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Tips to Replace Air Conditioner Units: The Savvy Consumer’s Guide
The federal government recommends that homeowners replace air conditioner units that are more than ten years old. The main reason for this, according to the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Agency is “ENERGY STAR qualified air conditioners and heat pumps offer significant long-term energy savings.” Replacing central air conditioning units 10 years or older can save at least 20 percent on A/C energy use.
Below, you will find more tips to consider before replacing central air conditioner units.
- Up-front cost vs. long term savings
- Rebates or other incentives that can assist in your purchase
- The dependability and brand reputation of the air conditioner
Is It Time to Replace Your Unit?
Here is a checklist from ENERGY STAR, that outlines when and why you may need to replace your A/C unit. Among the reasons listed are:
- Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old: Older units may not be as efficient. New units can save up to 20 percent on cooling costs.
- Your air conditioner needs frequent repairs and your energy bills are going up: Your cooling equipment may have become less efficient.
- Your cooling system is noisy: You could have a problem with the indoor coil of your cooling equipment.
- Your Home Energy Yardstick score is below five: Your home energy use is above average and you're probably paying more than you need to on energy bills.
Pay Yourself Back Fast
Upfront costs for your new, energy efficient air conditioner are offset over time by the energy savings you will see if you choose a high-SEER unit. This payback period (the period of time it takes before a consumer recoups, through lower utility bills, the price increase of the more efficient units) can be trimmed down with government or manufacturer rebate programs.
For instance, Nevada Power offers rebates from $140 to $1,625 to consumers who “replace your old air conditioner with a more efficient system (14 SEER or higher).”
Some manufacturers offer incentives, such as Carrier’s Cool Cash promotion which awards up to $1,200 in rebates to “consumers who purchase and install a new heating and cooling system in their home—the better the system, the bigger the rebate.”
Look for Energy Efficiency
SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) is an indicator of how efficient your unit will be. The higher the number, the more efficient the unit and the lower the operating cost. So, it is advisable to shop around for high-SEER units.
As you research high-SEER air conditioners, you will see that well-known, dependable brands rise to the top of the list of many consumer advocacy review sites (such as The Green Guide, owned by the National Geographic Society).
It’s pretty simple: to save money, replace air conditioner units with durable, trusted brands, high SEER ratings, lower operational and energy costs, and rebates.
