Air conditioner replacements can really make a difference in your home. If the unit is old and inefficient, the new appliance will save you money on electricity. If it just isn't adequately cooling your house, then chances are you'll save even more with an upgrade to a new one! Here are tips for the best AC replacements.
1. HVAC Equipment Age
If you're replacing an old AC unit, you'll need to consider how new it should be. Even though you can find great deals on used equipment, it's best to get a new air conditioner if the old one is over ten years old. That's because older models may use much more electricity than newer ones. Even if the old unit is a lot less expensive, the cost of running it negates any savings in the initial price.
2. Size
Consider a split system AC, which allows you to control different temperature zones within your home. This can help save on electricity since less space is needed for your unit. Even if the AC is larger than the old one, it will still fit in the same space. If you choose a smaller HVAC model, you'll probably have to pay more for your unit...in addition to paying more for electricity!
3. Energy Efficiency
Modern units are getting great at being energy efficient. They're much more efficient than older models and will save you a lot of money on your electricity bill. Even with older units, it's always a good idea to replace them if they're efficient in any way. The upfront cost may seem out of reach at first, but the savings in energy costs over the next few years will pay for new equipment in no time!
4. Efficiency Rating
A unit's efficiency rating (ER) is one of the best ways to compare apples to apples when buying a replacement AC unit. Most ERs are between nine and 12, but anything above 12 is great. The higher the ER, the more energy your system will save, and it'll cost less for you to run!
5. Service Contract
Like any appliance in your home, there are all sorts of things that can go wrong with an air conditioner over time. The best way to stay on top of your air conditioner maintenance is to get a service contract. For instance, a residential air conditioning installation contract will cover unit replacement, repairs, or labor costs.
6. Warranties
Of course, you'll want to ensure that you're getting a top-notch warranty with your new system. If the equipment is still under warranty, you can usually get free repair or replacement during that warranty. Once the warranty period is over, you may have to pay for any repairs or replacements on your own! A good warranty will cover parts and labor - and some even cover installation!
Conclusion
The best AC replacements will be the new model that's most energy efficient and doesn't consume as much energy as the old one. Even older models can be upgraded to save you money on your electricity bill, so consider getting new equipment if you can afford it!
