After buying a home and a car, an air conditioning system is the third-largest purchase most people will make. With that large of an investment, you want to be sure that you are making smart long-term choices when it comes to your home’s heating, cooling, and ventilation system.

With this in mind, let’s look at some key factors that you should consider before replacing your current air conditioning system.

Is your current AC struggling to cool your home?

Air conditioners last around 10 to 15 years, and it’s fairly common for older systems to have a harder and harder time cooling efficiently. If your current system has difficulty keeping up with your cooling needs and is not near the end of its expected lifespan, it might be overdue for maintenance or not have enough refrigerant. It’s also possible that your system is too small to cool your home effectively.

Are some rooms much hotter than others?

This can become a problem with an aging AC system, but it can be an issue with newer systems as well, particularly if your home has two or more floors and a lot of windows that face the afternoon sun. If your AC is still relatively new, your home might be gaining heat through old, settled insulation or ductwork leaks.

If your home has hot and cold areas despite having sealed ductwork and newer insulation, you may want to consider installing a zoning system, rather than a new AC system altogether. A zoning system works directly with your heating and cooling system to send hot or cold air to the parts of your home that need it. This not only keeps you comfortable but also helps you drastically reduce your energy usage.

Is your current system costing you a fortune in energy bills?

As air conditioners age, they lose efficiency, which means that they’ll need to use more energy to keep your home cool. This translates into a higher monthly cooling cost. What’s more, an old system will typically cost you more in repairs as parts start to wear out and fail.

If you currently own an AC system that’s past the 10-year mark, it’s a given that you’ll save money by upgrading to a new system that’s properly sized for your home. According to the Department of Energy, “Even if your air conditioner is only 10 years old, you may save 20% to 40% of your cooling energy costs by replacing it with a newer, more efficient model.”

What are some ways you can maximize your next air conditioner’s energy efficiency?

The more energy-efficient your air conditioner is, the less it costs you to use and the more environmentally-friendly it is. Although contemporary air conditioners are much more efficient than those from decades past, you’ll reap the most benefits by choosing systems with energy-saving features, such as:

• A zoning system: This gives you temperature control in individual rooms or areas of your home.
• A variable speed compressor: This allows the AC to run on various power “levels” instead of running at full power during every cycle.
• Solar/hybrid technology: With highly-efficient solar modules, you can rely on clean, renewable energy to help power the most energy-hungry system in your home. Not only does this reduce your energy consumption and environmental impact, but you may also qualify for local and federal tax credits, as well as rebates from your local utility company.

Bottom Line

Sometimes a new air conditioning system isn’t the solution to your home’s current heating and cooling problems. However, if your current system requires a replacement due to issues like improper sizing or old age, opt for features that will maximize your system’s efficiency, your comfort, and your long-term savings.

At Econo Air, we specialize in heating and cooling systems that are a custom fit for your home’s unique needs with the latest in HVAC technology. Schedule your consultation with our Brea specialists today by calling (714) 710-1070 or contacting us online.