July 21, 2015
Although repairing your old air conditioner may seem cheaper, replacing it will actually save you much more. With close to 50% of your utility bills being taken up by cooling and heating, it is important to consider a replacement. Old air conditioners tend to be inefficient, thus contributing to a huge energy bill. Moreover, replacing your old air conditioner can save you close to $200 annually while ensuring a comfortable indoor atmosphere. Today’s air conditioners are designed to accommodate a SEER rating of 13, hence their energy consumption is about 30% – 50% less compared to older models.
Some of the things that you need to look out for when you decide to replace your AC include the lifespan, leaking ducts, high levels of humidity in the home, excessive dust, higher electricity bills, and noise. Even then, there are a number of other things that you need to know about air conditioners before attempting to replace your old unit.
Benefits of Central Air Conditioning
If you are desirous of replacing your old air conditioner, consider installing central air-conditioning. This is because there are many benefits that are associated with it, like:
- They produce less noise compared to older air conditioning units.
- They are not cumbersome; hence they can be positioned out of the way.
- They are energy efficient and provide better air flow through the premises.
- They are controlled by thermostats.
- Their duct work can be shared with that of the heating system.
There are also other benefits that will be derived when you replace your old air conditioner with central air-conditioning.
Types of Central Air Conditioners
There are different types of central air conditioners that you can choose from. You will be able to find one that is suitable for your home. The two major types of central air conditioning units are:
- Packaged Unit – With this type of central air conditioner, the compressor, evaporator, and condenser are located outdoors. For this reason, it takes up less space and is easy to install.
- Split system – Unlike the packaged unit, it is only the compressor and condenser that are located outdoors while the evaporator is located indoors. Split system central air conditioners have SEER ratings between 13 and 23, making them very energy efficient.
Selecting the Right Air Conditioner
Choosing the right air conditioner is a very important decision, yet it can be a challenge if you are not sure what to look for. You should invest in an air conditioning unit that will offer a steady and dependable service. Some of the factors to consider include:
- Energy efficiency – This is the reason you are replacing your old air conditioner, therefore go for a high SEER rating because a higher rating means greater efficiency.
- Size – You need an air conditioner that will keep your home cool. A small size may be convenient in terms of space but will not necessarily keep your home cool. On the other hand, an oversized system may not be a good investment. The best way to determine the size of the air conditioning unit that is best suited for your home is by understanding your cooling needs in relation to certain features of your home like exposure and window dimensions.
- Overall built – Pay attention to the compressor, the center of the condensing unit.
- Noise – An air conditioner that produces less noise will be a good bet as you will enjoy cool temperatures without having to put up with noise.
- Lifespan – Go for a conditioner that has a lengthy lifespan with low service needs. This means that you will not spend much money on repairs and overall maintenance, hence your electricity bills will be manageable.
Other Ways a New Air Conditioner Can Save You Money
There are other ways in which replacing your old air conditioner can save you money, such as:
- Maintenance cost – Newer air conditioning units will need less maintenance since they experience less wear and are better constructed.
- Rebates and incentives – You can also save on your electricity bill by installing a new AC through rebates and tax incentives that are available to those who upgrade their ACs.
- Control system – you can include control strategies in your AC so that the system is only used when needed, thus saving you money.
- Energy efficiency and eco-friendliness – Instead of R-22 (HCFC-22), today’s air conditioners use R-410A, which is environmentally friendly and energy efficient.
Replacing your old air conditioner is a major step towards making savings on your electricity bills. Doing so also makes you enjoy the atmosphere in your well-cooled home.
