If you have an old, outdated, or inefficient system, cooling your home in the middle of summer in Winchester, KY can be an uphill battle. This is only increased if your energy bills are increasing while your cool air is decreasing.
We understand air conditioning systems are a big investment, which is why we provide resources, advice, and upfront estimates to help you make the best decision for your next air conditioner installation.
When is it Time to Replace Your Air Conditioner?
There are 5 signs to look for that may be an indicator that it’s time for a new system. If you notice any of these signs in your home, the Thornberry Bros professionals in Winchester, KY can provide an in-home estimate on the cost of a new system and updated options that may be available to you.
Repair Costs: If you have your HVAC technician on speed dial, it might be time for an air conditioner installation. Your air conditioning system shouldn’t be in constant need of service. If service is going to cost you half the price of a new air conditioning system, skip the fix and look into a new system installation.
The 10th Anniversary: For most systems, the average air conditioning system begins to show signs of significant wear and tear around the 10-year mark. If you have exceptionally maintained your system, you may be able to run well past this – but keep this anniversary in mind when deciding whether to repair or replace.
Humidity: Even if you live in a humid climate, your air conditioning system should be removing the excess moisture from the air. If you start to feel the humidity inside the home, it may be time to upgrade.
Strange Odors: Your air conditioner should always be odor free. If you start to smell moldy, musty, or burning scents – it’s time to call an HVAC professional about a new air conditioner installation.
High Energy Bills: On average, more than 50 percent of homeowner’s energy bills goes to cooling costs. However, if you’ve noticed your energy bills are suddenly and consistently high, your air conditioning system is likely using more energy to maintain the same temperature, which is a sign of an old system.
Buying a New Air Conditioner
Not only is it one of the most expensive improvements you’re likely to make in your home, it’s also the most important decisions in terms of comfort for your home and family. No wonder why the process of purchasing and installing a new AC unit can be overwhelming. It pays to do your homework and research carefully to choose wisely. Three factors to keep in mind are size, efficiency, and warranty of any new AC unit.
Size Matters: An air conditioner is sized based on how much work it can do. While many homeowners assume that bigger is better, that’s not always the case. An air conditioner that is too small can’t keep the whole home cool on a particularly hot day, but one that is too large will cycle on and off too frequently, doing a poor job as well. The best way to decide what size of air conditioner is best for your home is to consult a qualified air-conditioning contractor.
A/C Efficiency Rating: To keep costs low and energy preserved, the name of the game is efficiency. To reduce wasted energy, every AC unit is given an efficiency rating, called a SEER. The SEER is listed on the yellow Energy Guide® label posted on each unit. The higher the number, the more efficient the unit and the less it will cost to run. Though old air conditioners may have a SEER as low as 6, the most efficient models have SEER ratings of 15 to 17.
Central AC Warranties: Before purchasing central air conditioning, ask for—and read—its warranty and be sure you understand the terms and restrictions. Air conditioning warranties can vary significantly and can make a big difference on the cost of future repairs.
Most systems have a lifetime expectancy of 10-20 years. This overall estimate can vary greatly depending on the type of unit and the maintenance it received over the years. When a system is getting older, you may notice that it gets noisier and needs repairs more often. This is when it’s time to call Thornberry Bros to discuss a new air conditioner installation.
Every home is different, and not every homeowner has the same needs. We offer a selection of air conditioning options to make sure you get a system that is the right fit for you and your budget. We’ll identify what’s important to you and find a reliable and efficient solution that will keep you nice and cool. Give us a call today!
Broken AC unit? Furnace trouble?
We can fix that. Trust in Thornberry today.