Do You Need A New Air Conditioner? Questions To Ask
Do you need to replace your air conditioner before the summer swelter starts? If this is your first experience with AC systems or you are not sure which option to choose, take a look at the questions to ask before you shop for an air conditioner.
Should You Replace Your Air Conditioner?
Before you start shopping, make sure you actually need to replace the existing system. While a new air conditioner may sound like a good idea, it may cost you in unnecessary purchase and installation charges. If you are not sure whether you really need to replace your AC, consider:
- The System’s Age: According to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors, the average lifespan of a central air conditioner is between 7 and 15 years. If your system is at the upper end of this range, you may need to replace it.
- The Type of Air Conditioner: Even though a central system could last for 15 years, other AC units may have different lifespans. If you have a window unit or a mini-split air conditioner, ask the contractor whether you need a replacement.
- The Number of Repairs: How many times do you need to call the AC contractor each year? If your system is in a near-constant state of disrepair or consistently requires pricey upgrades, you may want to replace it now.
- Your Personal Preference: Do you have window units that do not completely cool your home? If you’re ready for an AC upgrade, it’s time to replace the system.
- Your Energy Bills: An older or poor quality air conditioner can cost you in high electricity bills. This means you may need to replace an inefficient system with one that conserves energy.
After you decide to replace your air conditioner, take the next step and choose a new model or system. While you could replace the air conditioner with a similar or the same cooling system, brand, or model, you have other options too.
What Type of Air Conditioner Do You Need?
You are ready for a replacement, but you’re not sure which air conditioner to choose. To make the most of your home’s cooling capacity and keep the interior comfortable all summer long:
- Talk to a Professional: A qualified HVAC contractor can help you to select the right air conditioner for your home’s needs. The contractor can inspect your home and the current air conditioner and recommend replacement options.
- Don’t Make Price the Only Factor: Are you tempted to choose an air conditioner by price? Even though a cheaper system can save you money upfront, it could cost you more in repair or premature replacement costs.
- Assess Your Home’s Cooling Needs: Do you only need to cool part of your home? If you answered yes, a mini-split ductless system can cool specific areas or zones. But if you want to keep every space cool, you will need a central system.
- Consider Energy Needs: Are your home’s energy bills higher than you’d like? While a new system won’t guarantee a significant change in how much you pay for electricity, the right upgrade may use less energy.
Along with these factors, consider whether you want a ducted or ductless system. If your home doesn’t have ducts or the ducts are old, worn, or damaged, you may want to explore a mini-split ductless option. A mini-split air conditioner provides cooling in the summer and heating in the winter – minus the need for ducts, vents, or radiators.
Are you ready to replace your home’s air conditioner or central system with a new, energy-efficient model? Contact Baton Rouge Air Conditioning & Heating for more information.
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