No matter the quality of maintenance provided to an air conditioning unit, eventually every AC needs replacing. When making this decision there are various considerations which must be considered such as price or cooling capacity needs.
Age
Air conditioners in homes will eventually need to be replaced as they age, depending on factors like your maintenance practices and energy efficiency requirements. At some point in their lifetimes, they become unusable. When this time comes can vary based on several factors including care taken in maintaining and operating it as well as your energy savings requirements.
Sometimes, it may be possible to extend the lifespan of an older model air conditioning unit by sealing leaks and adding insulation; however, sometimes upgrading is best as it uses less energy while cooling your home more efficiently.
Average HVAC units usually last 15 years before needing replacing. If your current one has outlived that lifespan, it would be prudent to look into replacement options.
No matter the age or model of your AC, regular maintenance is key to keeping it operating efficiently and avoiding major repairs. Unfortunately, even with proper care taken over time, replacement may still become necessary at some point.
Repair Costs
If your air conditioning unit has reached the age where repairs need to be made often, it may be wise to invest in a replacement model. When considering air conditioner replacement Cincinnati, it can be possible to just repair your unit, instead. Repair costs can quickly add up; investing in one will help cut energy costs while providing long-term savings.
The cost of Air Conditioner Repair Services in Massachusetts varies based on the source and scope of damage. Minor fixes, like thermostat replacement or filter cleaning, can typically be completed for around $75 including labor.
Repairing or replacing a failed condenser fan motor could prove more expensive, however. A blower motor’s job is to push conditioned air through your home’s ductwork; when it fails, cool air becomes harder to circulate through its conduits. Labor costs for fixing or replacing such motors typically range between $300 and $1,200 depending on the age and type of unit being fixed or replaced.
Labor rates tend to increase during heat waves or summer months when demand is highest, and AC technicians typically charge an emergency service fee for middle-of-the-night or weekend calls.
Energy Efficiency
Air conditioning systems are one of the largest energy consumers in a home. Older units may consume more power to function, especially those with SEER ratings below 13. Upgrading to more energy-efficient models allows you to take advantage of advances in technology which provide more cooling with reduced consumption – saving both on energy bills and decreasing your environmental footprint simultaneously.
Depending upon your current AC model (seen here) and specifications as well as local electricity costs, upgrading to an energy-efficient AC can save anywhere between 10% to 50% in energy costs. Furthermore, many states provide tax incentives to encourage homeowners to switch.
Inefficient AC systems will cause utility bills to steadily increase over time, even with regular maintenance visits aimed at keeping it running at peak performance. When energy use becomes greater than anticipated, this could be a telltale sign it’s time for replacement.
Newer ACs are designed to be highly energy efficient and may feature features to increase control over how efficiently they operate, such as variable speed fans that run at full capacity only when necessary and two-stage compressors that use only as much energy as is required to cool your house. In addition, these models typically include improved insulation and duct sealing to reduce air leakage that could compromise their effectiveness.
Ductwork
Leakage in your ductwork puts additional strain on your heating or cooling system, leading to early equipment failure and increased utility bills. A professional technician can inspect your ducts and recommend repairs or replacements as necessary.
Ducts can be constructed from various materials, including fiberglass, sheet metal, and plastic; their flexible or rigid nature depends on which size or shape you require (https://insulationinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/AH121.pdf). Rigid ducts typically consist of galvanized steel or aluminum that can be formed into any size or shape desired, while flexible ones typically use spring coils wrapped with thick plastic as flexible spring coils; flexible ducts are much cheaper to install than rigid ducts and may even be shaped to fit tight spaces more easily.
Leaky ducts, clogged or dirty ducts, and improperly positioned vents all limit airflow into your home and can impede its comfort levels. A professional contractor can repair or replace faulty ducts to ensure they are insulated and sealed against air loss and improve indoor air quality.
Dirty ducts can trap dust and dirt particles that then travel throughout the living areas via your HVAC system, potentially impacting family health by contributing to allergies and respiratory conditions. The best way to keep ducts clean is to have them regularly cleaned and sealed by an HVAC professional – doing this can also minimize energy losses while saving money in the long run.
