With ample service, your air conditioner will offer worry-free performance for a long time. But, just like any other machine in your house, it will eventually need to be replaced. Knowing when to replace it is key to prevent expensive repairs, higher electrical bills and comfort disruptions.
When it comes to being cool and your residence’s energy efficiency, our Air-Right Energy Design, Inc. specialists have your best interests at heart. There’s a lot that goes into deciding when your air conditioner requires replacement. Here are several things you should consider when you’re thinking about replacing your 15-year-old air conditioner.
Age
Most of the time, the Department of Energy says many air conditioners run for 15–20 years. If yours is 15 years old, it’s well past the midpoint. It’s wise to start preparing for air conditioning installation before it goes out so you aren’t sweating while you’re waiting for installation.
Dependability
How trustworthy is your air conditioner? Does it cool well, even on the hottest days? Or is it regularly needing repairs? When your air conditioner is less reliable it’s time to start thinking about getting an upgraded one.
Repair Costs
Over your air conditioner’s life cycle, it’s anticipated for it to need a handful of little 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 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 a minimum of 13 SEER according to federal laws. However, your air conditioner becomes inefficient as it ages.
Now, 15–18 SEER is a popular number, but efficiency can go as high as the mid-20s. Air conditioners with greater SEER ratings are usually pricier but could pay for themselves over time through improved 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 comfy when your air conditioner is working? Or are you constantly switching the temperature to stay cool? An aging air conditioner could struggle to keep your home comfy as a result of reduced efficiency. A new air conditioner, particularly a variable-speed air conditioner, can minimize high humidity and hot and cold spots. Instead of operating on high all the time, these air conditioners work at multiple speeds to adapt your comfort.
Noise
Your air conditioner should deliver cooling you can feel, not hear. If noise is bothering you, check with us about getting a variable-speed air conditioner. Many of these air conditioners operate at a sound level that’s like an everyday conversation.
Smart Thermostat Compatibility
Installing a smart thermostat is a good way to keep up with energy efficiency, with minimal effort required 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 very little. Many 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 away and change temps accordingly.
If you have an outdated air conditioner, a smart thermostat might not work with it. Installing a new air conditioner is a wise method to ensure smart thermostat compatibility.
Refrigerant Style
If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, it probably relies on Freon®. Also referred to as R-22 refrigerant, Freon is no longer being manufactured due to its damaging effects on the ozone layer. You can see if your air conditioner uses R-22 by reviewing the sticker on the outside unit, which will list the refrigerant kind.
If your air conditioner is operating fine, you can keep on using it. However, if it ever develops a refrigerant leak, solving the problem will be pricey. That’s because Freon is only available in limited, recycled amounts.
Newer air conditioners have Puron®, or R-410A. But you can’t just put Puron in a Freon air conditioner, as 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 now, consider this. The Department of Energy says doing air conditioning replacement for a 10-year-old model can provide 25–40% in energy savings! And those savings can really build over time.
We are aware that air conditioner cost is your number one question. That’s why partnering with Air-Right Energy Design, Inc. for air conditioning installation in Manassas and surrounding areas is easy and affordable. Our techs will help you select the right solution 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 703-260-1148 to request your free, no-pressure estimate today!