Are your summer electricity bills too high, or do you wish your home was more comfortable on hot days? If so, it may be time to consider an air conditioner replacement. A new AC shouldn’t be an expense, though. Planned carefully, it will be an investment that pays off for years with lower energy bills and higher comfort. Here are five things to consider when trying to figure out if it’s the right investment for you:

Older Than 10 Years Old

The basic rule of thumb is to think about replacing any air conditioner that’s older than 10 years. The main reason is that AC technology is always improving. Between manufacturers trying to better each other to win your business and new government regulations designed to protect the environment, new models are far more energy efficient than models from a decade ago. Even if your current AC is operating at maximum efficiency, a new AC installation might be able to cut your energy use by 20 percent or more.

Need for Constant Repairs

Energy savings aren’t the only reason to switch. As your AC ages, normal wear and tear will require more and more repairs to keep it running smoothly. While a good AC repair technician can prolong the life of your system, there is no way to avoid repairs altogether. Eventually, you will get to the point where you need frequent repairs or have to replace a major part and it will make better financial sense to replace your AC instead. When you ask for a repair quote, consider also asking for a free estimate on a new system and factor in the energy savings of the new system to decide if the repair is worthwhile.

Uneven Cooling

If rooms in your home are too hot or too cold, it may be a sign that your air conditioner isn’t properly sized. It might be too small because you’ve added a room or because the original builder wanted to cut costs when they installed the first AC. It might also be too large due to a misguided attempt to improve your home’s comfort. Either way, an AC that isn’t the optimal size adds to your energy bills, doesn’t properly distribute air throughout your home, and is likely to wear out faster.

Take Advantage of New Technology

AC technology improvements have done more than just improve energy efficiency. They’ve also improved comfort. Here’s how:

• Programmable thermostats save energy while you’re at work or asleep, and then have your home back to a comfortable temperature when you return or wake up.
• Air conditioners capable of running with high-efficiency filters keep your indoor air quality high.
• Variable speed air conditioners help keep your home at a consistent temperature and save energy on the days when you don’t need full-power cooling.

Reduce Noise

Is either the inside or outside unit of your AC too noisy? One possible reason is that it may need repairs, so you may want to consider scheduling a routine maintenance visit if you haven’t had one recently. If everything checks out, it may simply be because your AC is old and motor technology wasn’t as good as it is today. If AC noise is reducing your quality of life, consider switching to a new, quiet-running model. For a new AC installation in the Neptune Beach, FL, area, contact Ocean State Air Conditioning & Heating. We’ve been recommended by neighbors since 1975.