Replace Your AC Now To Beat the Summer Heat!
As summer kicks into high gear, so do air conditioners everywhere - well, certainly in Florida, anyway. And as the units work hard to ward off the heat and humidity of the summer months, many of them won’t handle the load. Some will need a basic tune-up, some will need repairing, and some will break down entirely.
Other units that seem to run fairly well may be operating with diminished efficiency either because they’re outdated or incorrectly sized for the home - which can drastically inflate the monthly energy bills. So instead of shelling out extra cash for utility bills and repairs or waiting until the unit kicks the bucket on a hot, muggy day, why not replace that old unit in advance? Here are three big reasons to upgrade the AC this summer.
A More Efficient Unit = Lower Bills
The first reason to replace an old AC has to do with energy efficiency. HVAC technology has seen incredible progress in the last two decades alone, and a big part of that progress has been improving electrical efficiency. Many older units just weren’t designed with the efficiency ratings of today’s models. The Department of Energy estimates that homeowners can save anywhere from 20 to 40 percent on heating and cooling costs by upgrading to an energy-efficient system.
There are several types of energy-saving air conditioners to choose from today, each with different features to suit the unique needs of a given household and climate. In general, when looking to save money on utilities with a more efficient AC, homeowners should look at units bearing the EPA’s Energy Star label, which denotes superior energy efficiency.
A Newer Unit = Fewer Repairs
The second reason to consider upgrading the AC is that older units tend to require more repairs. Fan belts and bearings wear down, blower motors burn out, refrigerant lines and coils crack and leak. As the unit ages (especially beyond 12 years or so), issues like these will arise with more and more frequency.
Eventually, the cost of service calls, repairs, and replacement parts will begin to snowball. Once this begins to happen, it’s unlikely to stop until the compressor or other very expensive component quits work. It makes much more economic sense to invest in a new unit before the old unit becomes a money pit.
A Correctly Sized Unit = A Longer-Lasting Unit
There are several reasons an older unit may not be the correct size for the home. The algorithm for determining the correct size was not as precise in years past as it is now; the unit may have been the wrong size to begin with; new rooms may have been added to the home (or walls taken out), etc.
In any case, it won’t do homeowners any good to hang on to an incorrectly sized unit - it’s only going to cost them more in the long run and likely won’t keep the home consistently comfortable. Of course, when shopping for a replacement, it’s crucial to hire a pro to ensure the new unit is the ideal size for the home.
About Boutwell’s Air Masters
The friendly experts at Boutwell’s Air Masters have serving Pensacola, FL since 1973. They take pride in their hassle-free and convenient scheduling, prompt arrivals, and fast turnarounds. They provide tailored solutions, up-front pricing, financing, and membership perks. Call now for air conditioning services!
