The cost of a new air conditioning system may be high, but the long-term benefits are worth it. Not only does it increase property value, but it also provides comfortable temperatures and cleaner air. Before investing in a full overhaul, it's important to consider modernizing parts of your system. For example, you may need to replace the evaporator coil located on the top from the oven.
But putting a variable-speed AC in a single-stage two-stage furnace is like putting a V8 in a Pinto. It's going to be an incredible engine that will be held back by a poor transmission, thin tires and reduced exhaust. As systems age, they begin to wear out. The longer an HVAC system works, the faster it ages. After a certain point, replacement becomes the most cost-effective option because you'll save considerably on repairs, maintenance, and energy bills.
The Department of Energy recommends that homeowners replace their HVAC system every 10 to 15 years. Modern air conditioners are durable, but their main components will begin to deteriorate after about ten years, depending on how often you use and maintain them. In addition, if you need new equipment, you can rent a new, highly efficient HVAC system through the Service Experts' Advantage program, which includes all maintenance, repairs and parts at no additional cost. If you have an eight-year-old or older air conditioning system, it may not be worth the cost of repairing it, unless the repair is easy to fix. If you're wondering if your air conditioning system needs to be replaced, a cost-benefit analysis can help you decide if repairing your old unit is as economical as simply replacing the entire unit. Before investing in a new HVAC unit, you may want to check if your house and HVAC unit have expensive leaks from air.
