Have you been on the fence about whether or not your current air conditioner needs to be upgraded? We at Beavercreek Heating & Cooling know it can be a daunting process. It’s hard to tell if your HVAC system could benefit from a new upgrade. There are so many what-ifs involved. So, if you suspect that the end of your current air conditioner is near, but aren’t quite sure, don’t let the potential what-ifs dissuade you from considering your options. Keep reading so you can make an informed decision as needed.
WHAT IS THE GENERAL LIFESPAN OF AN AC?
In general, air conditioners last for anywhere from 12 to 17 years. Of course, this is just an average; every unit’s lifespan will vary based on the type and upkeep it received. If your air conditioner is nearing this timeframe, though, there are still a few other factors to consider before making the plunge into purchasing a new upgrade. Oftentimes, repairs are recommended because they are the best option. However, keep in mind that repairs are not ALWAYS the best option.
WHAT DOES YOUR MONTHLY ENERGY BILL LOOK LIKE?
The cost of running your HVAC system can take up to 46% of your overall power bill. So, if your air conditioner costs you more than that to run each month, it may be time to consider upgrading “old faithful.” Just because your current cooling unit is still running, it does not mean it is the most efficient. You may be paying more, in the long run, to keep up with the costs of an old cooling unit.
WHAT KIND OF REFRIGERANT DO YOU USE IN YOUR AC?
Another thing to be aware of is that the older models of air conditioning units required R22 refrigerant, which is now an outdated, unregulated (and very expensive) refrigerant. Due to environmental regulations and with the progression of technology, refilling your old air conditioner with a suitable refrigerant that is regulation-compliant can be pretty costly. Therefore, looking into a newer energy-efficient cooling system may be the best way to keep your home cool. Moreover, utilizing an energy-efficient system is more due to their emittance of less carbon emission, ultimately boosting your home’s IAQ (indoor air quality).
WHAT ARE SOME FACTORS THAT INDICATE IT IS TIME TO UPGRADE YOUR AC?
- Inconsistent Cooling: Consistently inconsistent temperatures in your home are a common indicator that your current cooling system cannot keep up with keeping the temperature in your home properly regulated as it should be. An efficient air conditioning system should not only cool your home, but it should also be able to keep your home’s temperature cool and regulated. If your older cooling system is not doing this, you may be tempted to look into repairs to save money and cut upfront costs. But again, we want to stress that repairs are not always the best option. A new energy-efficient system will immediately cut out the need for continual repairs and should lower your utility bill to help even out all your upfront costs. It indeed could be an excellent investment for you and your home as you will recoup some of the costs down the road. Plus, it will raise the resale value of your house too!
- Unwarranted Noise: Got a loud air conditioner? Although this is normal for older units, it could also mean your particular cooling unit or your ductwork is not appropriately sized for the square footage of your home. Thus, it is stuck in overworking mode, trying to keep up with cooling a home that is too large for its capabilities.
- Mysterious Dust Particles: Perhaps you are encountering issues with unidentifiable dust particles. If there is a constant surplus of dust within your home – no matter how often you clean it – your ductwork may be the culprit. Over time, ductwork can wear down and have leaks reducing the effectiveness of your air conditioner, which keeps your system running continuously and further increases your energy bill.
- High Energy Bills: As discussed earlier, unusually high energy bills are a tell-tale sign that your system is due for an upgrade. Remember: your cooling costs should not account for over 46% of your overall power bill.
WHO SHOULD YOU TRUST TO UPGRADE YOUR AC?
Remember, you should only trust a certified, licensed professional regarding your HVAC system. So, entrusting your AC upgrade to a licensed service professional is imperative. Choosing a reliable company is vital because you want the best for your home and HVAC system. Along with the appropriate equipment, you will want your new upgrade to be adequately sized for your home and correctly installed. On top of that, having a trustworthy company that practices great customer service and one that you can rely on in times of need will make all the difference in your HVAC experience being desirable. At Beavercreek Heating & Cooling, we aim for excellence. We want you to be completely satisfied with our quality equipment, efficient installation process, and excellent customer service.
What are you waiting for? We’d love to hear from you! Call us to ask us any more questions you have or to discuss our financing options. You can reach Beavercreek Heating & Cooling today at (937) 708-8527 or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
