Many homeowners find themselves uncertain as to the best choice when it comes to air conditioning repair or replacement for their home. A simple formula can help determine the optimal solution.

If your ductwork is dirty or has leaks, home air conditioner replacement might be in order. Here are some helpful tips that can help make this transition as painless as possible and minimize surprises during this process.

Cost

If your home air conditioner is more than 10 years old, it may be time to consider replacing it. Newer units are more energy efficient and could save money on utility bills.

The cost of installing a new HVAC system depends on brand, size and SEER rating chosen; on average this ranges between $5,000 and $10,000 (this includes labor fees associated with installation as well as removal and disposal fees for the existing unit). This is an important consideration when you are deciding between home air conditioner replacement or repair this summer. But the upfront cost should not be your only consideration.

When purchasing an air conditioning system, be sure to request a load calculation and ductwork inspection. This will help ensure that it fits seamlessly with your home and operates at maximum efficiency, saving money on energy bills.

A new HVAC unit will not only lower your energy bill but can also enhance indoor air quality. Dust, mold spores and allergens can become trapped in your ductwork and spread throughout your home – these issues may even decrease by up to 50 percent with newer systems being more energy-efficient; using up to 30% less power than older models.

Energy Efficiency

Once installed, an energy efficient home air conditioner can instantly start saving you money on energy costs. This is due to your AC unit not having to work as hard when operating at its maximum level of efficiency.

When searching for an air conditioning unit to purchase, make sure it has a high SEER rating and certification by the ENERGY STAR program. You can click the link: https://www.usa.gov/agencies/energy-star-program for more information about SEER ratings. Furthermore, check with your electric utility company regarding rebates or incentives available in your area.

Make sure your new cooling system fits seamlessly with your home, as too small an air conditioner will have to run frequently and will not provide sufficient cooling power. A professional technician should conduct a load calculation in order to ascertain which size best meets your cooling needs.

As part of their new system purchase decision, another consideration is the type of refrigerant used. Most modern systems employ environmentally friendly refrigerants like R-410A or R-22. You can learn more about eco-friendly refrigerants by clicking the link.

If your current system uses chlorofluorocarbons (CFC) or hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFC), such as Freon, it should be switched out for something alternative if possible as these types of chemicals deplete protective ozone levels in the atmosphere and must be avoided altogether. Furthermore, newer systems offer superior indoor air quality as well as being quieter overall.

Installation

Once a homeowner has selected an HVAC contractor and system based on their recommendations, it is time to arrange the installation process.

Once on-site, an HVAC technician will disconnect and cut power to an old AC unit before draining its refrigerant supply lines before dismantling and removing old equipment.

As part of their pre-installation evaluation, HVAC pros will measure your home and perform a manual J load calculation to help identify the optimal system size for your home. This ensures your AC will save money on cooling bills while increasing its lifespan; also ask about government and utility rebates which could offset some of its cost.

Warranty

Home warranties offer an appealing solution for people who wish to avoid paying out-of-pocket for AC repairs, yet it is vital that consumers understand exactly what these warranties cover and what length of coverage is available to them. Also important: reading all fine print carefully and registering their warranty correctly.

Home warranty companies typically send out licensed technicians when an HVAC unit stops functioning, who then determine whether or not repairs can be made or whether replacement would be more suitable.

If the warranty company determines that a system cannot be repaired, they may attempt to replace it with something comparable – however if this new model costs more than what was original you will have to cover the difference out-of-pocket.

Home warranty industries have become increasingly competitive, so many providers now offer plans with differing coverage levels and terms. For your own protection, ensure your contract includes clear terms and conditions before purchasing one from any provider; register it to ensure its transfer should you ever sell your home!

There may be certain situations that void warranties, such as natural disasters or flooding; however, most home warranties cover damage as long as it was registered prior to an incident taking place.

Having a functioning air conditioning system is integral to ensuring comfort during the summer months. A qualified professional can help you determine which course of action is best for your home.