Central air conditioners have a lifespan of 15 to 20 years, so you won’t have to upgrade your system very often. When you do, it’s worth it to thoroughly research your options for an A/C replacement. You need to consider more than just the upfront cost of a new system. Look into both the first costs and lifetime costs to find the real expense for that new unit.
First Costs
The first cost of an A/C replacement is the price to purchase and install the initial unit. While you may gravitate toward a system with a lower price tag, it’s important to consider the efficiency of these low-priced options. The seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) tells you how cost efficient an air conditioner is.
Lifetime Costs
The lifetime cost of your system is the price to run and maintain it. A higher SEER rating translates to lower operating costs. When you compare the energy costs for your old system with the costs for a new higher efficiency model, you may find that you’re immediately saving money every month on your utilities. Some Energy Star certified products are also eligible for tax credits.
You should also consider the lifetime maintenance costs for your A/C replacement. A cheap system will typically need more frequent maintenance and may have a shorter lifespan than a system with a higher first cost. Higher quality systems may offer other money saving benefits as well, like an air filter replacement light or fan-only mode.
Putting It All Together
Combine your first cost with the lifetime cost of the A/C replacement to determine how much you will really pay for the system over 10, 15 or 20 years. When you look at the bigger picture, you may find that making a bigger investment upfront offers a big payoff that you’ll continue to benefit from for years to come.
For more information on HVAC replacement, contact us at Hansberger Refrigeration and Electric Company. We’ve proudly served the Yuma, Arizona area 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 A/C replacement and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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