Is it Time for a New Air Conditioner?

Even before the next heat wave arrives, you may be wondering if it's the right time to replace your current air conditioner.

You may be asking yourself?

• Will my current AC make it through another hot day?
• Will my energy bill be less if I purchase a new energy-efficient AC?
• Will I be able to find a technician to fix my AC if it breaks?
• How long will I have to be without AC if it breaks?
• Should I repair or replace my current HVAC system?
• What are typical AC repair costs?

Here are a few points that can help you make your decision.

How Old is Your Current AC System?

If your outside air conditioning unit, also known as a condenser, was installed before 2006, you should replace your AC unit. There is a good chance it is on borrowed time and potentially costing you in high energy bills.

For decades, the heating and cooling industry has used the classic metric of SEER, (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) to measure efficiency. Before 2006, government regulations required that an air conditioner must have a (SEER) of 10 or less. In January 2023, the industry began transitioning to SEER2, a new standard of energy-efficiency testing.

Today, residential central air conditioners must have a minimum SEER2 of 13.4 in north locations and 13.8/14.3 SEER2 in the south (depending on the Btu). This means that air conditioners installed today are required to be more energy efficient than those installed before 2006.

Lower Your Electric Bills with a New AC

According to ENERGY STAR^®, your heating and cooling system may be responsible for up to half of your monthly energy bills.¹ So, it’s extremely important to know the efficiency rating of your current unit.

Making the investment in a high SEER2 AC system (compared to a lower SEER2 system) should help lower your electric bill. And, of course, you will feel better knowing you don’t have to sacrifice your indoor comfort!

If you are debating the purchase of a new air conditioner, keep in mind that current high-efficiency residential AC equipment can boast SEER2 ratings of over 24. This could seriously lower your monthly electric bills!

Typical AC Repair

If your AC unit has a few years of operation and you don’t have an established extended service plan, an AC repair can cost you anywhere from a service call fee to thousands of dollars.

The range often depends on the combination of your contractor’s set pricing, the repair required, the parts needed, and possibly even your location.

Many contractors offer financing for the installation of a new system, which breaks payments down into monthly installments. When you compare the cost of ongoing repairs versus a low monthly payment for a new high-efficiency system minus energy bill savings, a replacement may be worth the investment.

Finding an AC Technician

Unfortunately, there are a limited number of air conditioning repair technicians in each area. Most HVAC manufacturers, like Daikin, provide a simple way to help homeowners find a heating and cooling contractor in their area.

Daikin’s dealer locator identifies Daikin Comfort Pros and Daikin Ductless Pros, who offer professional HVAC services by zip code and includes services provided, affiliations, and certification.

These contractors typically offer a value-focused, flexible and an informative approach to heating or cooling maintenance, service, or purchases.

Consider Your Long-Term Plans

Deciding how to approach the state of your HVAC system is a complex and important decision. Repairing an existing system could be a cost-effective solution that allows you to use the equipment that you already have in place. However, there are also some potential downsides to this route. For example, if your current system is aging or not operating at peak performance, it may not be able to keep up with peak demand during hot summer months, leading to recurring issues and reducing the overall efficiency of your home.

Ultimately, the answer of whether to repair or replace your AC system often depends on your long-term goals and plans for your home.

• Do you have any immediate plans to sell?
• Are you planning to build on to your current home? (ex: home addition)
• Are you planning a renovation that might require additional air conditioning capacity? (ex: closing in a sun room or finishing a basement)

If you answered no to the above questions and you are satisfied with the noise-level, energy-efficiency and comfort offered by your current system, then investing in repairs could be the most cost-effective option in the short-term. However, if your living situation is steadfast and you are concerned with ongoing costs and operation of your current Ac unit, then it may be wise to consider investing in a new system. Regardless of which option you choose, it is always important to think through all the different considerations involved so that you can make the best decision for your situation.

1. EnergyStar, Heating & Cooling, 2022