Summer is just around the corner, and with rising temperatures come the need for cool and comfortable indoor living spaces. But an old and malfunctioning air conditioner can make life miserable and expensive in equal measure. With HVAC units being an essential and expensive investment, it’s important to know when it’s time to replace an outdated or struggling AC system.
This guide will help homeowners understand the signs of a failing air conditioner, the benefits of a new AC unit, and the cost factors involved in replacing an old HVAC system.
Signs It’s Time For An AC Replacement
It’s easy to understand when the refrigerator isn’t cooling properly, but an underperforming air-conditioning system can be less evident at first. These are some telling signs that it’s time to consider an AC replacement.
1. Increase in Utility Bills
One of the main red flags is an increase in utility bills that can’t be explained by house occupancy, increased energy consumption, or seasonal fluctuations. Every AC unit will wear out over time and become less energy-efficient. While preventative maintenance will keep HVAC system energy costs in check, an old air conditioner will strain to maintain temperature control and higher electricity bills.
2. Limited comfort capability
Another sign that it’s time to replace an air conditioning unit is if it struggles to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature. Not getting the desired comfort despite frequent AC repair calls means an AC replacement may be needed. An HVAC system is designed to provide comfort in all climatic conditions, and when an air conditioner loses its ability to do so, it is time to explore other options.
3. Unusual Noises And Smells
Strange noises or smells emitting from any AC unit indicates wear and tear or worse; it might suggest dangerous malfunctions. Routine maintenance checks can prevent a small issue from morphing into bigger repair bills. Still, if the repair’s cost is rapidly becoming more expensive than replacing the air conditioning system, it makes more sense to explore new AC unit options.
Benefits Of Replacing Your AC System
Once homeowners recognize that their AC is no longer serving its purpose, they might hesitate to invest in a new air conditioning system. However, replacing an old HVAC unit could bring many benefits.
1. Better Efficiency and Lower Energy Bills
Modern HVAC units are designed to be more energy-efficient than their predecessors, which can help homeowners save on utility bills. With smarter thermostats and precise temperature control, new systems provide up to 30% energy savings.
2. Improved Indoor Air Quality
Older HVAC systems have a higher risk of circulating lower indoor air quality (IAQ) levels due to dirty filters and ducting systems. With new AC units, the quality of indoor air is greatly improved and safer for the household’s health.
3. Reduced Repair Costs and Improved Reliability
Old air conditioners demand frequent repair and maintenance calls that can be more expensive than an air conditioning replacement. New models are more reliable by design and require minimal repair and maintenance costs for their new lifespan.
AC Replacement Cost
After the decision to replace an old AC, it’s important to get an idea of the cost involved. The AC replacement cost varies based on several factors.
1. Unit size and type
The size and type of the unit affect the initial cost. For example, a ducted air conditioning system is more expensive than a split system.
2. Insulation
Upgrading to a better-insulated home can reduce the amount of work required for an HVAC system to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures.
3. Available space
If the existing HVAC unit in a house is obsolete, it might require additional work or remodeling to cater to a new model.
4. Installation Cost
The installation cost of a new AC unit will depend on the complexity of the setup, and the experienced technicians’ installation and labor costs. An HVAC specialist can help determine the best way to organize the new system, review its installation costs, and provide appropriate advice on the entire project.
Final Thoughts,
Replacing an old and struggling air conditioning system can be an intimidating and costly idea, but upgrading to a new model offers comfort and cost-saving benefits. With several factors determining the cost of replacing an AC unit, it’s important to know what to expect before diving headfirst into upgrading an AC unit. An HVAC specialist should aid in determining the replacement’s viability and provide helpful insights into the best AC unit models for the household.
At Ace Plumbing Services, we offer premier HVAC services around the clock, and our specialists know AC systems inside and out. For installation, maintenance, and HVAC tune-ups, give our experienced team a call at (844) 711-1590 or visit our website at aceplumbingrepair.com.
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