With ample upkeep, your air conditioner will deliver worry-free service for many years. But, like any other thing in your house, it will ultimately need to be upgraded. Knowing when to replace it is important to avoid pricey repairs, expensive utility bills and interrupted comfort.
When it includes being cool and your house’s energy efficiency, our Willco Air Conditioning, Refrigeration & Heating Inc. professionals have your best interests at heart. There’s a lot that goes into figuring out when your air conditioner requires replacement. Here are several points you should consider when you’re thinking about replacing your 15-year-old air conditioner.
Age
Typically, the Department of Energy says many air conditioners work for 15–20 years. If yours is 15 years old, it’s well past the center point. It’s wise to get started preparing for air conditioning installation before it goes out so you aren’t sweltering while you’re waiting for a replacement.
Dependability
How reliable is your air conditioner? Does it cool reliably, even on the toastiest days? Or is it regularly malfunctioning? When your air conditioner starts becoming less trustworthy it’s time to begin preparing to get an updated one.
Repair Bills
Over your air conditioner’s life cycle, it’s normal for it to need a few minor 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 comes with a SEER rating, which rates how efficiently it consumes electricity to produce cold air. If your air conditioner was installed in 2006, it will be at least 13 SEER according to federal laws. However, your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it ages.
Now, 15–18 SEER is a popular ranking, but efficiency can go as high as the mid-20s. Air conditioners with greater SEER ratings are typically costlier but might pay for themselves over time through more energy savings. And getting an energy-efficient air conditioner, especially one that’s an ENERGY STAR® air conditioner, can make you eligible for added rebates.
Comfort
Are you comfortable when your air conditioner is running? Or are you continuously dialing down the temperature to remain cool? An aging air conditioner may struggle to keep your residence comfy as a result of lower efficiency. An updated air conditioner, particularly a variable-speed air conditioner, can lower high humidity and hot and cold spots. Instead of running at full speed constantly, these air conditioners run at multiple speeds to adapt your comfort.
Noise
Your air conditioner should deliver cooling you can feel, not hear. If noise is bothering you, ask us about getting a variable-speed air conditioner. Many of these air conditioners operate at a sound level that’s similar to a regular conversation.
Smart Thermostat Compatibility
Adding a smart thermostat is a wise way to maximize your energy efficiency, with very little effort needed from you. And, depending on the rebates provided by your utility company, you may be able to get a free smart thermostat or get one for very little. Many of these thermostats can adjust to your temperature preferences and then create an energy-efficient schedule to match. They also know when you’re at home or out and about and alter temperatures as necessary.
If you use an aging air conditioner, a smart thermostat might not work with it. Getting a new air conditioner is a wise method to ensure smart thermostat compatibility.
Refrigerant Style
If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, it likely runs on Freon®. Also called R-22 refrigerant, Freon is no longer being produced because of its bad effects on the ozone layer. You can see if your air conditioner uses R-22 by looking at the sticker on the outside unit, which will show the refrigerant style.
If your air conditioner is operating fine, you can keep on using it. However, if it ever has a refrigerant leak, solving the problem will be expensive. That’s because Freon is only available in limited, recycled amounts.
Newer air conditioners have Puron®, or R-410A. But you can’t just use Puron in a Freon air conditioner, because pressure requirements are different.
Our Technicians Make Air Conditioning Installation Stress-Free
If you’re still trying to decide whether you should replace your 15-year-old air conditioner soon, think about 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 build up over the years.
We realize that air conditioner cost is your number one question. That’s why partnering with Willco Air Conditioning, Refrigeration & Heating Inc. for air conditioning installation in Sussex County and surrounding areas is simple and affordable. Our technicians will help you find 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 fit your budget.
Call us at 973-270-9244 to request your free, no-pressure estimate now!