To replace or not to replace? That is the question.
If you’re wondering if you should replace your air conditioning system, you need to weigh several factors in deciding.
One of the most significant factors is the lifespan of your unit. Whether the unit is old (more than ten years), it has been damaged beyond repair, it is not cooling properly, or replacing is cheaper than repairing.
It’s common for your air conditioning and heating systems to require regular maintenance for them to work efficiently. You’ll likely need tune-ups and repairs at some point during their lifespan. However, no matter how much preventative maintenance you put into your HVAC system, there comes a time, just like any other machine, when it’s time for a replacement.
If you’re wondering when is the best time to replace your HVAC system, a word of advice if we may: don’t wait for the hot or cold season to be in full swing.
It’s tempting to gamble on getting one more season out of your old AC unit, but that might not be your best move. You do not want to get home in the middle of summer and have your AC most likely fail in protest. Your home will be sweltering and humid, everyone in the family will be miserable, and you will regret putting off that new air conditioner installation.
Here are 6 good reasons to beat the heat and consider replacing your air conditioner:
- Save on Electricity With a New AC Installation
- The Cost of Constant Repairs is Higher Than The Cost of Replacement
- The System Uses R-22 Refrigerant
- Summer Will Only Get Hotter
- You Are Adding Rooms to the House
- You Are Selling your Property
1. Save on Electricity With a New AC Installation
If your AC is old, it is unlikely to be running at peak efficiency. The harder a unit has to work to cool your home, the higher your monthly energy bill. Upgrading your AC opens the door for more modern, efficient, and reliable units that can save you more money in the long run. We can help you explore your options to make a good decision for your needs and budget.
Learn more about the potential savings that come with a new AC system from our recent article, “9 Simple Ways To Lower Your Energy Bills This Summer.”
2. The Cost of Constant Repairs is Higher Than The Cost of Replacement
If you have had the same air conditioning system for more than a decade, you might have had multiple repairs. If you suddenly need to have it serviced again just months after the last round of maintenance, that is an indicator that the AC is in for greater problems.
If you’re entering a constant repair phase, this can begin to take a toll on your wallet that won’t pay off in the long run. Constant AC repairs could mean that the system wasn’t properly diagnosed and repaired, or it’s approaching the end of its lifespan.
3. The System Uses R-22 Refrigerant
As of January 1, 2020, the production and import of R22 refrigerant will be illegal in the United States. If you rely on an HVAC system that uses R-22 refrigerant, an ozone-depleting substance, you may continue using your air conditioner (AC) or heat pump system using R22 refrigerant. However, if your HVAC system needs a repair that involves refrigerant, you may have to decide between a substantial refrigerant bill or a system replacement.
4. Summer Will Only Get Hotter
Replacing your AC system is inevitable at some point in time. However, replacing the HVAC system at the peak of a season could translate into a higher replacement cost, slower turnaround time, and higher inconvenience.
In hotter climates, air systems face greater demands and must be equipped to meet these challenges. There is no doubt that the best time to replace HVAC systems is during the off-season. So, as summer is approaching, it’s a good time to inspect your AC unit and consider if it’s time for a replacement.
Many homeowners wait until the unit completely gives out, which makes summertime very busy for AC contractors. Get ahead of the game and schedule your new AC installation at a time convenient for you, without added pressure, so that you can make an informed decision.
5. You Are Adding Rooms to the House
HVAC systems are designed according to the interior dimensions of a house and sized by the square footage of space that it must condition. Therefore, if you’re planning to add an extra room to your home, consider the dimensional requirements of an air system change if you expand the space and square footage of your house or business.
6. You Are Selling your Property
A new and modern (a.k.a energy efficient) HVAC system, much like new roofing or a swimming pool, is an attractive feature that adds more value to any home that goes on the market.
Homebuyers search for properties with the greatest amount of optimal features, including modern air systems. As such, a home with a more recently installed air conditioner is likely to go for a higher asking price than a home with an outdated AC.
If your HVAC system has been on the constant repair cycle for a while and you are planning on selling your home in the next few years, a new air system could be a smart investment both in the short and long term.
Schedule Your Pre-summer AC Visit!
If you’re still wondering if a repair or replacement is best for you, please give us a call and schedule a visit to inspect your unit and discuss your best alternatives that fit your needs and budget.
Also, check out our ultimate guide on Everything You Need To Know About AC Systems.
