Are you deciding whether to repair your air conditioner or upgrade it? We understand that making this selection can be an overwhelming process. That’s why, as your local HVAC specialists at Upper Arlington Heating & Air, we strive to arm you with all of the necessary facts so that you can effectively choose what is best for your home.
HOW WILL YOU KNOW WHEN IT IS TIME TO UPGRADE YOUR AC?
You Own an Older Air Conditioner:
Are you aware of how many years your air conditioner has been in use? On average, an AC unit can be expected to last between 12-17 years. Of course, this timeframe varies depending on the care and upkeep it receives throughout its lifespan, much like a vehicle that needs regular inspections for optimal performance. With proper maintenance, annual checkups, and servicing – your air conditioning system will likely stay running longer than expected!
You Experience Inconsistent Temperatures:
An air conditioning system is designed to cool your home and keep the temperature regulated. When it struggles with regulating temperatures, this indicates that its effectiveness has decreased significantly. Pay attention to any signs of irregularities in your AC’s performance to ensure that you stay comfortable throughout the year.
You Have to Pay for Frequent Repairs:
While attempting to repair your air conditioner may appear to be the more economical option, investing in repairs multiple times over can add up quickly. This will leave you with a system that is not guaranteed to make it through the next season, so when considering an AC upgrade, don’t just look at upfront costs; be sure to factor in all associated expenses! Don’t let only the initial cost determine whether or not you choose an upgrade; take into account every single cost involved and weigh out both keeping your old unit versus upgrading to a new one.
You Have Raised Monthly Energy Bills:
Struggling with excessively high energy costs each month, despite attempts to reduce them? According to industry regulations, air conditioning units typically take up 46% of your monthly utility expenses. If you’re experiencing higher than that percentage for cooling usage, then it might be time to explore replacing your current system with a more power-efficient model. Still, though, this is all within the scope of what’s expected! As air conditioners age, their performance decreases. This means that your system will need to work much harder in order to produce cool air and maintain the temperature of your home. Consequently, this can cause a spike in energy costs every month. Therefore, it’s important to consider this extra expense when budgeting for AC maintenance.
Your AC Uses R22 Refrigerant:
If you have an older cooling unit, it likely requires the use of R22 refrigerant, a now-banned refrigerant discouraged by the EPA for its harsh impact on the environment. Because this gas is no longer accessible when your air conditioner requires a refill and runs out of freon, replenishing it can be an expensive task that may take some time in order to find compatible and regulation-compliant coolant. This is yet another factor you should account for this additional cost while making decisions about which AC system is right for you.
Despite this, there is still reason to be hopeful. For instance, if you choose to upgrade to an energy-efficient air conditioner that’s been built with modern technology, they are less likely to give off high carbon emissions, leading to fewer health risks for both you and your loved ones – a positive benefit in our opinion!
We hope this information has illuminated other considerations you may need to make when considering upgrading your AC unit. If you have any inquiries or want a free estimate from one of our NATE-certified professionals, we’d love to assist! Call Upper Arlington Heating & Air today at (614) 490-7507 or schedule an appointment now by clicking here!
