HVAC Replacement: When Do I Need a New AC Unit?

Many factors go into deciding when it is time for an HVAC replacement, whether you are considering replacing your furnace or a new AC unit.  Some of these factors are plainly obvious to nearly everyone, such as frequent repairs and higher energy bills.  However, you may not have considered a few factors when it comes to HVAC replacement. Age of Units One reason to consider HVAC replacement is the age of your unit.  If your air conditioner is more than ten years old, it may not be as efficient as a new AC unit would be.  New units can save up to 20 percent on cooling costs, and those savings could significantly offset the cost of the unit itself.  Really, who enjoys paying extra money to the electricity provider or local gas company? Frequent Repairs If you considered inviting the air conditioning repairman to Thanksgiving dinner because he is at your house so often it seems he’s like a member of the family, it might be time to consider a new AC unit.  Even worse, if your energy bills have become so high that you’re afraid they may arrive in a box rather than an envelope, your unit may have become less efficient, and HVAC replacement could save you money in the long run. Noisy Air Conditioner If you have to turn up the television when your air conditioner kicks on, it may be time to consider a new AC unit.  A noisy air conditioner could indicate that the indoor coil needs replacement or the duct size may not be sufficient, both of which could be more costly to repair than to replace. Home Energy Yardstick Energy Star offers a Home Energy Yardstick, a simple home assessment that compares your home’s energy use with similar homes across the country.  The online test takes about five minutes to complete, and all you need are your energy use and costs for the past year, the type of energy sources you used, and the square footage of your home.  If your Home Energy Yardstick rating is below 5, your home energy use is above average and you are probably paying more than you should for energy bills.  Therefore, HVAC replacement is an economical solution. For more information on HVAC replacement or new AC units, visit Spencer AC & Heating online, and be sure to connect with us on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and LinkedIn!