Owning a home requires a lot of responsibility and often makes deciding on difficult situations regarding the home a bit challenging. Your air conditioning system also is clumped into this same category. For example, if you have been mulling over the efficiency of your older air conditioner, wondering if it will make it through the upcoming summer, and trying to decide whether you should wait it out or upgrade to a newer unit can be rather overwhelming. We know that making the jump to upgrade is daunting, but at the same time, is it worth risking being left without a functioning AC during the hottest months of the year?
The fact is, if your older system is struggling to keep your home cool, it may be time to seriously consider that upgrade. But how do you know what factors to consider when upgrading your AC? With so many factors surrounding older air conditioners and AC upgrades, let us, your esteemed Milford Heating & Cooling professionals, guide you through all you need to know to make an informed decision.
WHAT IS THE AGE OF YOUR CURRENT AC?
It would be good to note that the average lifespan of an air conditioner is between 12-17 years. So, if your current AC is around this age, then that’s definitely one factor you should consider in your overall decision-making process. Of course, this isn’t the only factor; it just gives you a general timeframe of when to expect your AC will kick the bucket. Depending on what type of upkeep and maintenance your AC has received in the past will make all the difference in your system’s life expectancy.
WHAT IS BETTER: MULTIPLE REPAIRS OR AN UPGRADE?
If your AC unit has been constantly breaking down, requiring multiple repairs over time, you should consider investing in a more energy-efficient AC unit. Although choosing the repair option can be cheaper initially, these costs will add up and become quite expensive in total. Furthermore, you’ll be left with a unit that is held together with temporary band-aid solutions and could still potentially give out on you at any given time. Plus, keep in mind if you keep repairing your air conditioner multiple times over, you take the risk of it suddenly going out on you at the least convenient times. So, frequent repairs will only add up and eventually lead to an irreparable breakdown. In our opinion, it’s just not worth leaving yourself vulnerable like that!
WHAT ARE THE COSTS OF YOUR MONTHLY ENERGY BILLS?
Is it a challenge to keep up with your energy bills? There are several explanations for why you’re seeing higher-than-expected utility costs, but usually, your AC is responsible for around 46% of the monthly energy bills. If your current air conditioner’s energy consumption uses more than this average percentage, this could be a sign of an inefficient or malfunctioning AC. Air conditioners are complex forms of machinery that will wear down over time. This is normal – just like your car wears down with consistent use and age. Some ACs require a more consistent effort to maintain high-performance levels, and even then, as all things do, they will eventually retire, so to speak. As a result, an inefficient and outdated AC can significantly increase your monthly energy bill!
When you choose to upgrade to a modern, high-efficiency AC, you will not only benefit from the uninterrupted and efficient service it provides but also save money on your energy bills. Though it’s easy to get discouraged by the upfront costs, remember that the long-term benefits associated with it, like no more repair expenses and lower monthly energy bills, should be considered in the overall costs factored in.
WHAT REFRIGERANT DOES YOUR CURRENT AC USE?
If your specific AC unit requires the use of R22 refrigerant, it’s important to know that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has banned the use of this refrigerant due to its environmental effects. Therefore, it is now unregulated and outdated. So, finding a compatible and regulated refrigerant to replace can be difficult. Additionally, the price to refill your unit with a compatible refrigerant can be expensive – another cost to factor in before making any decisions.
Although this may seem like a great inconvenience, it doesn’t have to be terrible news. This is because when you use an energy-efficient AC, you can decrease the amount of carbon emissions in your home’s air. Modern-day air conditioners are more energy efficient and beneficial for your home’s indoor air quality as well as the environment.
If you have any questions, we are here to assist you! Call us to schedule a free estimate, and we will send a NATE-certified technician to your home to assess your home’s cooling needs. On top of that, we also have financing options available! So, please don’t hesitate to reach out, and let’s get started on your journey to more efficient cooling today!
Call Milford Heating & Cooling today at (513) 655-5112 or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
