4 Reasons to Upgrade Your Air Conditioning Unit | Many people hang on to their old AC unit, arguing that the underlying technology is still the same. However, air conditioning systems have seen significant improvements over the past few decades. For example, manufacturers continue to look for ways of making the machines do more with less energy. If you are still confused, the following points should help you decide on whether it’s time to upgrade your air conditioning unit.
Your Current Unit Is Old (and Inefficient)
When installed correctly, a reliable AC unit should typically last for about 12 to 15 years. Other factors, however, such as poor maintenance practices can lower their life span.
Over time, even a regularly serviced unit may start to show inefficiencies, making your air conditioner work harder than usual to perform the same job. When that happens, your AC may develop shorter cycles to compensate for the inefficiency. Alternatively, it can become noisy or fail to cool your house like it used to.
Once you notice inefficiencies in your air conditioner, it is always good to get it checked before it starts raising your energy bill. With a provider like Gexa, you can manage your energy account online 24/7 so you can see an increase in your power bill right away and prevent it.
To Cut Your Energy Expenses
The air conditioning unit makes up a huge chunk of household energy consumption. According to the Department of Energy, HVAC systems account for up to 12% of utility bills in the average American household. Luckily, modern units are designed to run on less energy. When properly installed, the modern air conditioning unit can cut down your energy expenses by up to 30%.
Modern standards require that electrical appliances be far more energy-efficient than before. Apart from going easy on your wallet, an energy-efficient device is much safer for the environment.
To Improve Poor Indoor Air Quality
Clean air circulation is your first line of defense against diseases. Air conditioners can be a major source of air pollution at home. For instance, air conditioning units may retain dust and allergens that can trigger asthma and other ailments. The easiest thing to do is to clean or replace the air filters regularly. However, such fixes may not solve the problem entirely in older units.
Over time, debris will build up in other parts, making your AC dirty and inefficient. A new air conditioner can substantially improve the air quality in your home. Also, some modern units are designed to work with air quality monitors, which can drastically reduce pollution.
To Reduce Your Maintenance Costs
The average repair cost for an air conditioning unit is around $200–$400. Multiplied by the age of your device, it gives a good idea of how much repairs will cost eventually. Many experts advise that you should upgrade your unit once the figure hits $5,000. Additionally, you may be forced to spend more on parts replacement if you have an old AC unit.
A new air conditioner may not require maintenance for some time. Besides, a warranty can cover the cost of repair if your unit breaks down within the warranty period, and replacement parts will be much cheaper and easier to find compared to the older units.
Benefits like these are just the icing on the cake. You may also get to enjoy some extra cool features with modern upgrades.
