With proper service, your air conditioner will deliver worry-free service for a long time. But, just like any other thing in your house, it will at some point need replacement. Knowing when to replace it is key to prevent costly repairs, higher utility bills and interruptions to your comfort.
When it involves being cool and your residence’s energy efficiency, our Marcos AC & Heating specialists have your best interests at the forefront. There’s a lot that goes into figuring out when your air conditioner should be replaced. Here are several points you should consider when you’re thinking about upgrading your 15-year-old air conditioner.
Age
On average, the Department of Energy says most air conditioners last for 15–20 years. If yours is 15 years old, it’s well past the center point. It’s recommended to get started planning for air conditioning installation before it fails so you aren’t sweltering while you’re waiting for a replacement.
Reliability
How trustworthy is your air conditioner? Does it cool reliably, even on the warmest days? Or is it regularly malfunctioning? When your air conditioner is less dependable it’s time to start preparing to get a new one.
Repair Bills
Over your air conditioner’s life span, it’s anticipated for it to need a few small repairs. But if your air conditioner repair cost is more than half the cost of a new air conditioner, it’s wiser to just install a new one.
Energy Efficiency
Every air conditioner has a SEER rating, which rates how well it consumes electricity to create cold air. If your air conditioner was installed in 2006, it will be at minimum 13 SEER according to federal guidelines. However, your air conditioner loses efficiency as it ages.
Now, 15–18 SEER is a popular number, but efficiency can go as high as the mid-20s. Air conditioners with greater SEER ratings are usually more expensive but may pay for themselves over the years through increased energy savings. And getting an energy-efficient air conditioner, especially one that’s an ENERGY STAR® air conditioner, can make you eligible for extra rebates.
Comfort
Are you cool when your air conditioner is running? Or are you often dialing down the temperature to remain cool? An older air conditioner could have trouble keeping your residence comfy because of decreased efficiency. A modern air conditioner, particularly a variable-speed air conditioner, can lower high humidity and hot and cold spots. Instead of cooling at full speed constantly, these air conditioners operate at multiple speeds to adapt your comfort.
Noise
Your air conditioner should give cooling you can feel, not hear. If noise is a concern, call us about installing a variable-speed air conditioner. Most of these air conditioners run at a sound level that’s similar to a regular conversation.
Smart Thermostat Compatibility
Getting a smart thermostat is a good way to keep up with energy efficiency, with minimal effort necessary from you. And, depending on the rebates offered by your utility company, you may be able to get a free smart thermostat or get one for very little. Most of these thermostats can adjust to your temperature preferences and then make an energy-efficient schedule to match. They also know when you’re at home or away and change settings as necessary.
If you use an outdated air conditioner, a smart thermostat might not work with it. Installing a new air conditioner is a smart approach to ensure smart thermostat compatibility.
Refrigerant Style
If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, it probably uses Freon®. Also called R-22 refrigerant, Freon is no longer being manufactured because of its damaging effects on the ozone layer. You can see if your air conditioner has R-22 by looking at the sticker on the outside unit, which will show the refrigerant kind.
If your air conditioner is running fine, you can keep on using it. However, if it ever experiences a refrigerant leak, fixing the problem will be expensive. That’s since Freon is only available in reduced, recycled amounts.
Newer air conditioners run on Puron®, or R-410A. But you can’t just use Puron in a Freon air conditioner, as pressure requirements are different.
Our Techs Make Air Conditioning Installation Easy
If you’re still deciding whether you should replace your 15-year-old air conditioner now, consider this. The Department of Energy says doing air conditioning replacement for a 10-year-old model can lead to 25–40% in energy savings! And those savings can really add up over time.
We are aware that air conditioner cost is your first question. That’s why collaborating with Marcos AC & Heating for air conditioning installation in Houston and surrounding areas is simple and affordable. Our professionals will help you select the right option for your needs and then review all the possibilities. These include special offers to help you save more and financing for qualified customers to make your new air conditioner work with your budget.
Reach us at 713-469-3357 to request your free, no-pressure estimate right away!