Whether you’re hearing funny noises coming from your AC or your home just isn’t getting as cool as it should, there’s one thing you’re sure to wonder when you make that call for an HVAC technician to check it out: Am I going to need a new system or can they just fix it? All of us want to avoid spending high dollar amounts, but sometimes you can end up spending more in the long run if you try to prolong a system past its life expectancy. Let’s take a look at a few factors that can help you decide what to do.
Life Expectancy of Your System
Most air conditioning systems are made to last from 12 to 15 years, but with proper maintenance, it’s possible for them to last up to 20. If you’ve gotten to the point where you’ve had the system for 12 years or so, you may start to notice little problems with its components more frequently. The first few quick fixes will save you money, but after some time those little fixes along with more frequent maintenance calls will start to add up.
Long story short: You can’t prevent age problems from happening, so the longer you keep your system, the more money you’ll continue to spend. A Snell technician will be able to tell how well your unit has been taken care of and will give you an honest opinion about future potential problems.
Operating Cost
Your old system is not as energy-efficient as today’s models, so even if you keep paying to repair problems, you’ll still see energy bills that are higher than they could be if you replaced your system. Installing a new energy-efficient air conditioning unit could save you 60% on your monthly bills.
Consider all the Components
Keep in mind that each part of your system works with others to boost efficiency and reliability. Replacing your old AC unit with a new higher-efficiency model but leaving your old mechanical thermostat in place will not get you all the savings you could be enjoying. Replacing your outdoor condenser but not the indoor coil can affect the efficiency and longevity of a new unit.
Talk to Snell
We will never suggest that you spend more money than you need to. If we think you can get more time out of your air conditioner, we’ll let you know, and if we think you’re better off replacing the unit, we’ll let you know that too. With Snell Heating and Air Conditioning, you can expect honest expert knowledge every time. Just give us a call.