Installing a new AC unit this summer may be a smart investment for homeowners. It may be more convenient to simply continue spending money on repairing your system, but it may not be the smartest choice. Oftentimes, it is more cost-efficient to install a brand-new system rather than pay for frequent and costly repairs.
The expected lifetime of an air conditioner is 10 to 15 years. Even if you have had regular maintenance on your air conditioning system over the years, if it is more than 10 years old, it may be time for a brand-new upgrade. It will make your home energy efficient and provide you with the most comfortable indoor environment.
With summer just around the corner, homeowners are preparing themselves for hot and humid days. Here are three benefits of installing a new AC unit this summer.
3 Benefits of Installing a New AC Unit This Summer
If you find yourself needing frequent repairs, you notice uneven cooling, or are seeing higher utility bills, it may be time to upgrade your air conditioning unit. Most experts agree that if you are facing repair bills that will add up to half the value of a new system or greater, it is a sound financial decision to upgrade. Part of their reasoning is that with repair bills that high, the unit is probably close to the end of its useful lifetime anyway. The other reason is that newer units have several benefits that your older cooling system lacks. Here are some of those benefits.
1. Improved Indoor Comfort
New AC systems have advanced features that allow you to regulate your indoor temperature better. You will experience a more comfortable living space throughout your home because a new system is able to distribute the air at the set temperature evenly.
In addition, your indoor space will also be more comfortable by having a higher indoor air quality. While a HVAC filter’s primary function is to prevent dirt and debris from damaging the internal components
of your cooling system, they also capture contaminants that would otherwise recirculate throughout your living spaces. New systems have the best filters in the industry, which capture airborne pollutants such as pollen, debris, and dust. Your family may be less likely to experience allergy symptoms and other respiratory issues if you decide to upgrade your system.
Another feature of new AC units is that many models can better control humidity levels than an older unit ever could. This is especially important in humid climates when summertime becomes muggy. A new cooling system will better regulate the humidity level in your home, increasing the quality of the air you and your family breathe while spending time in your home.
You will also experience more comfort by having better indoor temperature control. New systems feature variable speed fans for precise cooling. No more uncomfortable uneven cooling in different rooms of your home. New systems may also have the ability to divide your home into zones, which allows you to customize the temperature in particular spaces throughout your house.
Finally, you will experience more comfort with a low-noise AC unit. Newer systems are much quieter than older models. New technology has a quiet compressor, fans, and other components that don’t make as much noise as the older systems. Advanced models today can reduce the AC noise inside your home by 20%, making your home more comfortable no matter the time of day.
2. Maximum Energy Efficiency
A huge advantage of installing a new AC unit is achieving maximum energy efficiency. This not only allows you to protect the environment with a lower carbon footprint, but it also puts money in your pocket with lower utility bills.
Today’s new AC units use approximately 50% less energy than units that are over 10 years old. This means you will be able to cool your home comfortably while using half the energy, reducing your utility costs. This is especially important during the hot summer months when you spend the most money on electricity costs to cool your home.
New air conditioning systems have a great SEER score. SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. It represents the amount of energy and money necessary for your AC unit to operate efficiently over a single year. The appropriate SEER for your home depends on where you live.
The recommended SEER rating score is 13 or above. At this score, your home will have a comfortable indoor climate while remaining energy efficient. An HVAC professional will be able to help you choose a unit with the best score considering your region, the size of your home, insulation, ductwork, and other factors.
3. The Best Reliability
One of the most important benefits of a new air conditioning system is knowing that it will cool your home when you need it most. During hot summer days, the last thing you want is to have an AC malfunction. Not only will an emergency breakdown most likely be expensive, but it may also come at a time when you have not budgeted for the expense. This scenario is likely to cause a lot of stress because you know high temperatures can be harmful to your and your family’s health.
New AC units are constructed with the latest technology and best materials in the industry. This often results in higher durability and long-lasting performance. They are less likely to experience a malfunction and require repairs. Installing a new AC system not only makes your cooling system more cost-effective and energy-efficient, but it also gives you peace of mind because it is reliable.
Something else that can give you peace of mind is that your new AC unit will most likely have a warranty. If your system is old, it may no longer have a warranty. When it breaks down, the entire cost to fix it falls on you to pay. A new HVAC system often comes with an extended warranty, offering years of coverage to pay for unexpected repairs.
Additionally, new AC units are more reliable because the installation is performed following the latest industry standards. Nowadays, there are more strict safety standards that must be followed during every installation.
Work With an Experienced HVAC Team
At Level 9 Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing, we have been serving the residents of St. Louis, MO since 1975. We install, maintain and repair heating and cooling systems. We also provide indoor air quality, commercial HVAC, and 24/7 emergency services. We also offer our residential customers a Comfort Club Membership. This membership comes with two annual tune-ups, one in the fall for your heating system and one in the spring for your cooling system. Additionally, the program offers you discounts on repair costs and priority scheduling.
Our technicians take pride in offering our clients excellent customer service. We can provide a comprehensive inspection of your AC unit and all system components throughout your home if you are having trouble deciding if it is time for an upgrade. Contact Level 9 Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing today, our team is ready to help you determine the best solution for your home this summer.