Air conditioning is essential if you live in the Houston area. When air conditioning does not work, you will be very uncomfortable. It can even be hazardous to the health of an older person. If your air conditioner is going out consistently, You might think about getting a new unit. If you are trying to decide whether or not to get a new air conditioner there are a few things you should take into consideration.
Age Matters
An air conditioner should last you about 10 years. However, with proper care, it can last even longer. Air conditioners that are older than a decade and break down often should be replaced.
Consider the Cost of the Repair
Determining the cost of repair is essential to deciding if you are going to buy a new air conditioner. Call an HVAC specialist and ask for an estimate. In some cases, the HVAC professional may have to come out to the house to give you such an estimate. The specialist will usually be able to give you an idea over the phone.
If the cost of repair is more than half of the cost of a new air conditioner, and the AC is over 10 years old, it is probably best to buy a new unit. You can click here to read more.
Before you do anything, check your manufacturer’s warranty. If your unit is under warranty, the company should be able to provide you with a new air conditioner or pay for any repairs needed. It may even be under a warranty from the store at which you purchase it.
Think About Energy Efficiency
If your energy bills skyrocket every time you use your air conditioner, You may want to consider replacing it with a more energy-efficient unit.
Even if the AC runs just fine, it might be eating up more energy than it really needs to. The amount of money you will save on your bills may justify the cost.
The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) measures how efficiently your air conditioner is working. Air conditioners that have lower SEERs, will result in higher energy bills. The higher the SEER, the less you will pay for electricity and the more environmentally sound your home will be.
Having a green home gives you a good feeling and you may even get a tax break for having an energy-efficient home.
You should get an air conditioner with a SEER of at least 14. You can use an online SEER calculator. The calculator will tell you how much money each individual system will cost you in air conditioning bills.
Regular maintenance on an air conditioning unit will help it to last a long time. Be sure to get professional maintenance at least once a year. If you live in Houston, you probably use your air conditioner more often, so biannual maintenance is always a good idea.
