The last several years have set records for heat. If trends continue, this summer should be as warm—or warmer—than last year and in the Hudson Valley, you can count on humidity, too. Is your cooling equipment ready for the season or is it time to put replacing your air conditioning system on your to-do list?
We get this question every spring, and the answer is always, “It depends.”
Sometimes, a few repairs and a tune-up will have your system running like new, but there are a few factors to consider.
Here’s what you need to keep in mind:
The typical lifespan for an AC system is approximately 10 to 15 years. Even well-maintained equipment will start to fail at this point in its shelf life, and in many cases, the manufacturer warranty is likely expired. This can cause repairs to get more frequent and more expensive. Older systems that use the phased-out R-22 refrigerant should also be replaced. R-22 is not only hard to acquire, but also prohibitively expensive.
How did your cooling system perform last summer? Did you experience frequent breakdowns? If you saw a big increase in your energy use despite getting a tune-up, it could be a sign that your AC is not running as efficiently as it once was, or as it should be.
The cost of a tune-up is usually worthwhile. It can prevent lots of small problems from turning into expensive repair jobs.
But frequent breakdowns can really add up. We recommend the $5,000 rule. If you multiply the age of your system by the cost of a repair and it’s more than $5,000, you’re better off replacing your cooling equipment.
So, for example, if you have an 8-year-old system and the estimate for repairs is $1,200, you’d get $9,600.
Your equipment will give you plenty of signals it’s ready for a repair. Noises—including rattling, grinding and just overall louder operation—means your equipment is working harder than it should.
Be aware of these other signs of pending problems:
If it’s time to update your equipment, the good news is that a new AC system will run more efficiently and help you cut your cooling costs by as much as a third, annually. Our team of professionals can help you access your needs and talk to you about trouble spots, like hard to cool rooms. A ductless air conditioning system may be the most efficient way to keep your home comfortable.
We know every house is different. A “cookie cutter” approach doesn’t work—and the best system in the world is only as good as the installation. We’ll help show you why spending extra for an ultra-high efficiency system might not be worth the cost for you, and we’ll help you navigate your options and find the best choice for your budget and your space.
We also offer smart and affordable protection plans that include maintenance to help keep a new system running like new for longer!
Even if your system still has a few good years, it’s never too soon to schedule your AC system maintenance. Our technicians will perform a multi-point precision tune-up to ensure your equipment is running right. Annual maintenance is the key to getting the best performance out of your home’s cooling system.
Whatever your needs, Depew Energy is here to help you keep your cool. Contact us today.