Benefits Of Replacing An Old Stressed AC System
With summer highs in the mid-90s to low-100s and a long cooling season extending from February through November, the endless Texas heat can test your air conditioner’s limits. If you aren’t happy with your current level of comfort or how much you’re spending to cool your San Antonio home, it might be time to consider a system replacement. According to industry data, the average air conditioner is about 12 to 14 years old when it’s replaced. If your HVAC system is nearing this milestone, a replacement can provide a variety of benefits. Let’s take a look at some of the main advantages.
- Increased reliability
- Fewer AC repairs
- Lower ownership costs
- Smaller utility bills
- Increased comfort
- Innovative features
- Improved warranty coverage
- Enhanced peace of mind
Fewer AC Repairs and Reduced Ownership Costs
As AC repair costs increase, the scales gradually tip toward replacement. Equipment age is also a critical factor to consider. For best results, think about how much you’ve spent on repairs in the past year. If you’re facing major repairs or have dealt with a series of minor mechanical problems, a new AC system can provide the desired reliability.
With older air conditioners, there’s always a risk of additional problems striking after you’ve spent money replacing critical parts, which may inflate your ownership costs unnecessarily. Maintenance history also affects the unit’s longevity. If you’ve completed preventive maintenance annually, minor repairs may be enough to restore the system’s performance. On the other hand, if you purchased a home with an air conditioner that’s in poor condition, a lack of maintenance could shorten the system’s lifespan considerably.
Our AC repair technicians can assess the condition of your cooling system, determine the feasibility of repairs and provide personalized recommendations. Here are a few ways to compare your options.
- As a general rule, replacement is the way to go when AC repairs would exceed 50 to 60% of the cost of a new system.
- Alternatively, multiply the age of the system by the estimated cost of repairs. If the product exceeds $5,000, replacement typically delivers the best value.
Increased Cooling Efficiency
In San Antonio and other parts of The Lone Star State, nearly 20% of household energy use goes toward air conditioning, which is substantially higher than the U.S. average of 6%. Additionally, the average family in Texas uses 26% more electricity than residents in other parts of the nation. Because cooling represents a considerable part of residential energy consumption, a well-timed AC replacement can generate substantial short- and long-term savings.
If you’re in the market for a new heat pump or central air conditioner, one of the most important things to consider is the system’s seasonal energy efficiency ratio. SEER ratings give you a numeric representation of the unit’s performance as well as your potential savings. In 2006, the U.S. Department of Energy increased the minimum rating from 10 to 13, and in 2015, the minimum was raised to 14 SEER with a 15 SEER minimum for Energy Star-certified systems.
Based on the performance of base models, new HVAC systems are approximately 20% more efficient than units that were installed 10 years ago. Homeowners who choose a mid-range or top-of-the-line model can lower their cooling bills by 30 to 50%.
- Single-stage air conditioners have budget-friendly price tags and SEER ratings between 14 and 16, which makes them 30% more efficient than end-of-life products.
- Two-stage air conditioners operate at reduced capacities most of the time. With SEER ratings in the upper teens, these systems are 20% more efficient than base models.
- Variable-speed air conditioners typically feature SEER ratings above 20, which can save you more than $5,000 over the system’s lifespan.
Improved Home Comfort
Enhanced comfort is the number one benefit of replacing an old, outdated air conditioner. For best results, our installers will assess your home from top to bottom to accurately measure your cooling needs and select a properly sized unit. When it comes to central HVAC systems, bigger isn’t always better. Detailed load calculations ensure that you aren’t paying for more equipment than you need. They’re also vital for promoting optimal airflow and maintaining ideal humidity levels throughout the spring and summer. Here are a few ways that a new air conditioner can upgrade your comfort.
- If your air conditioner struggles to cool your home no matter how long or hard it works, a replacement can eliminate hot and cold spots and deliver the comfort that you deserve.
- Thanks to improved cabinet insulation and variable-speed motors, new AC systems have whisper-quiet noise levels below 60 decibels.
- Improved technology reduces airflow rates to remove more humidity, which can help your home feel cooler and more comfortable.
- Variable-speed air conditioners equipped with multispeed fans deliver more consistent comfort with fewer temperature swings.
- New air conditioners maintain precise temperatures within one-tenth of a degree of the thermostat setting.
If you’re ready to replace your air conditioner, consult our AC repair technicians. We can inspect your cooling system, provide unbiased recommendations and prepare a free estimate.