Hotter temperatures are right around the corner. If you don’t have a properly working air conditioning system, you still have time to get one installed to beat the heat. If you are like most people, you’re probably not an expert in air conditioning, which makes it harder to determine which air conditioner is right for your household.
Fortunately, our team at Steve’s Plumbing and Heating are experts, and we want to help you choose the best cooling solution for your home. Read on to learn X things you’ll want to consider when preparing for an air conditioner replacement.
Cost of Air Conditioner Repair vs. Replacement
If your air conditioner is having issues, those problems may not actually necessitate a complete unit replacement. Depending on what’s causing the issue and the cost of fixing the problem, air conditioner repairs may be a better option than buying a whole new unit.
For more information, check out Air Conditioner Repair vs. Replacement: Which Is More Cost Effective for an Aging Unit?
Have You Maintained the Unit Properly?
Before you decide to replace an air conditioner that’s having problems, take a minute to think about whether you’ve maintained the unit properly. If you haven’t, an air conditioner cleaning and tuneup may alleviate the issues you’re experiencing.
Generally, air conditioners need cleaning and maintenance annually at the very least. In most cases, units should be cleaned and inspected twice per year — once in the spring and once during autumn.
Consider having an air conditioning professional perform routine cleaning and maintenance on your unit before investing in new equipment. If a thorough unit cleaning and tuneup doesn’t spur better performance, only then should you start thinking about replacing your air conditioner.
The Size of Your Home
Air conditioners have maximum capacities. To ensure that you are not overworking your air conditioning system, you have to purchase an air conditioner that can cool your home. If you aren’t familiar with determining load capacities, it’s in your best interest to employ a professional, like our team at Steve’s Plumbing and Heating. We can help you determine the best air conditioning unit to cool your home.
Energy Efficiency
Another important factor to consider about your air conditioner is its use of energy. As you may know, not all energy-efficient appliances are created equal. With the goal of having your air conditioning system work as efficiently as possible, if you don’t know much about industry standards, you can get that information from our team.
With information about the latest technologies, we can help you choose a system that will reduce the work required for your air conditioning system. The less work your unit has to perform to cool your home, the more money you’ll save money over time.
Warranties
Your warranty should also be a factor when determining what air conditioning system to purchase. Since your air conditioning unit is on the outside of your home, it’s exposed to the elements. At any given time, something can damage the system and prevent it from working properly.
Additionally, the system could become defective and not work as it should. All of these problems are easily remedied by having a warranty. With a warranty in place, you have peace of mind knowing that you don't have to cover the cost of repairs for years. If a warranty costs extra, you should weigh the cost against the benefits of having that safety net.
Type of Coolant Your Unit Uses
If you’re on the fence about air conditioner replacement, consider the type of refrigerant your unit currently uses. If it has freon, also known as R22 or HCFC-22, it’s likely in your best interest to move forward with replacing your unit.
R-22 production was limited by the U.S. government in 2010 and was completely phased out in 2020. If your air conditioner still uses this refrigerant, you’ll likely find it very difficult to get ahold of should you need to have your unit recharged in the future. To ensure your a/c is able to cool your home as it should, you’ll want to opt for a unit that uses a more modern, safe coolant, such as R410A or Puron.
Steve’s Plumbing & Heating: Your Source for Air Conditioner Replacement in Wisconsin Rapids
At Steve’s Plumbing and Heating, our goal is to help you be comfortable in your home during the summer and the winter. If you are having trouble with your air conditioning system, don’t hesitate to contact us for help! We specialize in full-service heating and cooling repair, replacement, and maintenance and have proudly served Wisconsin Rapid, Wausau, Marshfield, and Stevens Point for nearly 30 years.
To learn more about our services or get a quote, give us a call today at 715-421-1800 or request an estimate online, and we’ll be in touch promptly.