It’s that time of the summer when a lot of air conditioning systems start to kick out and need professional repairs, which can be a huge issue when your local HVAC company is fully booked with other struggling homeowners just like you!
It’s also normal to think that you need an ac replacement when your system dies in the middle of the summer; however, replacements aren’t always necessary—even when you have an older system.
Below are some important factors to keep in mind prior to investing in an AC replacement project!
The Age of Your AC System
Most people generally assume that HVAC systems and AC units in particular can last around 15-20 years, but this is only when homeowners take good care of them with seasonal maintenance and warranty upkeep.
But in warmer climates where AC systems are needed almost year round, AC system lifespans can actually be shortened to around 10-12 years. This is why you need to know just how old your current system is prior to deciding whether to repair or replace it, and you’ll also need to factor in just how often you use your AC system throughout the course of each year.
AC Repair Costs
It’s also important to get an accurate quote on a potential AC repair as you’re narrowing down your options. Are you experiencing a simple clog, or is your entire unit malfunctioning?
Be sure to consider just how much your needed repairs will cost you, and understand how many repairs might be necessary to get your system back to normal again. In some scenarios it makes more sense to invest in a repair job, whereas in other situations it makes more sense to invest in a new replacement AC system altogether.
AC Maintenance
How well have you maintained your current AC system? It’s typically recommended to get your AC unit professionally examined at least once per year, if not twice. This helps homeowners to avoid lingering issues from getting worse, and neglecting seasonal maintenance often exacerbates AC replacement needs.
Homeowners also have to take their filter changing seriously, which means switching out HVAC filters at least every 1-3 months. If you’ve been taking good care of your AC unit, then repairs might be your best option. If you haven’t been properly maintaining your AC system for a long time, then it could mean that it’s time to start over with an AC replacement appointment.
HVAC Energy Efficiency
AC systems are always given a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rating, and the higher this number, the better the unit’s overall efficiency is. Since 2015, AC systems have been required to have a minimum 14 SEER rating, which means that a lot of homeowners still have outdated and inefficient AC systems.
If your AC unit is over 10 years old, then it could make sense to replace it with a more energy efficient model. The cost-efficiency and sustainability associated with today’s modern AC systems essentially pays for itself in the long run anyways!
Freon Usage
Freon, also referred to as refrigerant R22, has officially been phased out of the HVAC industry since 2020. What’s alarming about this for a lot of homeowners is that their older AC systems still run on Freon, which can make certain repairs trickier than they used to be.
If your AC system runs on Freon, you should understand that this product is no longer being manufactured in the United States. This means that you could be better off getting a new AC system that utilizes more eco-friendly refrigerant products.
Your Household’s Comfort Needs
You should also consider just how satisfied you are with your current AC unit when you’re contemplating a replacement. If you’ve largely been satisfied with your AC system’s performance until its recent malfunction, then it could make sense to keep doing repairs.
But if you’ve been experiencing AC issues or inefficiency for a long time, then it’s often a red flag warning sign that you should get a replacement. Today’s AC units can do so much more for a household’s overall comfort needs, including dehumidifying and lowering energy bills.
Advanced HVAC Technology
It’s also important to remember how HVAC technology has advanced a lot throughout recent years, and that AC replacements are now more expensive than they used to be. You should generally only forego repairs when you’re certain that you can afford an AC replacement.
Some of the newest functionalities that you might enjoy in today’s HVAC systems include communicating smart systems, variable speeds, two-stage technologies, smart thermostats, interactive climate controls and much more.
Although some of these features may seem unnecessary, it’s easy to see how today’s AC systems are more eco-friendly, cost-effective and user-friendly as compared to the systems of just 10 years ago!
Rebates & Incentives
If you’re leaning toward getting an AC replacement, you should know that most HVAC businesses offer tax incentives and rebates when you purchase an eco-friendly AC unit.
Be sure to ask about these types of incentives while you’re shopping around for a new unit, because you could end up saving a ton of money on this investment!
Contact Apex Clean Air When You Need An AC Replacement At Your House!
Although you should take the above factors into consideration when you’re deciding whether or not to get an AC replacement, the final decision is ultimately up to you.
We hope that we’ve helped you weigh out your options when it comes to these often expensive home improvement investments, and we also hope that you’re excited about the prospects of getting a new, state-of-the-art AC system.
If you have more questions about your AC unit’s functionality and long-term durability, reach out to the AC replacement specialists at Apex Clean Air by going through the hyperlink located at the beginning of this article!
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