The second half of the summer is when the heat can get brutal. Unfortunately, this is also the time when you’re likely to have the blues with your air conditioner. Considering all the stress that the early summer months place on an older AC, now is the time when the cooling system might start to fall behind—or even crash completely and leave you without any cooling at all.
So, is it time to replace your home air conditioner? That may be the cure to your air conditioner blues—and we’d like to help make it as easy for you as possible.
First, is the air conditioner at the “replacement age”?
Or, “How old is too old for an AC?” The standard residential central air conditioning system can last from 10 to 15 years before it starts to lose efficiency and enter the danger zone for a breakdown. If your AC is more than 15 years old, we recommend having it replaced at your earliest convenience. This not only heads off the possibility of an emergency breakdown, it also lets you start saving money with a more energy-efficient system.
Are you experiencing loss of cooling power?
If your house is hotter than normal when the AC is running, you’ve got a problem. An air conditioner that can’t keep up with the standard demands of the heat is probably wearing down and needs to be replaced. Call for a repair technician who will be able to tell if repairs can keep the AC working for a few more years or if a replacement is the best short and long-term solution.
Work with the best professionals to pick a new system
You’ve decided that a new AC installation in Staten Island, NY is the best option. The next thing to do is call on an experienced HVAC contractor to help you choose a new central air conditioning system. Picking a new AC isn’t like choosing new furniture: the air conditioner must match the specific cooling needs of your home, and only skilled professional can do the calculations necessary. An air conditioner unit that’s too large or too small for your home will end up needing to be replaced early—and it won’t do a good job while it’s there.
Keep an open mind about different options
There are plenty of new choices for central air conditioners, and you don’t have to go with a system that’s just like the one you’re replacing. There are high-efficiency models with features such as multi-stage compressors and variable speed fans that can make a tremendous difference in energy consumption. You might also consider a heat pump, which allows you to change out your heating system at the same time. You may even think about using a ductless mini split, which is great for some home layouts. Talk to the installers about ways you can upgrade your cooling with the replacement AC.