Your air conditioner is one of the most important items in keeping your home comfortable. With the up and down climate of Colorado, knowing the right signs to get HVAC replacement in Denver can really help save you money, and keep your home comfortable.
There are a lot of moving parts in your air conditioning unit, and it works hard to keep your home the right temperature – particularly during those warm summer months. However, it is an appliance that is easily taken for granted and forgotten about. Keeping up with regular maintenance can extend the life of your AC unit, but knowing when the right time to get a replacement or upgrade can have a positive impact on your utility bills.
Age & Efficiency
Knowing how long you’ve had your unit, and knowing how well it’s cooling all areas of your home can be major indicators that it’s time for replacement. The average lifespan of an air conditioning unit is usually around 10 to 15 years. If your unit is reaching this age range, or if you don’t know the age of your air conditioning unit, it might be worth having a trusted HVAC professional come out and inspect it.
Older air conditioning units tend to be less energy-efficient when compared to newer models. A good indication is to check the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER). This number measures the cooling efficiency of an air conditioner by comparing how much electrical energy is converted into cooling power. The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the AC unit is at turning that energy into cool comfort in your home. If your unit has a low SEER rating, or if you notice an uptick in your energy bills, it’s likely time to invest in a more efficient unit to save you money in the long run.
Repairs, Upgrades & Advancements
If your AC unit experiences frequent repairs, it might be more cost effective to replace the entire unit. Repairs are not cheap, and those costs can add up quickly. Air conditioning units don’t have unlimited lifespans, and continually dumping money into costly repairs can prolong the inevitable. Depending on the repairs, you might be better suited to upgrade to a new unit – which will likely save you more on those utility bills.
There are also a number of advancements being made to air conditioning technology all the time. For example, if your unit still uses Freon, which is also known as R-22 refrigerant, it might be time to consider a replacement. Freon is being phased out due to environmental concerns, and the production and availability of R-22 can be limited and expensive. Newer AC units also generally come with improved features such as advanced filtration systems, improved humidity control, and smart thermostats. All of these things can deliver bang for the buck, helping keep those utility costs down while extending the life of your unit.
Replacing your air conditioning unit can be an expensive and intimidating prospect. For more information on whether or not it’s time for your AC to be replaced, reach out to the experts at sparks Heating and Air today.