When should I replace my A/C?

via houselogic.com

 

Having trouble staying cool this summer? It may be time for a new A/C! Due to recent updates in the manufacture of air conditioning units, new systems may use less than half the electricity of old A/C units and will be more effective at cooling you off. According to a recent HouseLogic article, purchasing a new A/C may be more cost effective than repairing your old one. In order to determine if purchasing a new system is the right decision for your home, House Logic recommends you follow these steps:

Check your current A/C's efficiency
Units that are just 8-10 years old might use up to twice the electricity that a new unit would use. By purchasing a new A/C with more efficient energy standards, you could cut your consumption (and your bills!) by 30%. HouseLogic recommends consulting your installer to see if a new unit is worth the cost.

Investigate the ductwork
Your old A/C may only be part of your cooling problems. Your home's ductwork may leak 10-30% of its air before it reaches you. Have a technician run tests to insure that your ducts aren't the problem before deciding to purchase a new A/C unit.

Consider your home's structure
A poorly insulated house could account for your A/C's ineffectiveness. A contractor may be able to seal any cracks or improve your home's insulation. This fix may be enough to improve your old system's effectiveness and keep you cool for a few more years.

If you have considered these issues, and decided that purchasing a new unit is for you, make sure that your new system is the correct size for your home. Oversized systems cost more, use more electricity, and may still not be effective at cooling your home. Consult a trusted contractor to ensure you purchase a system that's right for you. And remember...

Keeping Cool This Summer

The Problem:

Despite the fact that nearly 90% of American houses have central air conditioning, certain rooms still heat up. Ductwork often doesn’t extend to attics, garages, and home additions. Sunrooms bake in the direct sun, and 5-level-split homes are traditionally hard to cool: that top floor can be quite uncomfortable on hotter days.

The Solution:

Room air conditioners. They come in multiple styles, sizes and prices. Today, systems are more efficient, and there are more options. 4 main types prevail:

1) Window Units. Designed for double hung, casement, and sliding windows. $120-$700.

• Pros: the most affordable option, easily installed, can be removed in the winter. Greatly improved (smaller and lighter): can be a good buy for your money.
• Cons: block a window’s view, can be loud.

2) Wall Units. More or less window units installed in an outside wall. $400-$1000.

• Pros: no blocked window 
• Cons: more expensive, may require professional installation, cannot be removed in the winter (cold air might seep in).

3) Portables. Similar to dehumidifiers. $250-$700.

• Pros: Don’t require installation, can be placed anywhere, and can be moved from room to room. Nice for renters wanting to cool small areas.
• Cons: Less efficient, louder and more expensive than window units. Heavy. Regarded by an editor with Consumer Reports as “the air conditioner of last resort.”

4) Ductless split air conditioners. Two appliances—an air handler installed in the wall and a condenser installed outside and connected to the handler through a 2-3 inch hole in the wall. $1500-$6000.

• Pros: very efficient, quiet, powerful, and unobtrusive. More than one room can be cooled, as one condenser extends to more than one air handler. Individual controls allow you to zone different rooms.
• Cons: The most expensive option, requires professional installation.

Regardless of the type of air conditioner you get, room size is important to consider. Oversized air conditioners can cool a room before they can dehumidify it, making the room clammy and uncomfortable.

BTU (British Thermal Unit) by square foot guide:

100-300 square feet -> 5,000-7,000 BTU model

300-500 square feet -> 8,000-12,000 BTU model

500-1000 square feet -> 14,000-18,000 BTU model

+10% if room is unusually sunny

-10% if room never receives direct sun

Click here for a Btu Calculator