When looking to replace your home air conditioning, several considerations must be considered. From selecting an experienced contractor & equipment to prepping the space before the work commences.
1. Age
As with any machine, age plays a huge role in how well your home air conditioner performs. An older unit may break down more frequently and need repairs due to normal wear and tear, while over time it may lose efficiency, increasing electricity bills as it works harder to cool your home.
Replacing your air conditioning system when its expected lifespan has expired is essential and can save both money and hassle in the long run.
Your home air conditioner’s age can be determined quickly and easily by checking its nameplate or serial number, calling its manufacturer, and inquiring as to its history of production.
They will provide information regarding when your model was manufactured so you can determine when it’s time for replacement has come.
Even with proper maintenance of your air conditioner, over time parts wear out and require replacing. For instance, thermostat or heat sensors could fail and result in your unit not detecting the correct temperature and responding appropriately – potentially forcing it to work excessively or stop completely.
Age can also result in mechanical failures and loss of efficiency, with refrigerant leaks becoming an especially significant problem – decreasing cooling capacity by decreasing system cooling capacity and increasing energy bills accordingly. Any used refrigerants must also be properly disposed of according to environmental laws.
2. Energy Efficiency
Air conditioning accounts for approximately 50% of your summer energy costs, so an inefficient unit could cost more. By upgrading to a high-efficiency air conditioner, your energy costs may be reduced instantly!
Energy efficiency is one of the primary motivations behind replacing their air conditioning units, and you may even save on upfront costs by applying for rebates from local utility providers.
Energy efficient units qualify for tax credits in many areas; discuss these with an HVAC specialist as well as any rebates in your region as well as benefits associated with purchasing one with a high SEER rating, which you can learn about here.
SEER ratings of air conditioners measure how much energy is required to effectively remove heat from a home, with higher numbers indicating more efficient systems.
But remember, SEER ratings only tell half the story: other factors like insulation levels, windows, and how much heat your home contains may also impact how much energy a cooling system requires to function optimally.
Home modifications that can help lower cooling costs include adding energy-efficient windows and insulating your attic, but if your current air conditioner has reached the end of its lifespan and your energy costs have begun to increase, now might be the time for any home AC unit replacements or maintenance. It’s important to keep these things in mind when making a purchase.
Logan AC & Heat Services’ expert technicians can assist in selecting an energy-efficient model to keep your home comfortable while offering guidance on how to make the most of your current cooling system.
3. Convenience
Home air conditioners come in all shapes and sizes. From central systems utilizing outdoor compressors to small plug-in units that stand or mount in windows, all home AC units work the same way by moving heat and moisture from indoor to outdoor environments – although your choice can make a significant difference in terms of cost and energy efficiency.
If you need guidance when purchasing an HVAC system, talk to your HVAC technician. He or she may recommend purchasing either a ductless system or one with a higher SEER rating; such systems use less electricity to cool an equal space than traditional models do.
Installation costs depend heavily on the type of system you buy. A crew will have to gain access to attic areas, crawl spaces, or basements to uninstall old equipment and install the new unit before performing pressure and vacuum tests before adding refrigerant.
4. Comfort
Air conditioning is one of the greatest modern inventions, particularly in hot and humid regions, where it helps ensure that home comfort remains constant despite the scorching heat.
Unfortunately, air conditioners consume up to 6 percent of annual electricity use – costing homeowners billions each year in electricity usage costs alone!
Therefore, to maximize its effectiveness homeowners must regularly maintain or replace filters as well as ensure the home insulation and sealing requirements are all fulfilled and secure before operating your AC system.
An expert technician can assist in assessing whether your current system can keep up with its task by considering such factors as airflow into and out of your house, insulation type and quality, age/quality of ductwork system, etc.
They will recommend the appropriate size unit for your home based on this analysis. More efficient models may significantly cut energy costs while running cooler with less power consumption – look out for models bearing the ENERGY STAR certification to make sure you are getting the maximum efficiency possible.