When Do I Need a New AC?
One of the most difficult parts of adulting these days is making big decisions such as when you should spend money on things like a new air conditioner (AC). Air conditioning systems can be expensive, and although they can provide a great deal of added comfort in the hot summer, they are not as critical as basic necessities and not as exciting as favorite hobbies or planned vacations.
Ultimately, you will have to decide where air conditioning falls on your overall priority list for your Austin home, but our AiRCO Heating and Cooling team has some tips on the best times for an air conditioning replacement. Consider the following factors when making this big decision.
Remember Ancient Air Conditioners Are Inefficient
The typical air conditioner has a life span of 10 to 15 years with normal use. Excessive use, extreme temperatures, and poor maintenance can shorten that time frame. However, if you have mild summers and are not home very much, your usage may be lower and your air conditioner’s life span may be longer. In this case, replacing your air conditioner may not be as high of a priority as other items.
The bottom line is that older air conditioners will require more repairs, operate less efficiently, and cost you more money in terms of energy consumed. As your air conditioner ages, you should consider replacing it with a new system to save you money in the long run.
Understand New Models Are More Energy Efficient
Air conditioners are constantly being improved each year, and energy efficiency is always a top priority for air conditioning manufacturers. If you look at models over the years, you will see that each new model always make strides in improving efficiency.
Environmentally sustainability and conserving energy are key priorities for society these days. When you choose to invest in a more energy-efficient model, you will be helping to not only save your family money, but you will be conserving resources for future generations.
Check out ENERGY STAR® ratings to learn more about specific models and how energy efficient they are. ENERGY STAR, a program from the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), exists to encourage energy efficiency. Learn more about their ratings, and pay attention to the scores of individual makes and models when it’s time to buy.
Evaluate Air Conditioner Performance and Indoor Air Quality
If you are spending the money to run an air conditioning system, you want to be sure it actually delivers cool air to the rooms you require. Consider how well your home is cooled, how evenly your temperatures stay, and how quickly your home cools down.
Sometimes, a simple inspection and tune-up from one of our AiRCO Heating and Cooling professionals can improve your system’s performance. However, if you find the tune-ups don’t help that much or you are accumulating a great deal of repair bills, you may want to consider investing in a new system for your Texas home. You can speak with one of our experts to assess your individual situation.
Since most people spend the majority of their time inside, you will also want to consider how your air conditioning system affects your indoor air quality. A well-functioning air conditioning system will reduce humidity and help manage common household allergens like mold, dust, and pet dander. Although you may want to consider a more sophisticated filtration system if you want to specifically address air quality, a newer air conditioning system can assist in some indoor air quality issues.
Learn More From the Professionals
Our trained and certified experts at AiRCO here in Round Rock and Austin Texas can provide detailed information about makes and models of air conditioners. If you would like to discuss the decision with our professionals or have questions you would like answered, call us at 512.537.1234 or request service online today.