Winter is still here and cool temperatures will likely be with us for some time. But warm weather will arrive before you know it and when it does, you’re going to need your air conditioner to perform on a daily basis. If you have an older AC or a unit that hasn’t performed as well as you might like this past summer, now is the time to take a long, hard look at it and decide if you need a new one.
WHY NOW?
Installing a new air conditioner now makes sense for a number of reasons. For starters, you don’t have need of your system in most cases, which lets you evaluate the system at your leisure. If you decide you need a replacement, you can schedule the session at a time that is convenient to you instead of a time dictated by hot weather and other factors beyond your control. It also means that your new system will be in place well before you need it, and you can start enjoying the benefits that a new system can bring as soon as the temperature starts to go up.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
The first thing to evaluate when it comes to possibly replacing your air conditioner is the status of the warranty. Most AC warranties last between 8 and 12 years — the exact number depends on the specific make and model of your air conditioner — and as long as it’s in effect, replacement should probably wait. Warranties cover the original parts of the air conditioner in the event of repairs, which means you’ll only be paying for the cost of labor when the system runs into trouble, as well as a few small components like new bolts and screws.
If the warranty has expired, you might still be able to get a great deal of practical use out of the air conditioner, especially if you’ve kept it serviced regularly. Only when costs become larger than you’re prepared to pay should you consider replacing the system instead of just repairing or upgrading it.
High costs usually amount to one of two things:
- Repairs. This can mean a single recent repair job that costs more than you feel the system is worth. Or it can mean multiple smaller repairs that are stacking up faster than you’d like. Generally speaking, if you need to schedule two or more repair sessions within a single 12-month period, it’s time to think about replacing the system.
- Monthly Costs. The monthly cost of running your air conditioner usually goes up a great deal every summer as you use your system more often. Older systems are less efficient systems, which means that the costs are apt to keep rising as your air conditioner ages. Eventually, you may want to replace the system just to get a handle on some of those high costs and help your monthly budget breathe a little bit.
For quality HVAC replacement services throughout the Newberg, OR area, call on the friendly pros at Western Heating & Cooling.