Buying a new air conditioner can be an intimidating decision. Air conditioners are a big investment, and that is before you account for the installation cost, the time spent on deciding, and everything else that goes into getting a new air conditioner installed. Still, it can often be the right choice, and there a lot of ways in which a new unit can save you a lot of money in the long term.
One way to determine if it is time for you to get a new air conditioner is to talk to your HVAC professionals at Galmiche & Sons heating & air conditioning in St. Louis. We can help assess whether your current air conditioner has much more working life left, or if it is time to think about replacement. There are a few simple ways to tell, however.
Is It Time for a New Air Conditioner?
The basic rule of thumb is that you want to replace your air conditioner when the overall cost of repairs becomes more expensive than the cost of replacement. To determine this, you will want to multiply the cost of repairs in the past year by the age of the unit. If this is greater than the cost of a new air conditioner, it is time to replace.
The logic here is simple. Once your air conditioner starts to need more and more repairs, you are losing more money on keeping the old unit versus buying a new one. It is not just the cost of repairs though. An older air conditioner is not going to work as efficiently, which means your energy bills are higher. Another basic rule is that most residential heating & cooling systems last for around 15 years. If your unit is between 10-15 years old, you are probably just about due for a new air conditioner.
It Is All in the Upgrade
Replacing your air conditioner also gives you the opportunity to upgrade to more efficient and higher quality units. There have been a lot of advancements in HVAC systems recently, and you are likely to find a new air conditioner that is much more energy efficient than your old one. This is great for the environment, but it is also good for your energy bills.
Plus, new units aren’t made with R-22 refrigerant, which is currently being phased out by the EPA and so is very expensive to replace. A new air conditioner will eliminate your need for R-22 refrigerant, give you more eco-friendly options, and you might even be able to access rebates and other discounts for buying energy-efficient units.
Choosing Your New HVAC Unit
Look at replacing your air conditioner as an opportunity to get everything you want out of your new air conditioning system. Energy efficiency and the savings that come along with it might be important to you. Or, you might look for an air conditioner with central air purification built in to help with allergies or asthma. Finally, new systems offer a lot more control over how your HVAC system functions. You will have more fine-tuned control over the temperature and time settings, and these high-tech systems can even make it easier to assess potential problems.
Find Out More About the Best Choices in New Air Conditioning Units
To learn about your options for a new air conditioner and how replacing your air conditioner can help you save money, get in touch with the heating & air conditioning experts at Galmiche & Sons in St. Louis online on by phone. We can be easily reached at 314-993-1110.
