Is your old air conditioner approaching the end of its life? If you are experiencing frequent repairs or your old unit is over 12-15 years old, these are strong signs it may be time to replace your air conditioner. Most air conditioners can last between 15 and 20 years, depending on the type of unit you have. As time passes, even the most reliable AC unit can lose its efficiency. As you get to the point of planning your AC replacement, there are a lot of considerations at hand. Before making a decision, it’s important to evaluate your current system and cooling needs. Determining the right size and type of new air conditioner based on your home’s square footage ensures optimal comfort and efficiency.
Of course, cost is a big part of what you need to take into account. But don’t just think about the initial investment of the new system. Much of the cost of air conditioning is not the system itself, it’s the operating cost. If you’re unsure where to start, our guide to selecting a new AC can walk you through important factors to consider. Upgrading to a new HVAC system can offer significant cost savings over time due to improved energy efficiency and lower utility bills. Investing in a new air conditioner can lead to significant savings on monthly utility bills. Some homeowners can reduce their energy costs by 30% with high-efficiency air conditioners.
Luckily, there are some amazing new energy-efficient options for AC replacement. New air conditioning systems are more energy-efficient than ever before. Here’s what’s changed since you last bought an air conditioner.
Contact us today for a free estimate on a new air conditioner.
Understanding Your AC Replacement Options
We’ll start with a simple overview of how AC systems work. In the outdoor unit, there’s a compressor. This keeps the refrigerant moving through a system of coils. In the indoor unit, the refrigerant absorbs heat from the air. The air handler and furnace are key components of the system’s equipment, working together to deliver cool air throughout the home. A motor powers a blower fan to distribute the now-cold air through ducts and vents. As the air conditioning unit operates, a condensate pump removes excess moisture that accumulates, ensuring proper drainage. The refrigerant keeps flowing, and when it gets to the outdoor unit, it releases the heat.
Modern AC Technology Features
Advances in the HVAC industry have significantly improved the process of installing air conditioning systems, especially when it comes to new installation of central air units. These improvements ensure that both new and replacement HVAC systems are more efficient, reliable, and cost-effective.
- The Coils: The system can spend less time working, and work more efficiently, if the refrigerant absorbs and releases heat more easily. This has been accomplished by using new materials for the construction of the coils. These materials have higher thermal conductivity they allow the refrigerant to change temperature much more quickly with less energy use. These advancements benefit both new air conditioning units and those undergoing hvac replacement, resulting in better performance and energy savings.
- The Motors: The motor that powers the blower fan in older models functions on a binary system. It is either on or off, so if it’s working, it’s working at full power. Today, models with variable-speed motors are being manufactured. They stay in an energy-efficient, power-saving mode unless more power is absolutely critical, and then they automatically adjust. Proper air conditioner installation and matching the right ac system to your hvac system can further improve efficiency and save money in the long run.
- The Compressor: Multi-phase compressors work in much the same way as variable-speed motors. They keep the power use as low as possible, only ramping up to higher-energy settings when your home really needs a big boost in cooling power. These features are now standard in many modern air conditioning units and central air units, making new installation and installing air conditioning systems more effective and beneficial for homeowners.
Air Conditioning Replacement Costs
Replacing an air conditioning system is a major investment, and understanding the replacement cost is essential for homeowners planning for a new unit. The total cost of air conditioning replacement can range from $5,500 to $16,000 for a typical residential home, depending on several factors. Entry-level air conditioners typically cost between $5,500 and $8,800. The average cost of an air conditioner replacement is around $8,500. The type and size of the air conditioning system, the efficiency rating of the new unit, and the complexity of the installation all play a role in determining the final price. For example, installing a high-efficiency central air system or a variable-speed AC unit may increase the upfront cost, but can lead to significant savings on energy bills over time. Labor costs, permit fees, and any necessary upgrades to ductwork or electrical systems can also impact the overall cost. By considering these factors, homeowners can make an informed decision about which air conditioning system best fits their needs and budget, ensuring their new system will adequately cool their home while maximizing energy efficiency.
Tax Credits and Rebates
When weighing the decision to repair or replace your air conditioning system, don’t overlook the potential savings from tax credits and rebates. Many energy-efficient air conditioners and HVAC systems qualify for federal tax credits, such as those offered through the 2023 Inflation Reduction Act, which rewards homeowners for installing systems with high SEER ratings. In addition to federal incentives, local utility companies often provide rebates for upgrading to energy-efficient air conditioning systems, and some manufacturers offer their own product rebates or discounts when you purchase a new system and thermostat together. Most HVAC warranties last between 5 to 10 years, and if expired, homeowners absorb full repair costs. These incentives can significantly reduce the cost of installation and make upgrading to a more efficient system even more cost effective. The $5,000 rule is a guideline to help homeowners decide whether to repair or replace their HVAC unit. If the age of your equipment multiplied by the estimated repair cost exceeds $5,000, replacement should be considered. Homeowners should check with their local utility providers and HVAC contractors to learn about current offers and ensure they take full advantage of available savings when replacing their air conditioning system.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When it comes to air conditioning replacement, avoiding common mistakes can make a big difference in your comfort and long-term energy costs. One of the most frequent errors is choosing an air conditioner that isn’t properly sized for your home. A manual load calculation should be conducted to determine the best air conditioning unit for your house. An undersized unit will struggle to keep your home cool, while an oversized system can lead to higher energy bills and uneven cooling. It’s also important to prioritize energy efficiency selecting a new system with a high SEER rating can help lower your energy usage and reduce monthly costs. Another mistake is hiring an unlicensed or inexperienced contractor for the installation, which can result in poor system performance, safety issues, and even voided warranties. By working with a reputable HVAC professional and focusing on the right size and efficiency for your new system, homeowners can ensure a smooth air conditioning replacement process and enjoy reliable, cost-effective cooling for years to come.
Why Choose a Heat Pump for Replacement
A heat pump works the same way an air conditioner does, but it’s reversible! The refrigerant can cycle the opposite way, absorbing heat from outside (even in pretty chilly temperatures) and releasing it indoors. This is an extraordinarily efficient way to warm a home because no heat needs to be created it just gets moved from place to place. For homeowners considering their next step in comfort systems, a heat pump could be your best option for both efficiency and year-round use.
In our climate, depending on the heat pump, your home’s insulation, and other factors, a heat pump is likely not the only heat source you’ll need, but it can still dramatically cut your energy use, especially in spring and fall. And the latest models of heat pump have all the same technological advances as the latest air conditioners! To make your transition even smoother, check out these tips for simplifying your AC installation.
When you’re ready to plan your air conditioning replacement in Bovey, MN, we’re ready to help you find the most energy-efficient options.
Keep in mind, when choosing between a heat pump, new AC unit, or central air conditioner, you should also consider any additional costs such as installation, compatibility with your existing HVAC system, and potential upgrades.
Reach out to Mesaba Heating & Air Conditioning today. Service to you is success to us!