Installing a new AC unit in your Madison, GA, home is a significant investment. As a result, many homeowners take every possible step to prolong the lifespan of their existing AC. In many cases, it may be more affordable to schedule repairs instead of paying for a brand-new system. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. Here’s how to determine when it’s time to replace your AC instead of repairing it.
Consider Your AC’s Age
Generally, a well-maintained central AC has a lifespan of about 15 years. If your equipment is nearing that age and needs significant repair, a replacement may be a better investment. In fact, there’s a formula you can use to determine when a repair is a wise investment. It’s known as the $5,000 rule. To use it, multiply your AC’s estimated repair cost by its age. If the answer’s higher than $5,000, the repair is a bad idea. The formula indicates that your AC doesn’t have enough remaining useful life for the repair to be cost-effective.
Consider Your AC’s Performance
Another thing you should consider when your AC breaks down is how well it was working beforehand. The bottom line, when it comes to your air conditioner, is whether it’s keeping your home comfortable. If it wasn’t before it broke down, it may not be after repair either.
As your AC ages, wear and tear will affect its performance. As a result, the AC you currently have may no longer meet your home’s cooling needs. An AC replacement will provide an opportunity to reevaluate those needs and choose a system that’s up to the task.
Think About Repair Frequency
Statistically speaking, most AC units experience increased mechanical failures in their final two years of useful service. This can give you a clear warning when it’s time for a new AC. All you must do is keep track of how often your existing AC needs repairs currently. If you find yourself paying for significant repairs more than once in any 12-month span, it’s a sign your AC needs replacement.
Listen to Your AC
Another thing that happens to many AC units as they approach the end of their useful life is that they get noisier. If you notice any unusual sounds coming from your AC that have never occurred before, don’t ignore them. Also, don’t ignore any familiar noises that are growing louder over time. Both can be signs of wear and tear catching up to your AC’s main components. If you hear anything unusual, you should schedule an AC maintenance appointment at the very least. During the visit, our technician will inform you if your AC sounds indicate a problem.
Review Your Energy Bills
Finally, it’s wise to pay careful attention to your home’s energy bills during each cooling season. If you notice your cooling costs creeping up year after year without any heat waves to explain it, your aging AC is the reason. As air conditioners get older, they naturally decline in efficiency. If you’re having yearly AC tune-ups, that decline should happen relatively slowly. If you’re not, your AC might lose up to 5% of its efficiency every year. If your efficiency losses seem excessive, you should consider replacing your AC.
The Advantages of a New AC
It’s also important that you understand what you’ll get from an investment in a new AC. These benefits can justify the cost much more easily from a decision-making point. A new AC has the following benefits.
More Even Cooling
During an AC installation, we’ll ensure your new AC is the right capacity for your home. We’ll also adjust your ductwork to ensure it delivers sufficient cold air to every room.
Higher Energy Efficiency
If your current AC is a decade old and was minimally efficient at the time of its installation, it would have had a SEER rating of 14. A new, minimally efficient AC will have a SEER rating of 15. That means you’ll get a 7.14% efficiency boost from the new AC. And that doesn’t even account for the efficiency your existing AC has lost over its years of use.
Potential Rebate Eligibility
New, high-efficiency ACs and heat pumps often qualify for rebates and tax credits that reduce their costs. Between tax credits and potential rebates from energy suppliers, you can save thousands of dollars.
A New Warranty
A new AC comes with a manufacturer’s warranty, which covers major components against premature failure. All American Services of Georgia also offers multiple warranty plans and a workmanship guarantee that helps you guard against unexpected repair costs.
Your Trusted AC Installer
For over 20 years, All American Services of Georgia has been the leading AC installer in Madison. We sell and install quality AC systems from leading manufacturers. And we pride ourselves on ensuring 100% customer satisfaction with a workmanship guarantee. We also offer financing options on approved credit to help you afford a new AC.
If you think it’s time for an AC replacement for your Madison home, call All American Services of Georgia today!
