Did you know that buying a new air conditioning unit can actually save you money? While it sounds like an outright lie, investing in a new AC can save you money in the long run. Trust us, your wallet will thank you. Here’s how it all works:
Cut Energy Costs
AC replacement happens for a reason. As your AC gets older, it becomes less and less efficient. While regular maintenance helps slow your air conditioner’s decline, the loss of efficiency is inevitable. Investing in a new AC means your home will be cooled by a system that’s working at its highest possible efficiency. When your AC is in top condition, it uses less energy to cool your home, resulting in lower energy bills each month. When you buy a new air conditioning unit, you’ll immediately see a significant cut in your energy costs.
Higher Efficiency Ratings
You can also cut energy costs by choosing a high-efficiency unit, determined by the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rating. Your old AC is likely no higher than a 10 SEER unit, and age has made it less efficient than that. The minimum rating today is 14 SEER, making any new AC unit you buy much more efficient than your current system. While you’ll pay more upfront, higher SEER ratings lead to much higher savings throughout the life of the new AC.
Stop Pouring Money Into Repairs
If your old AC seems to be constantly breaking down and needing costly repairs, replacing your system may actually be cheaper than continuing to pay for expensive repairs such as part replacements. If you’re looking at the latest in a string of costly repairs for your AC unit, ask yourself whether it’s more cost-effective to pay for more repairs like this one down the road or invest in a system that most likely won’t have any issues for years after it’s installed. Many homeowners in this situation find that air conditioner installation is actually less expensive than continuing to pay for repairs.
When to Replace Your AC
If you’re struggling to decide whether repairing or replacing your AC is the best option, you’ll need to weigh several different factors. A good rule of thumb is to replace your AC after 10-15 years, but sometimes air conditioners last less time than that. You should also consider AC replacement if you notice the following signs, even if your AC isn’t 10 years old yet:
- The unit needs frequent repairs.
- Your energy bills are rising abnormally.
- The AC still uses R-22 refrigerant.
- There are strange odors or noises coming from the system.
Barker’s Heating & Cooling is the go-to company for College Station AC installation. Contact us today to begin a service request or speak to one of our knowledgeable service representatives.