Is It Time to Replace Your AC?
Written on: March 20, 2023
It’s not a good sign when you’re on a first-name basis with your local HVAC repair team. At OSI Comfort Specialists, we pride ourselves on treating our Queens, Nassau and western Suffolk County customers like family, but that doesn’t mean we want to be frequent visitors because of multiple air conditioning repairs.
At a certain point, it makes more sense to upgrade to new cooling equipment than to keep paying for repairs — which get more and more expensive as time goes on.
But how can you be sure that it’s time for an A/C replacement? It’s a big investment, but we can help you to consider the variables and make an informed decision.
When does an air conditioner pass the point of repair?
Think back to last summer. Did your A/C system struggle to keep you reliably comfortable? Did it need to run constantly, making your electric bills higher in the process? Were you noticing noises or leaks around your equipment?
If so, you should start assessing whether your current system is ready to retire. Here are some factors to guide your decision.
Your current system’s age
While a central A/C system can operate anywhere from 10 to 15 years, it becomes less advisable to repair it after 10 years. Not only is the equipment probably less efficient after a decade of use, but it’s also no longer covered by most manufacturers’ warranties. This will make repair costs higher for you.
Your system’s SEER rating
Manufacturers measure an A/C’s energy efficiency by a rating called SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio). Starting in 2023, the federally-mandated minimum rating for new cooling equipment in our region is 14-SEER.
Depending on the age of your current equipment, it could have a rating as low as 10-SEER. Less efficient systems cost more to operate. Making the upgrade to equipment that is 14-SEER or higher will keep your home cooler on the hottest days — for less money!
Your system’s refrigerant
Older A/C equipment uses a refrigerant called Freon or R-22. This product was found to be harmful to the environment and has since been discontinued. Replenishing R-22 or even finding replacement parts for systems that use it has become difficult and increasingly pricy. We recommend that you replace these systems at the first opportunity.
The repair cost
If your current cooling system has broken down and the cost of the necessary repairs is more than half the cost of new equipment, it’s time to take the plunge on an A/C replacement.
Spring is the right time to call OSI Comfort Specialists for a new cooling system!
If your cooling equipment is struggling, don’t wait for it to break down in the middle of July. Start talking to our team of skilled HVAC technicians about upgrading to high-efficiency equipment. With winter behind us, we have more available appointments and time to secure the perfect product for you before temperatures start sizzling.
We would love to give you a free, no-commitment estimate on an A/C installation. Contact OSI Comfort Specialists today.