Gas Mart USA HVAC, Air Conditioning & Heating Home REPLACING AND MAINTAINING YOUR AC UNIT MAY 24, 2019ERIK ABEL As a consumer, you cannot really predict when your AC goes bad. And if it needs to be replaced, the expenses can be high. Therefore, know everything you should know about your AC system replacement well in advance. Do you want lower upfront costs or increased energy efficiency? What would be the ideal air conditioning unit size for your space? If you don’t do basic research, things could become confusing. AC Lifespan Fresh HVAC units would come good for at least a decade; 20 years is the maximum period you could expect it to last. After 10 years, your AC system would start showing its age and would require frequent repair services than before. With the right AC unit installed, you can expect to live in peace and comfort for two decades. If your AC unit is more than a decade old and you could see it having wear and tear problems, an expert technician would help ascertain if repair could fix the issue or a replacement would be required. Choosing the right unit size and associating with the right installation service provider are equally critical. As per ENERGY STAR, close to 50 percent of HVAC units are not installed correctly, which could lead to multiple issues such as excess energy usage. Energy savings by itself is good enough reason to learn more about AC replacement and how to choose the right contractor and AC unit. We would like to make the buying process easier. You must know the following prior to replacing your AC setup. Things to Know Prior to New AC Replacement Associate with Professionals As mentioned before, hiring the right contractor for the job is probably the most critical decision you would take during AC replacement. The right contractor is almost certain to guide you through the replacement process honestly. You would have the right unit size for the correct price. Working with the wrong service provider, on the other hand, could result in you being taken for a ride and left with an improperly installed unit. Hire the best service provider in your area. Check out reviews, seek recommendations from people you know, check the company’s BBB (Better Business Bureau) rating, etc. Also, employ ENERGY STAR’s Heating & Air conditioning Installation Bid Checklist to screen potential AC installers. Proper vetting and research beforehand would save you money and effort in the future. AC Size The unit’s size ascertains overall comfort and energy efficiency. Based on your property’s size, your AC unit’s size could vary. If the unit is on the smaller side, for example, it will not be able to adequately cool your place irrespective of how long it runs. If it’s too big, you would constantly switch between cycles and push your energy bills through the roof. Load Computations Load computations are important to ascertain the AC unit size your property would require. The computations consider your building’s size, roofing material, climate zone, and orientation, among several other factors for proper installation. Find out if the contractor is willing to carry out Manual J HVAC load computations. When a price is being quoted for the new unit, size is one of the determinants. If an HVAC firm isn’t talking about the unit’s size, you may doubt the credibility of the company. Many things are looked into as far as design and size are considered. Therefore, work with your service provider and make sure you know what size is being installed. SEER Rating SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) has been in use since 2015 when the American Department of Energy set the minimum SEER prerequisite at 13-14. The 14-22 SEER range is considered energy efficient. Even if you’re not very particular about installing the most pro-environment and energy-efficient system, a solid SEER rating is a must. Moreover, your monthly energy bills would decrease, and the unit’s lifespan would increase if your system is energy-efficient. These are some of the many things to consider prior to replacing your AC. High-Efficiency Units If you want to upgrade your existing setup to a brand-new energy-efficient unit, there are multiple choices at your disposal. However, always check the unit’s ENERGY STAR label, as they are considered extremely efficient. The upfront costs would be higher, but a longer lifespan and lower utility bills would more than make up for them in the long run. Maintenance The lifetime cost of your unit includes the money spent on maintaining its performance and health. Yearly maintenance is imperative for a clean and functional unit. Several things, such as overall comfort and indoor air quality, come down to how well the unit is maintained. Many established HVAC firms offer annual maintenance plans. These yearly tune-ups ensure large repairs are addressed at their budding stage, and the maximum value is derived from your investment. Prev RECENT POSTS Replacing And Maintaining Your AC Unit How To Maintain Your Air Conditioner: Keep it Running Reasons Why You Must Get HVAC Installation Or Repair Done Professionally Gas Mart USA HVAC Services ARCHIVES May 2019 March 2019 CATEGORIES HVAC META Log in Entries feed Comments feed WordPress.org Developed by Shuttle Themes. Powered by WordPress.