During the fall and winter, Arizona homeowners rejoice in switching off their air conditioners for at least a couple of months. While it’s easy to turn your attention away from your air conditioner to heating when you don’t need it, it may be the best time to consider replacement. If you’ve already identified that you will soon need a new unit because it’s old and beginning to malfunction, there are significant benefits to replacing it now, rather than waiting until the spring or summer.
Most HVAC experts will tell you that fall and winter are an optimal time to replace your HVAC system for several important reasons. First, fewer homeowners and business owners are replacing units during this time. This means that you won’t have an extended wait for an estimate or for installation. Replacing your unit while you’re not reliant on it also means that you won’t be caught unexpectedly with a system failure. As anyone who has survived the heat of an Arizona summer knows, an air conditioner failure can be very disruptive.
When Should You Replace Your HVAC System?
There are some indicators that signal that you should consider a replacement. Let’s take a look at four signs.
1. Older Than 10 Years
Although some air conditioners will function seamlessly for decades, others don’t. A good rule of thumb is to begin considering the possibility of replacement when your unit hits 10 years in service.
2. Problems with Efficiency
Have your utility bills increased considerably despite no change in your usage pattern? Has your unit always underperformed or cycled excessively? It may be time to call out an expert for a load calculation.
3. Low SEER Rating
You may also be struggling with an older air conditioner with a low Seasonal Energy Efficiency (SEER) ratio. Today’s air conditioners must have a rating of at least 13 and many quality units will have ratings well above 14. A higher SEER rating means greater efficiency and a lower monthly utility bill.
4. Extend Lifespan
While a new HVAC system can ensure your home is functioning smoothly for many years to come, you may still have plenty of years of life left in your existing unit. If so, the best way to maximize its lifespan is to get it serviced regularly. By keeping your HVAC system well-maintained, you can extend its usability dramatically.
Want to learn more? Call your HVAC experts today at Cool Blew at 623-872-2900.
