When it comes to the major systems in your home, your HVAC or AC system can be one of the costliest. That’s why homeowners are often hesitant to pull the trigger on a new system costing several thousand dollars. They want to be certain that replacement is needed.
Here at 32 Degrees Heating & Air Conditioning we often get questions from customers about AC replacement. This article is to give you the basic questions you need to ask before scheduling a replacement of your AC unit.
How Do I Know When It’s Time to Replace My AC?
Without consulting a professional AC company and having a technician inspect it, answering this question can be tricky. But there are some basic things to consider:
· How old is your system? If you bought your house with an existing system that already had some mileage on it, it could be time. The rule of thumb is if it’s more than 10 years old it’s either at the point of deteriorating service or about to give up the ghost, especially if you haven’t hired a reliable firm to provide regular maintenance on it.
· Does it have reliability issues? If your system breaks down often and you already have a firm servicing it, it could be time for a whole new system. If you aren’t servicing it regularly and it breaks down frequently, you’re already spending a lot of money on repairs and service calls that would be better spent making payments on a new system.
· Have your energy bills increased? If you’ve been using about the same amount of energy as you usually do and there haven’t been any long-lasting heat waves to affect your usage, it could be a sign your system is dying.
· Does your system use Freon? As of January 2020, Freon will not be produced in the U.S. any longer. The EPA is discontinuing allowed usage of R-22 Freon commonly found in older systems. Availability of this to repair an older system will be affected.
What Do I Need to Know Before Replacing My AC?
If you’re wavering back and forth trying to decide whether or not to replace your system, ask yourself these very relevant questions:
– How much longer can your system operate without increasing energy bills and service technicians?
– Is repair possible instead of a replacement?
– Is my system adequate for the square footage of my home or should I get a larger system?
– Do I need a whole house system or could we manage with single units in frequently-used rooms?
– Should I invest in a smart system with a programmable thermostat?
– Do I know a reputable local company to install my new system?
Asking yourself these questions will help you decide if you should order a new system or simply arrange a regular maintenance contract.
What Should I Look for When Replacing My AC?
Choosing an AC contractor should be a researched decision. Here are some helpful steps:
1. Check out local companies online and read their online reviews from other customers. Do they have a good rating on Angie’s List and other similar rating services? What’s their BBB rating?
2. Online shopper beware. Lower prices found on the internet for just the AC unit you want can be a tempting prospect. But hand on a minute. You have no idea who you’re buying from and in what condition that unit will be in when it arrives. And in the end, you’ll still have to hire a licensed AC technician to install it. If you don’t find someone reputable it could be installed incorrectly and cause major problems later.
3. How will you know the right size for your home? If you have added a floor, a bedroom, a bonus room, or finished your basement, the size you need may be quite different than what you have now. To find this information you need a professional assessment.
4. Other factors you’ll need a professional assessment for are the SEER rating, load calculation, efficiency rating, and energy rating. Only a reliable company can give you the correct information on any unit you’re considering.
5. When choosing an AC contractor, look for a company with a maintenance plan. If you’re investing in a new system you’ll want to keep it in tip-top shape to prolong its life.
Why Should I Upgrade My AC?
If you’re still on the fence about replacing your AC system or your AC unit, consider this:
– You’ll get a warranty
– You’ll save money with a more efficient system and fewer visits from technicians
– You and your family will be much more comfortable in a house with well-functioning AC
– Reliability will give you peace of mind
– Peace & quiet from a new system means noise reduction for you
In conclusion, replacing your system should be about upgrading to a more efficient system to save money and energy, or about replacing a system that’s on its last legs for peace of mind and reliability. Should you have questions we haven’t answered here please contact us today and we’ll be happy to give you the information about the AC replacement you’re looking for.