HOW DO YOU KNOW WHEN IT IS TIME TO UPGRADE YOUR AC?  

HOW DO YOU KNOW WHEN IT IS TIME TO UPGRADE YOUR AC?  

May 5, 2023 | AC, Air Conditioner, Air Conditioning System, Cooling Unit, Energy Bills, Financing, Finneytown, Lifespan, R22, Refrigerant, Upgrade

Deciding to upgrade your AC can be an intimidating and costly decision. At Finneytown Heating & Cooling, we understand the difficulty in determining when it is time for a change. Are you unsure if a repair or an upgrade is the superior option for your home? Not sure what details to consider when deciding on an upgrade? Confused about who to trust regarding installation? We have all of the answers! Keep reading and discover four essential questions that must be asked before upgrading your AC.

WHO?   

Who should you trust with your HVAC system? Look no further than Finneytown Heating & Cooling! It is essential that only a licensed service professional handles your HVAC system, as this will ensure high-quality work. After all, “You get what you pay for!” Pick an experienced company with valid certifications to guarantee successful results every time. Not only do you deserve quality products and installation processes, but also a dependable customer service system. The best way to find that type of company is by doing your research and ensuring they meet the criteria for what you need in the years ahead! 

WHAT?    

What factors should you consider? Are you wondering if it’s time to invest in a new AC unit? Here are some considerations that can help you make your decision: 

  1. High Costs: If your energy bills remain high despite your trying to reduce usage and have not been lowered, then it is a strong sign that the air conditioning system in your home is failing. If you’ve paid for multiple repairs on your air-conditioner over a period of time, it may be worth considering replacing the system altogether. Not only will this immediately cut out the need for continual repairs, but a new energy efficient will lower your monthly power bills. We understand that sometimes repairing the AC makes sense, yet other times investing in an upgrade may prove to be a better option when you carefully consider all costs involved. 
  1. Irregular Cooling: The air conditioning in your home is designed to keep the temperature regulated, aiming for a pleasant and consistent climate. So, if you’re noticing uneven temperatures or other issues, it could be an indication that your AC unit can no longer meet its intended capacity of performance. 
  1. Noise & Dust: If you’re dealing with a never-ending presence of dust in your home, despite your best efforts to keep it clean, the problem may be rooted within your ductwork. Over time and with use, ductwork can wear down, requiring repair or an upgrade. It’s worth exploring which of these options is necessary for your situation and more beneficial long-term. So, if you are dealing with an air conditioning system that is overly loud, it could possibly suggest that the unit may not be adequately sized for your home’s square footage. At this point, it would be wise to schedule a free consultation and estimate in order to determine the best unit size for your home. 

WHEN?   

When should you upgrade in terms of a unit’s age? Though general life expectancy for AC units usually stretches somewhere between twelve to seventeen years, this can fluctuate depending on the model, maintenance history, and usage. Nevertheless, you can use this average as a marker of when it’s likely time to replace your current cooling system. Therefore, if your particular AC unit is nearing the end of this timeframe, this should give you a general idea that it may be time to start looking into upgrade options soon. 

Why?   

Here is why updating your air conditioning system isn’t only a smart decision if it’s nearing the end of its life: 

  • Each month, your HVAC system makes up a hefty portion of your overall energy consumption costs. Generally speaking, these charges should be roughly 46% of the amount that you pay on your electricity bill every month. If this isn’t the case and you find that running AC adds more than 46%, it may be time to invest in an upgrade towards better efficiency. Though upgrades can be intimidating with their upfront costs, in the long run, however, switching to a higher efficient unit will balance out and result in lower monthly costs for power bills!   
  • If your air conditioner is outdated, it likely runs on R22, which is a refrigerant that has since become too expensive and does not meet modern regulations. To replace your system’s refrigerant with a compatible and compliant replacement, it can be costly. So, make sure to factor this in when evaluating your options. 
  • As the newest air conditioning units move away from using R22-type refrigerant, these energy-efficient models are even more environmentally friendly and emit fewer carbon emissions. This is a fantastic benefit for everyone!  
  • A new, modern, energy-efficient AC system will raise the resale value of your home!   

Do you have lingering questions about this? We’re here for you and understand that making a decision like this requires careful consideration. Reach out to us so we can assist in clearing up any uncertainties or answering additional queries.  

Call Finneytown Heating & Cooling today at (513) 935-0440, or schedule an appointment now by clicking here!