Air conditioning has become so essential to living in the South. The hot, humid climate would be less agreeable to many people without air conditioning; this is especially true in large cities.
Air conditioning systems are one-half of the electro-mechanical HVAC systems. They that provided cost money to install, run, maintain, and repair. People have differing financial pain thresholds concerning such decisions:
For this reason, there is no “one size fits all” approach to air conditioner replacement. Some principles will apply to every approach concerning replacement or repairs.
Limited Lifespan
Air conditioning systems are hearty and rugged, meant to last for years. How rugged are they? If an HVAC system cycles 3 to 4 times per hour year-round, that is between 26,000 and 35,000 cycles yearly. Twenty years is a good average for these systems; an HVAC system might cycle on and off 700,000 times in 20 years. This is quite impressive. If 20 years is average, some systems will last well beyond the mark, and some will fall short. Some folks will gamble that their system will exceed the average, and some will not take the chance.
Maintenance is Key
Since these systems work so hard, no one should be surprised to learn maintenance is required. For this reason, manufacturer’s warranties for air conditioning systems require annual maintenance and frequent air filter changes. Manufacturers know that components get dirty and worn. Regular maintenance checkups ensure that the system is refreshed and repaired. Well-maintained air conditioners run more efficiently, need fewer repairs, and last longer. Maintenance is important for any replacement approach.
Inefficiency is Expensive
When a new HVAC system is installed, it is as efficient as it will be, and heating/air conditioning often consumes half of the home’s energy bill. Over the next twenty years, the system tends to gradually lose efficiency. A new system will use significantly less energy than the old system and after doing the math, an old system nearing ending usefulness can cost $30 to $50 more each month.
The evidence is viewed by homeowners differently, depending on their perspective.
When the time comes for replacement, make sure to pay close attention to the SEER rating of your new system. The larger the SEER number, the better the efficiency of the air conditioner. Better efficiency means less energy and less money to operate the system.
Increasing Jersey Village AC Repair Costs
In the early years of service, repairs are normally infrequent and with a low price tag. As the years progress, repairs increase in both frequency and cost. Often, the determining factor is the failure of a large, key component. Another key factor is the change in refrigerants. The US Environmental Protection Agency has eliminated older Freon formulas.
These old refrigerants are in very short supply since the manufacturers cannot produce more. This makes recharging the system or making a repair that requires refrigerant a very expensive repair, for now. Soon these repairs will be impossible, and a new system will be required.
Northwind Air Conditioning and Heat are the Jersey Village AC Repair experts and can assist in keeping your home comfortable for you and your family. Contact us and get the help you need.