Air conditioners are essential appliances that make the hottest days of summer bearable. However, prolonging the life of your old AC with extensive repairs might not be the right move. It costs you more for maintenance and cooling costs.
In many cases, an AC replacement will keep your home more comfortable while saving money on utility costs. Here are the main things to look at when choosing an AC replacement.
Make Sure to Get the Right Size
The most crucial individual element of choosing your next AC is selecting the correct size or fit for your home. Your living space has a specific cooling load, typically expressed in terms of power. That measurement is what’s going to determine the size of your AC replacement, but it’s no simple matter.
It’s easy to find a table online that will give you an approximate cooling load for the square footage of your home. But this is only one part of the puzzle. There’s so much more to consider, like the following:
- Do you have more than one floor?
- What type of foundation do you have?
- Is your attic or roof insulated?
- What is the thickness and construction of your exterior walls?
- What are the average and high temperatures where you live?
You need a professional to apply these factors when sizing an AC replacement correctly.
If your AC is too small, you aren’t going to get enough cooling. As a result, your house will be too warm and have uneven cooling distribution. On the other hand, if the AC is too large, you’re going to be wasting money on an oversized and overpowered unit.
Evaluate Your Options Thoroughly
Replacing your current AC with a newer, more efficient model of the same size and type is probably the simplest option. But it isn’t your only option. You should consider how you could benefit from getting an AC replacement of a different type.
Many homes have central air conditioning that relies on ducts to circulate cool air. This system is great if you have it or have a home with ductwork already connected. Otherwise, it’s challenging to install in existing homes. It also presents a problem if you have expanded your home because the system might be too small.
If this is your situation, you might consider installing a mini-split air conditioner. These ductless units are incredibly efficient and offer excellent temperature control. They’re also easy to install, much easier than expanding an existing central system to account for expansions.
Choose Energy Efficient Models
One of the best reasons to get an AC replacement is the increased energy efficiency of newer models. Even if your older unit still provides adequate cooling, you could save a lot of money on cooling costs with a newer model.
Luckily, there is a standard metric for AC efficiency: The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating (SEER). This number ranges from 13 to 21 for ACs, with 21 being the best. Think of it as comparing a new car’s MPG to find the best choice.
With how much energy an air conditioner uses, it’s going to be a considerable portion of any utility bill. That means that even a slight improvement in efficiency will provide significant savings over time. So always choose a highly efficient AC replacement.
Determine Your Budget
When you start googling for an “AC replacement near me,” try to get a clear idea of how much you’re looking to spend. That is going to impact your options. Consider long-term and short-term budgeting together because you must consider energy savings.
If a more expensive unit with higher efficiency, or more advanced units like mini-splits, are beyond what you can afford right now, you might consider financing. Energy savings can lead to savings in the long run, so your AC replacement is a type of investment.
Take Maintenance Into Consideration
Every type of air conditioning system requires some maintenance to last longer and provide optimal cooling. When making your decision, consider how significant the maintenance commitment is going to be.
Choose a model from a reliable brand with a reputation for quality AC units. This will ensure that your AC replacement won’t require excessive repairs. Annual AC tune-ups can lower your maintenance costs by catching any problems before worsening and providing optimal energy efficiency.
AC Replacement in Derry, NH
Paul The Plumber provides HVAC services. We install, repair, and replace AC units of any type or size, so you can trust our team to deliver quality service that you can rely on. Contact us today to get your quote on an AC replacement and to discuss which type, size, and model AC is the right choice for you.
