Is your air conditioner not quite as spry as it once was? But how can you determine if it just needs repairing only or a new replacement already?
Factors to Consider
1. Age
Air conditioner systems 10 years and older should be replaced already. So even though it was your beloved granny’s dependable unit, the few years it will still serve you won’t be worth its energy-sucking ability that can also put quite a dent on your wallet.
2. Excessive Noise and Dust
AC systems that allow constant presence of dust, become excessively noisy or just turn off randomly may already be overexerting itself to keep up with your home’s cooling demands.
It is always advisable to have a regular maintenance schedule to preserve the function of your system, but even after faithfully doing this and the noise issue won’t go away, then it’s time to get a new one.
3. Temperature
You’ve set it at a comfortable 78 degrees Fahrenheit like you always did in the past, but you’re not experiencing the ideal body temperature like it’s supposed to be. Maybe there’s something wrong within the system or it is time for a cooling upgrade.
4. Performance
During the hottest time of the year, if your AC unit has broken down multiple times over, repairs might not be in your best interest. The sooner you get a new one, the less money you have to throw away.
Benefits of Replacement
- Substantial Cost Savings
The minimum allowed by federal law is 13 SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio.
It doesn’t matter if your unit is below 10 years old – if it is operating at or below 10 SEER, it is already sucking up 30% more electrical consumption than it’s supposed to be.
Another consideration, if your annual repair costs amount to 50% of the value of the system, wouldn’t it be more practical to put that money into better use, like getting a brand new unit?
Make sure your unit’s total efficiency is at least 97%. If not, that adds up to a lot of energy dollars you’re throwing away.
- Tax Incentives
Air conditioners with Energy Star labels provide you with lots of potential tax credits, rebates and incentives – which could mean up to 30% money back guarantee for investing on a newer but higher-efficiency unit.
- Warranty
Brand new air conditioners always come with a warranty, which you can take advantage of, should repair issues arise.
- Green Benefits
Newer models usually have an R-410A system, which is far from the phased-out units with R-22 refrigerant that damages the ozone layer.
You don’t just help the environment and save lots of dollars at the same time, but you save yourself the headache of replacing your unit due to the U.S. Government and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) mandate of prohibiting all units with R-22 refrigerant by 2020.
- Comfort & Convenience
A brand new air conditioner does a better job of controlling temperature and humidity as well as preventing mold and mildew growth which significantly improves your comfort, hygiene, and overall air quality.
Benefits of Repair
- If the problem is electrical-related, calling in a professional might be the best route. Sometimes, it’s just a failing motor-run capacitor or a worn-out component – all of which can be replaced.
- If your system is not cooling efficiently, before chucking it out for a new one, check whether it is just low on refrigerant, if the indoor coil needs cleaning, or if the system just needs a good washing from pet dander or hair.
- If your house is poorly insulated, not even the most high-powered air conditioner can sufficiently sustain its cooling demands. Resolve your house flaws to give your AC system the chance to do its job properly.
- Here is the US Energy Departments suggestions on how to maintain your air conditioner: http://energy.gov/energysaver/maintaining-your-air-conditioner .
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