Chances are that, if you are seriously considering replacing your air conditioner, you have some good reasons for doubting its continued performance. What you may not realize, however, is that there are actually a whole lot of reasons why you may choose to replace your AC. Some will be obvious, such as a complete breakdown of your system. You really should not wait for such a drastic event to take place, though. Doing so opens you up to a potential period of discomfort.
So, if you're not supposed to run the system right into the ground, how the heck do you decide when to replace your air conditioner? After all, you really don't want to replace the system before its time is up, right? You want the best return possible on the investment that you made in your AC, and part of that means keeping that system up and running as long as possible. Right? Well, not always. Here are some tips to help you decide if it is time for an AC replacement in Wethersfield, CT.
Look Beyond Age
Any mechanical system is going to be working within the confines of a finite lifespan. There is just no such thing as an air conditioning system that will last forever. Does that mean that your air conditioner, which is running fine but is just about at the end of its projected lifespan, needs to be replaced? Or that newer systems are never good candidates for replacement? Of course not.
Age will definitely inform your decisions when it comes to replacing your air conditioner, particularly when deciding between repairs and replacement. It is not the deciding factor that you may expect, though. Keep age in mind, but apply it to other factors in order to get the most out of its consideration.
Consider Energy Efficiency
One big factor to think about along with system age is energy efficiency. If your system is so old that it just cannot live up to its previous efficiency levels, or if it was manufactured at a time when efficiency expectations were laxer, then replacement is probably a good idea even if the system still does the job.
If you have a newer system that has a relatively low-efficiency rating, or if it was improperly sized and is not giving you the efficiency it promised, then a replacement is still worth considering. It stings to replace newer equipment, but if your financial situation has changed, if you have the funds to replace a system that you inherited with your home, or you are sick of overpaying to run an improperly sized system, a replacement will pay off in the long run.
Is It Reliable?
This is the big one. Do not waste money by sinking it into an air conditioner that requires repair, after repair, after repair. There are companies out there that will milk this situation for all that it is worth. If repairs are really starting to add up, or if you have an older system that requires a very expensive repair, a full replacement may actually make more sense financially.
If you have any questions, just give a member of our team a call. We're happy to help you determine if an air conditioning replacement is the right move for you.
Live more comfortably, choose Dynamic Mechanical.