Keep or Upgrade your Cooling System?

Ac Upgrade

When things aren't working quite right with an air conditioning system, sometimes all that is required is a little maintenance, but other times maintenance isn't enough. For example damage can be too extensive to be repaired and is sometimes downright dangerous. But even when things aren't going terribly wrong, there are still some good reasons one may have for upgrading to a new system—saving in energy, for example.

The key is knowing when it's benefecial to upgrade and when you will be better off keeping what you have. Before you contact an air conditioning contractor for a free estimate, here's a checklist to help you stay on top of things and make the best decision for you and your family. Don't forget to take advantage of the 1,500 dollar federal tax credit on home cooling systems.

Checklist — Keep or upgrade your A/C system

  • 1. Your air conditioning system is more than 10 years old.

    It's time for a newer, more efficient model. Your older system is likely running at about 60% efficiency. This happens with age, regardless of how well it is cared for. You can expect at least 90% efficiency from a new unit and around 30 percent savings on your energy bill.

  • 2. The heat exchanger, motor or electrical parts have suffered major damage.

    Usually this type of damage can't be repaired, which means a new unit. Sometimes this is a serious safety isssue as in the case of dangerous chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) leaking. If you suspect any air coolant leakage, do not run the system until this has been checked. An air conditioning professional needs to check the system in order to give you a prognosis. The professional can also check the thermostat and other electrical components, and the air flow and ductwork.

  • 3. You are trying to cool an entire house with window air conditioners and/or portables, but the temperatures are still rising and your energy bill is going through the roof.

    Window/wall or portable units are the practical route for cooling just one or two rooms, but for any more than that, a central air system is usually the more effecient and reliable path to cool, comfortable summer living. The exception is a smaller home that is partially cooled by shade trees or breeze.

    An alternate method for cooling your home is the mini-split system. Here you have a condensor that is located outside the home, just like with central air. However, instead of cooling the entire home, the mini-split system cools only the rooms you've chosen, and instead of duct work, conduit requiring only a small hole in the wall delivers the cool air, with each room or zone having its own thermostat. This is a great energy saver; however, these systems are more costly, running at about $1,500-$2,000 per ton (12,000 Btu per hour) of cooling capacity—about 30% more than central systems (not including ductwork). Ask for an estimate.

  • 4. The noise from your window/wall or portable air conditioner prevents you from enjoying the kind of quiet you'd like in your home.

    Because central air conditioning compressors are in the part of the system that sits outside the house, these systems allow it to be much quieter inside the home than window/wall or portable units. In fact, this is one of the main benefits of central air. However, the outside unit can be loud enough to disturb those in the yard or in the room nearest its location, so be sure to tell your professional that noise is a concern.

  • 5. Your central cooling unit is too small or large.

    As home improvement guru Bob Vila says, "A properly sized air-conditioning system is the most important factor for a comfortable home."

    If your unit is too large, it will cool the room too quickly. Isn't this a good thing? Not really because the compressor will kick off and on continually and won't remove the humidity it should. This translates to a clammy feeling.

    On the other hand, a unit that is too small runs almost all the time, sucking up energy but still not cooling the room very well. When you replace a system with a unit that is the proper size for the job, humidity will be removed effectively and the room will be cool and comfortable, not too mention your bank account and the environment will beneft from the more efficient energy usage.

    When speaking to a central air conditioning professional, ask about models that meet the EnergyStar qualifications—these will save you the most in energy costs and help you make the smallest carbon footprint possible.

Consider these central air add-ons

Also, if you have any of the following concerns, be sure to note them and ask the central air professional about system add-on's such as UV lights and air filtration that help with these issues, completely alleviating some of them.

  • Pollen, dust, or pet dander
  • Mold or fungus
  • Airborne bacteria or viruses
  • Asthma and respiratory problems
  • Stale air or odors
  • Dry air or static electricity
  • Power outages or intermittent power

Upgrade and put $1,500 in your pocket

Finally, if you upgrade to a new central air system in the near future, be sure to ask your tax professional about the federal tax credit, which is equal to 30 percent of the installed cost, up to a maximum credit of $1,500. Depending on where you live, there may be state tax credits also available to you. Request free estimates today for a qualifying, energy-efficient system.

Disclaimer: This article offers general guidelines and is not intended as professional advice.