As we always say here at GRmetro Heating & Cooling, HVAC systems are a lot like cars. In order to function properly, they require routine maintenance throughout the entirety of their lifespan. It would be pretty reckless to never change the oil on your car and expect it to drive you safely and efficiently, right? That being said, as many of us have experienced, both cars and AC units don’t live forever. They can grow old and start causing problems that soon make them more of a hassle than they’re worth.
Would you make the decision to get rid of your car without your mechanic’s opinion? Of course not! Before deciding to replace your old unit, you should schedule a check-up on your HVAC system in Grand Rapids, MI. The purchase of a new air conditioner can be a major investment. Make sure you’ve spoken to one of our professional technicians to ensure you’ve got all the right information when making a big decision like this.
Do you think it’s time to replace your air conditioner? Let’s find out.
Air Conditioners Don’t Live Forever
Sometimes we like to think that a machine can last forever as long as we leave it alone. This couldn’t be further from the truth.
In fact, most AC units have a lifespan of 10-15 years in the best of cases. Sure, some systems may live longer than that, but if your HVAC unit has persevered past the aforementioned timeframe, you might want to start saving up for a new one.
Inefficiency Is Expensive
New air conditioners are an investment, but the investment can really pay off. The more efficient and powerful a new air conditioning system is, the more expensive it is to install. However, your utility bills will cost less and your energy consumption would pale in comparison to how they’d be with an older and inefficient unit.
Eventually, with an older unit, you might start paying higher electricity costs for less cool air which is a lose-lose scenario. Recently produced air conditioners use 30% to 50% less energy to produce similar amounts of cooling as AC systems made in the 1970s. If you’re noticing that your AC doesn’t cool off your home like it used to, you might want to look into a replacement.
You’ve Got Options
As we’ve mentioned, new air conditioners are expensive- but that increase in efficiency and environmental friendliness can yield some interesting opportunities for you. When upgrading to a newer, more efficient HVAC system, you might qualify for a federal tax credit when tax season comes around. Not only that, but some HVAC manufacturers offer a rebate to help ease the cost of the transition since a more efficient and effective AC unit should be an affordable purchase for those with an aging system.
Well, there you have it. If your air conditioner is growing old or inefficient, you’ve got some tough decisions to make ahead of you. But we’ve got your back.
Contact GRmetro Heating & Cooling if you’ve got any questions about replacing your old HVAC system!
