FinancingTo Repair or Replace your Air Conditioning Unit?
If you own an air conditioner, at some point you’ll have to decide whether to get that next repair or upgrade to a new system.
If you’re leaning towards replacement, you’re in luck. Air conditioners have become much more efficient in the past five years. In fact, they’re so efficient that your utility bill could be reduced by up to 50 percent when you switch to a new model, according to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).
However, sometimes a repair is a better call. The best way to calculate your decision comes down to money. If you’ve had several back-to-back repairs, it may end up costing you more in the long run than replacing your unit. When the weather warms up here in Idaho, you want reliable heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment.
Need a second opinion? At Carrier Cooling Center, we promise to provide an expert and honest assessment of your current unit. We’re committed to helping our Idaho customers make informed decisions. That way, it’s a win for everyone.
To Replace or Repair?
Here are five signs it might be time to “wave goodbye” to your current cooling system:
Your current unit has been operating for 10 to 15 years or more.
You can expect a well-maintained central air system to run at a high-efficiency rate for 15 years at the most. Check your manufacturer’s guide for a more accurate reading of your unit’s expected lifespan.
Your home feels humid.
The evaporator cools your home by removing humidity from the air, converting it to water. Doing so improves comfort and provides balance, improving your indoor air quality (IAQ). As the evaporator begins to age, it loses some of its function. This may leave your home feeling a bit stickier than usual.
Your AC needs constant repairs.
Is your HVAC specialist starting to feel like a roommate? Constant repairs, every few weeks or months, are never a good sign. Instead of getting that next repair, consider switching to a sleek new AC system. Your old and overburdened unit will thank you (and so will your wallet!).
Your home has mixed or inconsistent cooling.
As an air conditioner begins to fizzle out, parts of your home might not feel comfortable enough. On its own, this symptom could point to problems with ventilation or leaks in your ductwork. However, combined with other factors like age, it could warrant replacement.
Selecting A New Air Conditioner
When picking out a new air conditioner, here are a few things to keep in mind:
Size
Just like a sweater, you want an air conditioner that fits your home snugly. Oversized systems use too much electricity; undersized systems won’t provide enough cooling. When researching systems, look for one tailored to your square footage. Sigler offers free in-home consultations, where we can perform calculations to find you the perfect-sized AC.
SEER Rating
SEER is an acronym for “Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio.” The higher the SEER rating, the less you’ll pay for electricity each month. Most units manufactured over a decade ago have a SEER rating of 10 or lower. Thanks to a new 2015 EPA regulation, new air conditioners must have a rating of 14 or higher. That means even the least-efficient systems on the market will still boost your efficiency.
Looking For HVAC Solutions? Let Us Assist!
Carrier Cooling Center is proud to offer premier heating and cooling services to the community here in Idaho. Whether you need a repair, replacement, or maintenance, we can help. You can find our Factory Authorized Dealers in Arizona, Idaho, New Mexico, Nevada, Texas, and California.