When Should You Change Air Conditioners?
When should you move from your current air
conditioner to a newer model? Is there a right time to make the
switch? With more people concerned about their levels of energy
consumption and the expenses associated with air conditioner use,
these questions are receiving more attention than ever before.
There are several circumstances that warrant the replacement of an
air conditioner with a new unit. The most obvious is when a unit
ceases to function and a qualified technician deems it irreparable.
Of course, it does not require an HVAC expert to recognize that
state of affairs! Other circumstances are a bit more subtle.
For instance, there are times when a unit could be repaired that
still justify making a switch. This is the case when the repair
would allow the AC to work, but at a greatly reduced level of
efficiency. In these cases, it makes more sense to replace the
existing unit than to allow it to limp along for another summer or
two. There’s no reason to maintain a system that is operating at a
high level of inefficiency.
In some cases, it is a good idea to buy a new unit when your current
AC is still functioning. Those who have air conditioners ill suited
to the size requirements of their homes, for instance, may be better
off starting anew than with maintaining the status quo. Those who
made poor purchases of inefficient systems might learn that an
immediate switch could pay for itself in a relatively short period
of time. Those who are considering replacing their heating system
may opt for a heat pump configuration that could render their
existing AC obsolete.
This is also true when one has an older system that is still
functioning. Little by little, air conditioners experience
inefficiency increases. It is an unavoidable consequence of wear,
tear and system aging. Experts recommend considering the replacement
of any system older than ten years because of this. The AC may be
capable of lasting longer, but its energy consumption due to
inefficiency will be so heightened that replacement will offer a
better bargain to the homeowner.
Those are just a few of the situations in which it may make sense to
replace your existing air conditioner with a new model. Your goal is
to keep your home comfortable while keeping operation costs as low
as you can. That means considering both the costs of repair and
those associated with operating an inefficient system.
One thing is certain, there is no reason to wait until a hot August
afternoon to find that you absolutely need a new AC because your
existing one no longer works. It makes more sense to evaluate your
unit annually and to make a switch before significant problems
arise.
About the Author: D. Benjamin is the owner of
iapsales.com LLC - a family business specializing in HVAC products. We
are distributors of
Qmark Heaters,
electric tankless water heaters,
bathroom heaters,
patio heaters, electric heaters,
portable air
conditioners & electric towel warmers. Shop on line at
www.heateroutlet.com for these great home improvement products.
Iapsales.com LLC was established in 2003 and is the sister company to
Innovative Air Products located in historical Exeter, NH. We are a 2nd
generation manufacturers’ rep firm dedicated to providing residential &
commercial heating, ventilation and air-conditioning equipment. We offer
a great selection online at the lowest prices anywhere. We can also be
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