Owning a home entails much responsibility and often necessitates making difficult decisions when the times call for it. Your HVAC system falls into this category. For instance, maybe you have contemplated the efficiency of your older air conditioner to get through the summer. Is your older unit struggling to keep your home cool? How do you make sure it won’t suddenly give out on you in the middle of the summer? With so many questions surrounding older air conditioners and air conditioning upgrades, let us, your esteemed Lewis Center-Powell Heating & Air experts guide you through all considerations that come along with making such a decision.
HOW OLD IS YOUR CURRENT AC?
With the average lifespan of an air conditioner being 12-17 years, if your current unit has stayed around for a while and is exhibiting issues lately, then it’s time to look into upgrade possibilities. Much like your car, upkeep contributes heavily towards how long any AC system will last. So, depending on what type of care yours has gotten over the past years will make all the difference in determining just how much more life can be expected from it. While having an older AC might signify that you need to upgrade, we also know it’s not the ONLY indication – there are a variety of other indicators we should consider together.
HOW OFTEN DOES YOUR AC BREAK DOWN?
If your AC unit has been gradually deteriorating and has required multiple costly repairs — it may be time to invest in a more energy-efficient cooling system. Although fixing the problem is a cheaper option initially, over time, these costs can really add up and become quite expensive. Furthermore, if you keep repairing your air conditioner multiple times over, you take the risk of finding yourself without cool air during the peak heat months. Frequently opting for repairs will only add up and eventually lead to an irreparable breakdown; it’s just not worth leaving yourself vulnerable like that!
HOW MUCH DO YOUR MONTHLY ENERGY BILLS COST?
Are you struggling to keep up with your energy bills? There may be several explanations for why you’re seeing higher-than-expected utility costs, but typically the HVAC system is responsible for about 46% of the monthly energy expenditure. If your AC’s energy consumption is higher than this, it’s probably a sign of inefficient or malfunctioning ACs, as they are prone to wear out over time and require more effort to maintain optimal performance levels. As a result, this can significantly increase your monthly expenses!
By upgrading to a high-efficiency AC, you can not only take advantage of the uninterrupted service it provides but also save money on your energy bills. Though some may be discouraged by the initial investment costs, they should bear in mind the long-term benefits associated with such an upgrade, like reduced repair expenses and lower monthly electricity bills, being just two examples. In conclusion, you should consider all that is involved before moving forward!
HOW OFTEN DO YOU REFILL YOUR AC’S REFRIGERANT?
If your particular AC unit requires the use of R22 refrigerant, it’s important to note that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has banned the use of this refrigerant; it is now unregulated and outdated. Thus, finding a compatible and regulated replacement will be difficult. In addition, refilling with a similar refrigerant can become costly – something to bear in mind before making any decisions.
Although this may seem like a significant inconvenience, it doesn’t have to be all bad news. When you use a newer energy-efficient AC system, you can significantly reduce carbon emissions and promote an eco-friendlier environment for your home. This is because modern-day air-conditioning units do not require the use of outdated refrigerants, which makes them much more energy efficient and beneficial for your home as well as the environment.
If you have any questions, we are here to help! Get in touch with us and allow us the opportunity to answer your inquiries. Furthermore, a free assessment can be scheduled for you so that our team of experts can evaluate exactly which air conditioning model is ideal for your home. And on top of it all, there’s nothing like financing options available at your fingertips, which we offer! So, please don’t hesitate to reach out, and let’s get started on your journey to more efficient cooling today!
Call Lewis Center-Powell Heating & Air today at (614) 490-7530, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
