Not sure whether you should be repairing or replacing your air conditioner this summer? While repairs may seem more affordable at the moment, repairing an outdated model can actually cost more in the long run. Older A/Cs waste energy, require more repairs, and can compromise indoor air quality.
If your unit is 10 years old or more, or repair costs are approaching 50 percent of the replacement costs, it’s a good idea t
o meet with an HVAC contractor and discuss a more efficient system. Here are seven benefits you stand to gain when you make an educated choice in replacing air conditioner systems.
- Less maintenance. Newer air conditioners require less maintenance, so you can enjoy fewer costly troubleshooting calls to the professionals.
- Utility savings. Replacing air conditioner systems with an Energy Star certified model will make a noticeable difference on your utility bills. High-efficiency systems save hundreds of dollars per year.
- Tax credits. If you purchase and install your system before Dec. 31, 2013, you will reap the benefits of this year’s federal energy-efficiency tax credits. The credit for qualifying central A/C and heat pump systems is $300. This also covers eligible equipment purchased in 2012.
- Environmentally friendly. In addition to conserving energy, replacing air conditioning systems with newer models protects the environment from toxic refrigerant. Older units use R-22 refrigerant, which is harmful to the environment. Newer models use R-410A, which is a chlorine-free refrigerant approved by the federal EPA.
- Warranty benefits. With any new A/C system, you’re likely to get a five-year limited warranty, which should ease your mind when plowing into our eternal southwest Arizona cooling season.
- Increased comfort. Newer units are more efficient at providing whole-home comfort. You will benefit from more even temperatures, a constant flow of conditioned air, and regulated humidity levels.
- Indoor air quality. Ask your HVAC representative about indoor air quality. Your replacement A/C can provide better humidity control, as well as air cleaning and filtration to remove allergens and other unhealthy airborne contaminants.
Please contact us at Hansberger Refrigeration and Electric Co. to discuss whether replacing air conditioning in your Yuma area home is the right move. We have provided honest, reliable service since 1952.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Yuma, Arizona about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about replacing your air conditioner and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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