The city of Chula Vista is known for having wonderful weather pretty much year-round. But one thing that all residents understand are the very hot summer days! The August and September heat seem to be endless at points and the only true way to beat it is to blast your air conditioning hours on end. Some people have no issues doing this but this can cause serious strain on your air conditioning unit and on your bank account. Getting your unit repaired during the summer can be a big strain on your day and your wallet. And people who own older units tend to need to get their air conditioners repaired much more frequently.
Old air conditioners tend to be inefficient, thus contributing to a huge energy bill.
Enough is Enough
There comes a point when enough is enough! The costs of repair can add up to be much more than replacing your unit outright. Replacing your old air conditioner can save you close to $200 annually! Your local experts at West Coast Heating Air Conditioning and Solar, are happy to help you weigh your options, and we are committed to giving you the best possible options to meet your needs rather than pushing something on you that you don’t truly need!
Key Factors
As a homeowner, it is crucial to be aware of the warning signs that your appliances might be running on their last leg. Using old, outdated appliances can be costly and dangerous.
Tell All Signs:
- Your Air Conditioner is over 15 years old
- You are not getting cool air
- No air flow
- New unusual sounds coming from your unit
- Some rooms no longer receive air
- Need frequent repairs
All ground unit air conditioners in the United States, since 2005, are required to have a minimum SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) of 13. You can see the SEER rating for your unit by looking at the Energy Guide sticker on your air conditioning unit. It is not uncommon for an older air conditioner to have a SEER in the single digits!
When replacing your central air conditioning unit, look for a SEER of at least 15. A variable speed air handler for new ventilation systems is best, but two-speed is still much more efficient than single speed.
You can see that it would not take long for a new air conditioner to pay for itself just through the vastly reduced energy consumption. And, you can buy an air conditioner with a SEER over 20 for maximum efficiency!
Coupled with fewer repair calls, parts, and emergency service calls, your savings can add up more quickly than you might think for piece of machinery that should last 20 years.
If a major piece of AC equipment fails or the repair cost is close to half the price of a new air conditioner, it may be better to replace the system entirely. Yet, you should always discuss repair vs. replacement options with your HVAC technician to get a better idea of repair costs and the predicted lifespan of your current unit.
Repair costs aren’t the only factor that should be weighed when deciding between repairing once again or finally making the jump to that new air conditioner.
New air conditioners will also improve airflow in your home, and a newer system can also do a better job controlling dirt, pollen, dander, and other debris that can cause allergies as well as other health problems.
Thermostat Ability
Newer air conditioning units usually have the ability to program the entire system more efficiently and effectively. If you are someone who works 9-5 Monday through Friday, you probably don’t want to have your air conditioning running all day when you’re gone. This is the time to utilize this newer technology! You can put timers on and set a schedule so you only use energy when truly needed. This can help you rack up the savings over time! The city of San Diego even has rebates for smart thermometerinstallations in the area.
System Type
There are two types of HVAC systems: a split system and a packaged unit. A split system puts the compressor and condenser outside and the evaporator and furnace or heat pump inside. A packaged unit combines everything in one outdoor unit. The packaged tends to be smaller and cheaper to install but the split system is more energy-efficient. They come with SEER ratings between 13 and 25 compared to 10 to 18 for packaged units.
Size of Unit
Are you one of those people who usually have to pump the air conditioning for hours to get that last room cool? This is probably because of the size of your unit, it cannot generate enough air to cool that final room. This usually happens when because it is the last room on the vent line. As a result, the wrong size HVAC unit will increase your electric bill as the system is working too hard to maintain the correct temperature and humidity levels. A professional HVAC contractor will conduct a load calculation to assess the needs of the house and select an appropriately sized system.
Rebates
Depending on the type of unit installed, a tax rebate can cover up to 30 percent of the cost of a new HVAC system. Also, check with your utility company to see if they offer any rebates and incentive programs for energy-efficient heating and cooling systems. Stop struggling with an inefficient HVAC system and high energy bills. If your heating and cooling system is 15 to 20 years old, it’s time to consider updating your HVAC system. The savings you’ll enjoy from a new and more energy-efficient system will, in time, offset the initial installation cost. West Coast is here to solve all your HVAC problems and help you with all your HVAC needs!
