Having a home air conditioning system is a must to stay comfortable during the hot summer. Just like any other system in your household, your air conditioner will need to be replaced about every decade to keep your home cool and your energy bills in check.
If your existing air conditioner is 15 years or older, you may want to consider replacing it soon. Here’s why.
Efficiency
One of the most desirable reasons to replace your outdated air conditioner is to improve its efficiency. Older AC units have much lower operating efficiencies than modern units. For example, it’s typical for units over 15 years old to have a seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) rating of about 10 to 13. Modern-day units have a standard of 14 or higher.
It’s estimated that upgrading from a standard efficiency outdated air conditioner to a modern standard efficiency air conditioner can save you about 20% to 40% on your cooling costs throughout the year. If you upgrade to a high-efficiency air conditioner, you could receive cost savings of 50% or more. The more efficient your air conditioner is, the more money you can save on your energy bills throughout the summer.
Refrigerant Phase-Outs
Over the years, many different refrigerants have been used in air conditioning systems. Unfortunately, the ones in the past have contributed to issues like global warming. Because of this contribution, the government is actively phasing out old refrigerants to prevent these unfortunate issues.
If your system still uses R22 or R410A refrigerant, the capabilities of recharging your refrigerant will diminish year by year. Because the supplies of these refrigerants will drop, their price is likely to increase. It’s typically best to upgrade to a new air conditioner that uses one of the newer AL2 refrigerants which are much safer and in abundance.
Repair Costs
If you notice your air conditioners needing frequent repairs, it’s usually a sign it’s time to upgrade. Continuing to spend money on expensive components like compressors and coils simply doesn’t make sense for aging systems. If the AC repairs for your existing system will cost one-half or more of the total cost of a new system, it’s more cost-effective to simply get a new air conditioner.
Comfort
Apart from rising energy costs, one of the biggest complaints homeowners have about aging air conditioners is their inability to adequately cool their homes evenly. Over time, you’ll notice your air conditioner just doesn’t seem to be getting your rooms as cold as they once were. Your living room may feel hotter than normal while your bedroom may feel cooler.
Instead of just constantly adjusting the temperature down in your thermostat and overworking your existing air conditioner, it can be helpful to simply replace it with a new one that’ll be adequately able to keep your home comfortable without increasing your energy bills.
Warranty
It’s standard for most all air conditioners to come with a manufacturer’s warranty to cover the cost of replacing defective system components. These warranties can last anywhere between 10 and 12 years. Some manufacturers offer an extended warranty that lasts about 15 years. However, 15 years is about the maximum warranty period you’ll find.
If your unit is over 15 years old, it’s highly likely your warranty coverage is expired. This can leave you paying out of pocket if your unit unexpectedly breaks down. If you purchase a new unit, it comes with a brand-new warranty. This can bring you peace of mind because you know if anything unexpected happens, you won’t have to pay the high cost of repairs to get your system back up and running.
New Technology
Newer air conditioners come with a plethora of new technology that many older systems simply don’t have. A popular upgrade is variable speed compressors that can adjust the operating capacity of your unit depending on your specific needs. It’s common for most older air conditioners to function either at full capacity or off.
Newer air conditioners can function at say 50% capacity, 70% capacity, or even 100% capacity depending on how much cooling you need at a particular time. By having this variable speed compressor, your system can use less energy to keep you comfortable. It’s also important to note that newer air conditioners are compatible with smart home technology, like smart thermostats, which can make their operation easier and more functional for your family.
Safer Operation
One key benefit of upgrading to a new air conditioner is modern-day AC units are much safer. Many new systems have built-in surge protectors that protect their sensitive internal electronics from permanent damage. Many have automatic shut-offs for refrigerant and sensors to detect when there’s an issue.
Newer systems have better wiring that can reduce your risk of experiencing an electrical fire. As with upgrading anything, you’re getting safer, newer components that can go a long way in providing you with peace of mind about the operation of your air conditioner.
Aging Heating System
It can be helpful to assess the state of your heating system before making a decision on whether upgrading your air conditioner is ideal. If you have an aging heating system that’s over 15 years old, it may be time to consider upgrading both.
You may want to consider investing in a heat pump or ductless mini-split system that offers both heating and cooling for your home. Heat pumps offer a much higher operating efficiency, especially during the winter months, and make you eligible to receive the highest tax credits available.
Tax Incentives and Local Rebates
One factor to consider in your decision of whether to upgrade your outdated air conditioner is the tax credits and local rebates you can take advantage of. When you purchase an ENERGY STAR-compliant air conditioner, you can receive a tax credit from the federal government under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. This rebate amount will vary depending on the cost of your system, the type of system it is, its efficiency rating, and so much more.
Apart from the federal tax credit, you may also find that your local state and municipality government also offer incentives. Many local utility companies will provide you with a one-time credit for your energy bill when you purchase a new ENERGY STAR-rated air conditioner for your home. These tax credits and local rebates can help you recoup some of the upfront cost of purchasing your new air conditioning system and make it more manageable to do.
Higher Home Value
Investing in a new air conditioning system can increase the resale value of your home. If you plan on selling anytime in the near future, this upgrade could be what sets the sale price higher and brings you more profit on your home sale.
Reliable AC Replacement Service
Fox Heating, Cooling & Plumbing offers reliable AC services in Wheat Ridge, CO. Our team of expert technicians can assist with all your AC new installation, maintenance, and repair needs. Just give us a call today to schedule your next service consultation.
