Benefits of Getting a New Air Conditioner Before the Old One Stops Working

Three Reasons It May Be Time for New AC Installation

Though summer may be drawing to a close, that doesn’t mean the need for air conditioning has evaporated. People will likely need to use their air conditioners for at least another six weeks. As demand lessens, it may be time to consider whether a home’s current AC will keep the house cool in ever-increasing temperatures. This article will look at three reasons new air conditioning installation may be a more economical choice for a household rather than AC repair.

A New Air Conditioner Is More Energy Efficient

save money As an HVAC unit ages, it will become less and less efficient. This means the household will pay more for the same amount of cooling, even with regular maintenance. This is because the unit pulls more energy even if it still seems to be cooling well. A few points about energy efficiency are listed below.

  • Consistent Cooling: Temperatures will be more consistent with a new unit.
  • Energy Efficiency: Newer AC units are getting more efficient, reducing energy usage more than tuning up an older unit.
  • Lower Utility Bills: Less energy usage can mean a cooler, more comfortable home with even lower bills.

AC Replacement Means Fewer Repairs and Lower Costs

hvac repair Not only does a unit become less efficient as it ages, it becomes more difficult to repair. This is not the unit's fault. It is merely the result of an ever-improving product and an ever-changing market. Even with proper maintenance, a unit may wear out parts more frequently as it loses efficiency. Repair costs increase, and air conditioning replacement may be the more economical choice. Here’s why:

  • If a unit needs regular repairs, that cost can quickly add up.
  • Older parts can be more difficult and expensive for the HVAC technician, who must pass that expense to the homeowner.
  • Newer units mean simple maintenance costs and are less likely to need repairs.

Sometimes Less Is More

A home with an AC unit of the wrong size can have some negative effects. This is true if the unit is too big or too small. It can lead to high energy bills, short cycling, and extreme temperature differences between rooms and at different times of day. It is counterintuitive that a unit that is too large would have the same problems as a unit that is too small, but they result in similar issues. Consulting with an HVAC professional to get the right-sized unit for a home can eliminate many problems that can’t be repaired if the unit is the wrong size.

About Meridian Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical

Offering flexible scheduling and firm price quotes, Meridian Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical serves Lansing, MI, and the surrounding areas with caring professionals. Their friendly technicians provide personalized care with every service call, including tailored full-service solutions and upfront pricing before starting any work. Call for an AC installation anytime in Lansing, MI, today!

Is It Time To Replace the Air Conditioner? 3 Signs That Point to Yes

Air conditioning unit on concrete platform with metal grate, green light, against brick wall in Lansing, MI.

Warning Signs the AC Needs Replacement Before Summer

There’s nothing better than relaxing in a cool, comfortable house after a long day in the summer sun! The trouble is, homes don’t always stay cool and comfortable even with an air conditioner. It’s easy to forget about the air conditioner when it’s working, but this unsung hero does break down and eventually requires replacing. 

But biting that bullet is a loathsome thought for most homeowners. Air conditioners aren’t exactly cheap, and it makes sense to replace one only when it absolutely needs it. Keep reading to determine if the AC is giving warning signs that it needs retired before summer arrives.

The Unit Is of Retiring Age 

How old is too old for an air conditioner? AC units last pretty long, all things considered. Their life span sits between ten and twenty years, depending on use and maintenance. However, once a unit has reached twenty years, replacement is definitely on the horizon. The chances of an air conditioning unit making it another five years are slim, and the older a unit gets, the harder it is to find replacement parts to keep it running. 

This is especially true for air conditioning machines using R-22 freon for coolant have been officially outmoded by the United States government. R-22 freon can no longer be purchased or produced, and if an AC machine needs R-22, the only option is to replace the entire unit. 

The Unit Is Wasting Money & Energy

bill

With age and wear comes cost and waste. Older units require more frequent repairs, which means more money going down the drain to keep the unit in working order. Unfortunately, repairs only last for so long. Air conditioners become money pits as they age, and it’s not just the repairs increasing the bill. 

As air conditioners struggle to keep up with demand, the home’s energy efficiency will suffer. Inefficient air conditioners are constantly cycling as they attempt to cool down a house. No matter how hard the unit tries, it simply can’t cool the home like it used to. Aside from being environmentally unfriendly, this energy inefficiency will increase utility bills, all while only postponing the inevitable cost of replacing the air conditioner. 

The House Is Hot

hot at home If the house is hot, but the thermostat says the air conditioner is running, well, then it may be time to replace the unit itself. There are times when the air conditioner does not need replacing, and a repair or cleaning fixes the problem. The condenser coil may need cleaning, or the fan may need replacing, for example. But, most homeowners cannot make that decision. A qualified HVAC technician will investigate if a minor repair is required or if replacement is the best option. 

If replacement is the only option, an HVAC expert will know. They’re trained to weigh the benefits of repairs versus the long-term expense and guide homeowners whose air conditioners are at risk of failing. If two or more of these warning signs have shown up in the home, there’s a good chance that the best option to preventing an uncomfortably hot summer is AC replacement. 

Let Meridian Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical Keep Your House Cool This Summer

Lansing, Michigan, has been getting a helping HVAC hand from the Merdian Company since 1984. Their experts are available 24/7 to take care of heating and cooling emergencies. Meridian Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical makes HVAC repairs and maintenance easy with their affordable services and financing options. Give them a call today for AC installation in Lansing, MI.