Is It Time For An AC Replacement?

If your air conditioner is over a decade old, it may be sending clear signals that replacement is warranted. An aging unit requires more repairs, and can often lack the efficiency and cooling power of newer models.

If you have a home equity loan, consider using it to finance your AIR CONDITIONING REPLACEMENT LOVELAND OH. This allows you to pay it off over time.

An AC replacement may cost more up front than repairing an old unit, but it pays off in energy savings over time. It also increases your home’s resale value.

The cost of a new air conditioning system depends on your house’s square footage and the amount of energy it consumes. You’ll also need to decide whether you want to replace just the compressor, evaporator coil or blower, or all of these components. It’s recommended to get a new system that matches the size of your current one. Over-sized systems use more energy and over time, that waste can increase your electric bill by up to 20%.

Ductwork is another big factor in the cost of a new air conditioner. If your ductwork is leaky, insulated or improperly sized, that will affect the efficiency of your system. You can repair a few leaking ducts or insulate and seal them to save money, but replacing ductwork is a big project with high costs.

Adding a programmable thermostat, whole-home dehumidifier or other advanced features can also add to the overall cost of an AC replacement. But they are worth it for the improved comfort, health and productivity of your family. These systems are also eligible for tax credits if they meet specific requirements.

The best time to install a new central AC is in the fall or spring, when labor rates are less expensive than during the summer. Many contractors offer payment plans and financing to help you budget for an AC replacement. It’s also a good idea to shop around for the best prices. You can usually find lower pricing from other companies if you compare quotes and specifications. Also consider a contractor that offers a warranty on their work. A standard warranty is between 5 and 10 years. You can also purchase extended warranties for additional protection. These typically cost an extra $100 to $500. A service contract can give you added peace of mind and may even lower your monthly energy bills.

Energy Efficiency

Air conditioning is a major contributor to global energy consumption, placing a strain on our electricity grids. It is also a leading cause of environmental damage. As such, it has become increasingly important to consider energy-efficient alternatives that offer the same level of comfort without consuming as much energy and causing the same environmental impact.

Upgrading to a newer, more efficient AC unit can cut your energy bills significantly. For example, a person replacing an old SEER 9 model with a SEER 13 can save up to $210 in energy costs in a single North Carolina summer (the exact amount will vary depending on usage patterns and the cost of electricity).

Many advanced features are available to make newer systems even more efficient. For example, programmable thermostats allow you to schedule temperatures for different times of the day automatically, reducing energy use and keeping your rooms comfortable at all times. Additionally, variable-speed compressors adjust cooling output to match demand, resulting in greater efficiency and improved comfort.

Warranty

When you’re considering a new AC installation, warranty options are an important consideration. Manufacturer warranties are the most common and come directly from the equipment manufacturer. These are generally offered for 5 to 10 years and cover parts that fail due to a manufacturing defect. However, they don’t include labor costs for repairs. If you want to avoid high repair bills, consider purchasing an extended or lifetime warranty for your new system.

It’s also important to understand how manufacturers evaluate warranty claims. Many of these companies have specific guidelines that must be followed to maintain warranty validity. For example, some manufacturers require that maintenance be conducted by licensed professionals. Failure to meet these requirements may result in your warranty being void. Also, using non-original or mismatched replacement parts may void your warranty.

Some air conditioning systems are designed as a “split system,” with an outdoor condensing unit and indoor air handler. If you have a split system and the condensing unit fails, you’ll need to replace both pieces of equipment in order to get full coverage under your warranty. This is because the air handler and condensing unit must match in order to operate properly.

Most manufacturers also review maintenance history when evaluating warranty claims. This is why it’s important to follow the maintenance guidelines that come with your warranty and keep detailed records of all maintenance activity.

A home warranty plan, like those offered by ARW Home, can complement your manufacturer warranty by covering the cost of most repair costs. These plans typically only charge a small service fee for each repair visit, saving homeowners hundreds or thousands of dollars in repair costs.

When choosing a home warranty company, be sure to look for transparent pricing and clear terms and conditions. Also, choose a company that offers a nationwide network of certified technicians to ensure quick, quality service. In addition, a home warranty company like ARW Home will manage the entire repair process from dispatching technicians to paying for covered repairs, making the AC replacement process as simple and stress-free as possible for homeowners.

Installation

The air conditioning installation process involves a lot of steps that vary depending on the size and type of new system, ductwork condition, and other factors. The installation team starts by removing the old unit, disconnecting electrical lines, and draining and disposing of refrigerant. Then, they connect the new piping and electrical wiring to the indoor and outdoor units. They may also evaluate your home’s ductwork for leaks and repairs, which can improve the performance of your new air conditioner.

Next, they install the outdoor unit on a new composite pad to reduce vibrations and noise from the unit. The installation team then removes and replaces the electrical wiring, turns off the circuit breaker for the previous unit, and connects the new power conduit (whip) to the new air handler. They also connect the suction and liquid lines to the air conditioner, taking care not to contaminate the environment with refrigerant.

Finally, the installation team finishes the job by adding refrigerant to the new air conditioner and recharging it with the proper amount of refrigerant. They also test the unit to ensure it is functioning correctly and meets energy efficiency guidelines.

To speed up the installation process, homeowners can prepare for AC installation by clearing the installation area and securing pets and children away from the workspace. They can also clean and clear their ductwork to make sure it’s ready for the new system and consider a smart thermostat upgrade or improvements to home insulation to boost energy efficiency and comfort.

Weather conditions can impact installation timelines, so scheduling AC installations for mild days is a good idea. Also, if the installers need to access your attic to check the insulation, it’s a good idea to have someone around to assist.