Repair or Replace Your AC? 5 Factors to Help
To repair or replace? Sometimes, the answer is not so obvious—especially if you are dealing with an expensive piece of equipment such as a central air conditioning (AC) unit.
Your comfort, health, and safety always matter most when addressing any part of your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. But other issues, starting with your household budget, also come into play.
Here in North Carolina, our team at Sutton Brothers always strives to find the best HVAC and plumbing solutions for your home or business. You can trust that our professionals know how to do the job right.
Before deciding whether to repair or replace your air conditioning unit, consider these five factors:
• Your indoor air quality (IAQ)
• Monthly utility bills
• The age and condition of the air conditioning unit
• How long you plan to live in your home
• Combining your HVAC upgrades
1. Your Indoor Air Quality
The air conditioning unit in your home impacts your indoor air quality in two ways: by reducing the number of airborne pollutants and removing moisture from the air. You likely spend a significant part of your day at home or work, making it a priority to keep your cooling system in good working order throughout the summer.
Whether you need to repair or replace your air conditioning, always keep in mind one of your HVAC system’s main jobs is to maintain your indoor air quality.
2. Monthly Utility Bills
Heating and cooling costs typically account for nearly half of your monthly utility bill. According to the US Department of Energy (DOE), replacing your old air conditioning unit with a new energy-efficient model can save you up to 40 percent on your home cooling costs.
We understand your HVAC equipment is a significant expense. Our professionals at Sutton Brothers will help you choose the best system to get a great return on your investment.
3. The Age and Condition of Your Air Conditioning Unit
The average life span of a well-maintained air conditioning unit ranges between 15 and 20 years. If your unit is over 10 years old, considering replacing it with a more energy-efficient model. Look for a model with a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) of 16 or higher. The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the unit—and the more money you save on utility bills.
Along those same lines, consider how frequently you need to repair your unit—and whether replacing it might save money in the long run.
4. How Long You Plan to Live In Your Home
Improving the energy-efficiency of your system while reducing your North Carolina home’s carbon footprint is good for the environment and a great marketing tool for when the time comes to sell your property. Maintain good records of tune-ups, repairs, and maintenance to show interested home buyers.
If you love the charm and ambiance of your old home and play to stay there for years to come, consider retrofitting your HVAC system with new equipment to enjoy the best of both worlds.
5. Combining Your HVAC Upgrades
With a central heating and cooling system, it usually makes sense to try and switch out your air conditioner and furnace at the same time. Bundling all your HVAC upgrades allows you to maximize your comfort and potential cost savings. Always look for manufacturer rebates and consider adding other options to increase your home’s efficiency, such as smart thermostats and zone control systems.
Call Your Air Conditioning Experts
When the temperatures start to soar in Kernersville, NC, you want your air conditioning unit running at peak efficiency. At Sutton Brothers, our knowledgeable professionals are ready to help you with your next HVAC project to make life more comfortable! Call (336) 993-1975 or request service online today to learn about our air conditioning services and other products.