When your air conditioner or furnace is no longer working as it once did, signs of inefficiency may start to surface. You may be facing the question of whether to repair it or replace it. Because an air conditioner or a furnace is likely to be one of the most expensive appliances in your home, there are many factors, including increasing energy bills and deteriorating performance, that will play a role in effectively making this decision.
The Fifty Percent Rule…
At The Cooling Company, our heating and air conditioning comfort service experts, who are seasoned professionals, often explain the fifty percent rule to our customers. When the cost of repairs including costs for components like filter, ductwork, thermostat, or refrigerant, approaches 50% of the value of your heating or cooling system, upgrading the system to a new one is a better financial choice. Constant temperature fluctuations could be an indication that a replacement is worth the money. Continuing to repair a worn-out system is likely to be a drain on your wallet as one part after another will need to be repaired.
Age of Unit…
The average lifespan of a central air conditioning system is normally 10-12 years. The average lifespan of a gas furnace is 15 years. Keep in mind that number could be less if in extreme heat like that in the Las Vegas Desert or the ridged cold temperatures of the east coast. If your HVAC unit has reached or surpassed these ages, it’s time for a replacement. Once one part wears out due to age, it’s likely that additional and perhaps even more costly repairs will be needed on older systems.
Energy Usage…
Today’s newest Energy Star rated air conditioners and furnaces operate with at least 20 percent greater energy efficiency than air conditioners and furnaces made a decade ago. This upgraded equipment could potentially lower your energy bills. For some homeowners, this means that the cost of replacement could pay for itself within just a couple of years of use simply as a result of the energy savings. As utility rates continue to rise in many areas, an Energy Star rated system may be a wise investment.
Indoor Comfort…
Comfort issues are a primary reason why homeowners elect to replace their aging and worn out furnaces and air conditioners. Ask yourself these questions about how comfortable you’ve been lately inside of your home:
- Are some rooms too hot or too cold?
- Is there a humidity problem?
- Is there an excessive amount of dust or dirt?
- Is the furnace or air conditioner excessively noisy?
If you’ve answered “yes” to any of these questions, it’s time to replace the air conditioner or furnace in your home.
To learn more about affordable and energy-efficient heating and cooling options for your Las Vegas home, call our team at The Cooling Company any time at (702) 567-0707 or online.
