about getting a variable-speed air conditioner. Many of these air conditioners run at a sound level that’s comparable to a regular conversation.
Smart Thermostat Compatibility
Adding a smart thermostat is a wise approach to stay on top of energy efficiency, with very little effort necessary from you. And, depending on the rebates available by your utility company, you might be able to get a free smart thermostat or get one for a greatly reduced price. Most of these thermostats can adjust to your temperature preferences and then develop an energy-efficient schedule to match. They also know when you’re at home or gone and adjust settings as needed.
If you rely on an aging air conditioner, a smart thermostat might not work with it. Getting a new air conditioner is a surefire way to ensure smart thermostat compatibility.
Refrigerant Style
If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, it probably runs on Freon®. Also known as R-22 refrigerant, Freon is no longer being produced because of its negative effects on the ozone layer. You can see if your air conditioner has R-22 by reviewing the sticker on the outside unit, which will show the refrigerant style.
If your air conditioner is running fine, you can keep on using it. However, if it ever has a refrigerant leak, solving the problem will be pricey. That’s due to the fact Freon is only available in limited, recycled amounts.
Newer air conditioners run on Puron®, or R-410A. But you can’t just use Puron in a Freon air conditioner, since pressure requirements are different.
Our Pros Make Air Conditioning Installation Stress-Free
If you’re still trying to decide whether you should replace your 15-year-old air conditioner within the immediate future, think over 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 build over time.
We realize that air conditioner cost is your first question. That’s why working with Speedy Air Conditioning for air conditioning installation in Naples and surrounding areas is easy and affordable. Our techs will help you find the right option for your needs and then go over all the possibilities. These include special offers to help you save more and financing for qualified customers to make your new air conditioner accommodate your budget.
Reach us at 239-244-3439 to request your free, no-pressure estimate today!