Labor Day marks the unofficial end of summer for most regions in the U.S. However, for Arizona residents, summertime extends well beyond September with triple digit temperatures registering in October and November. The unrelenting desert environment and extreme temperatures push your air conditioning unit to the limit. If you’ve had a difficult summer due to air conditioner issues and downtime, you know how frustrating it can be to live without proper home cooling while your air conditioner is getting repaired. If your unit is nearing the end of its useful service life, now might be the perfect time to consider your options and plan ahead so you have a trouble-free summer in 2019.
I’ve Paid a Lot of Money for Repairs – I Don’t Even Want to Think About My AC
Human nature tends to deal with problems as they present themselves. If an issue has been solved, most people move on. If you’ve paid for air conditioner repair bills, logic would seem to dictate trying to squeeze another year out of your current unit. Depending on the age and service record of your air conditioner, that may or may not be a good idea. In other words, repair bills tend to increase as your air conditioner nears the end of its life. Here are five questions to consider regarding this essential home appliance.
- What Are the Benefits of Purchasing A New Air Conditioner?
Probably the number one benefit to purchasing a new air conditioner versus continued repairs on your old unit is peace of mind. AC units seem to break down at the absolute worst times (during heatwaves, long holiday weekends, just before family events.) If you are living under the constant fear of not knowing what will happen next, it might be time to opt for a new unit. Other advantages include cleaner air and significant energy savings. Choosing a new AC unit with a high SEER rating will give you better energy efficiency which will result in lowering your monthly electric bill. - How Old Is Your Air Conditioner?
Phoenix has experienced incredible growth over the last decade. Many residents are new to the area. Unless a homeowner purchased their air conditioner, most people are not aware of the exact age of their unit. Air conditioners are manufactured to high standards with many AC units lasting 10 years or more. However, the severe desert climate, with its dust storms, high winds and intense heat, punishes your air conditioner and makes it work much harder. In fact, most AC units run full blast for six months out of the year. That’s a lot of wear and tear. Much like an automobile that has been driven hard for many years in a row, at a certain point, major components start to breakdown. It is not uncommon for Arizona air conditioners to need to be replaced after seven or eight years of service. - When It Comes to Repairs – How Much Is Too Much?
The nightmare scenario for homeowners is paying thousands of dollars for major repairs two or three years in a row only to find out you need to replace the entire unit anyhow. There is a general rule of thumb that states if your estimated repair bills are going to exceed a third of the cost of a new unit, you might be better off to skip the repairs and opt for a brand-new air conditioner. Remember, if your unit is eight, nine or ten years old, many of the major components will need to be replaced. - I Don’t Know Anything About Air Conditioners – How Can I Make an Informed Decision?
As with any major purchase, knowledge is your best friend. The perfect place to start is with a complete HVAC inspection and check up by the experienced professionals at Cool Blew. You’ll want to establish the general condition of all phases of your HVAC system. If you have service records, you can discuss them with our experienced service professionals and add up how much has already been spent and what costs you might expect to incur over the next two to three years. Possibly the most important decision you will make is which company you choose to hire. At Cool Blew, we pride ourselves on providing great service and honest advice. We will review your situation with you and recommend the best possible course of action.
- Do I Need to Decide Right Now?
Summers are extremely busy for HVAC companies. Things generally start to slow down in the late fall. For many homeowners, it can take a long time to research, consider all options and complete the decision-making process regarding the purchase of a new air conditioner. Winter in Phoenix (November through March) is the ideal time to have a new unit installed.Choose Comfort and Reliability for Your Family
Whether you’re considering a new air conditioner, need AC repairs or just want to schedule a complete HVAC inspection to give you a clear picture of the status of your HVAC needs, give Cool Blew a call. We’re straight shooters, we’re friendly, and we love providing great AC service