Is Now The Right Time To Replace Your Existing AC System? 3 Important Factors To Consider
Replacing the central air conditioning system is a significant expenditure for most families. Because of the cost involved, many homeowners attempt to put off making this upgrade for as long as possible. Often, however, the benefits of installing new AC components outweigh the initial cost. Homeowners who are currently struggling to decide whether they should go ahead with the installation of a new air conditioning system or wait another season can use these factors to help them make the right decision.
System age
According to consumer data and major manufacturers, the expected lifespan of air conditioning components is somewhere in the 10- to 15-year range. While many AC systems do continue to function well beyond their expected lifespan, homeowners may begin to see a sharp increase in the number of service calls needed to keep the system going.
One way to help determine if the time is right to install a new air conditioning system is for homeowners to add up their recent AC repair bills and multiply that figure by the age of the system in years. If the resulting figure is close to or more than the cost of a new AC system, then it makes financial sense to move forward with installing a new one in their home.
System efficiency
The level of cooling efficiency offered by an existing air conditioning system should also be considered, in both energy costs and occupant comfort. One of the first signs homeowners notice when their existing AC system begins to fail is an increase in their electricity bill. As the AC components age, they operate less efficiently due to internal wear issues. To compensate, the system must cycle on more often and run longer during each cycle, both of which require additional energy.
Homeowners who want to determine whether their existing air conditioning system is using increasing amounts of energy to cool their home can start by comparing their energy bills from the last two cooling seasons. If the kilowatts of electricity used each month increases during each cooling season and there are no other major electricity usage factors in the home to consider, the existing AC system is likely causing the energy bills to rise.
System dependability
A third factor to consider is system dependability. In households where one or more family members depend on a functional, efficient AC system for health reasons, waiting to replace aging components could have serious consequences. For most households, the installation of a new air conditioning system can offer lower energy bills and a more comfortable environment for every member of the family.
To learn more, contact an air conditioning installation contractor in your area.