Upgrading your AC is a big and scary investment, but it is also a worthwhile investment! But, as a homeowner, how do you know when it is truly time to upgrade your air conditioning system? Fairfield-Hamilton Heating & Cooling knows it can be a daunting task! We also know that upgrades are not always the only option. Sometimes repairs are beneficial too. But how can you discern which is the best option for you and your home? How do you know what factors to think about when considering an upgrade? And how can you know who to trust regarding installation? We’ve got you covered! Keep reading so you can learn all about the four w’s to ask when considering an AC upgrade:
WHO?
Who should you trust? First, always only trust a licensed service professional like Fairfield-Hamilton Heating & Cooling. When it comes to major appliances such as your HVAC system, it’s imperative your system is entrusted to the professionals. As the saying goes, “You get what you pay for!” Therefore, you want to choose a company with years of experience and the correct certification. On top of that, as a valuable customer, you want quality equipment, a quality installation process, and quality customer service. So, make sure to do your research and choose a reliable company you can count on in the coming years!
WHAT?
What are the factors you should take into consideration to determine if you need a new AC or not:
- High Costs: Suppose your monthly power bills seem excessively high and have not lowered, no matter how much you try to reduce energy usage. In that case, this indicates that your AC system is no longer functioning at its highest capacity. Another tell-tale sign is if you have paid for multiple repairs for your AC over time and continue to have to do so, the amount of money you are paying, in the long run, is not worth the investment of dealing with an outdated, inefficient AC. So, while we believe repairs are a great option in some scenarios, we also know they are not ALWAYS the best option.
- Irregular Cooling: The purpose of your home’s air conditioner is to keep your home cooled and the temperature regulated evenly throughout your house. So, if you encounter issues with unregulated temperatures, this is a good sign that your AC can no longer operate at its intended capacity.
- Noise & Dust: If you are also dealing with a constant presence of dust within your home – no matter how clean – but cannot seem to keep up. Your ductwork may just be the culprit! Over time, with regular use, ductwork can wear down. If this is the case for you, it may be time to look into whether repair work or a complete upgrade is the best route. Lastly, a loud AC unit is an audible indication that your particular AC model may be incorrectly sized for the square footage of your home. So, if you are dealing with an overly noisy air conditioning system, it’s time to at least schedule a free consultation and estimate to check on what AC would be adequate for the size of your home.
WHEN?
On average, AC units typically last anywhere from twelve to seventeen years. Of course, this is an overall average. Your cooling unit’s lifespan may vary slightly based on the model, usage, and maintenance it has received over the years. Nevertheless, this average timeframe should give you an idea of whether or not your AC is nearing the end of its life.
Why?
Why should you upgrade your AC? Along with the fact that your AC unit may be approaching its end, there are a couple of other reasons that may be strong reasons why you SHOULD upgrade your cooling system.
- Your monthly HVAC costs take up a large portion of your overall energy consumption costs each month. More specifically, these costs should be around 46% of your monthly power bill. So, if you find that the cost of running your AC each month accumulates to over 46% of your power bill, it is time to consider upgrading to a more energy-efficient unit. Although you will be paying for the upfront costs of upgrading your unit, the monthly costs of running a more energy-efficient unit will even out in the long run.
- Most older ACs run off a refrigerant called R22. Unfortunately, this particular refrigerant, which is rather costly, now does not meet modern-day regulations. So, refilling your system with a compatible and regulation-compliant refrigerant could cost you a pretty penny, which is another cost you should consider in your decision-making.
- Newer units are now all moving away from utilizing R22-type refrigerant. Because of this, newer energy-efficient units are more eco-friendly and emit fewer carbon emissions into the air – which is another added advantage!
- A new, modern, energy-efficient AC system will increase the resale value of your home!
Have you still got questions? We completely understand! This is no small decision and needs lots of consideration. Let us help you by contacting us and giving us an opportunity to answer any other questions you may have. All of our highly-trained technicians are NATE certified; we’d love to answer any questions you have prepared for us!
Call Fairfield-Hamilton Heating & Cooling today at (513) 540-1716, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
