Let’s face it, this is pretty much the worse time of the year to be shopping for air conditioning in Oradell, NJ. We say that because you clearly need your cooling system right now. Still though, the middle of summer is the most likely time for an AC system to break down, particularly if it’s aging or if you skipped a maintenance session this year.
So, if it’s time for you to shop for a new system, you’re likely very motivated to make a quick purchase. We really have to discourage you from rushing, however. Rushing into an air conditioner purchase can leave you with a system that’s not appropriately matched to your home. This may not sound like a big deal, but it can actually be detrimental to the efficiency, effectiveness, and overall performance of your air conditioner.
Things to Consider Before Replacing Your Air Conditioner
We don’t want you to be without your cooling system any longer than necessary during this time of the year. The fact of the matter is, though, sometimes another repair won’t cut it and it may be time to upgrade your system.
We encourage our customers to consider their decision carefully. There are many different types of air conditioners on the market, and one that may be perfect for one home may be wrong for another. You’ll want to consider factors such as:
- The Size of the System: Your air conditioner must be properly matched with your specific living space. Too small of a system won’t work effectively, but too large of a system is bad news too. And sizing an air conditioner is about more than just assessing the square footage of your home—it means looking at things like how many windows and doors are in the home, whether you have high ceilings or not, and if there are any air leaks in the home.
- The State of your Ductwork: How’s your ductwork? Does it have leaks in it? Ductwork breaches can account for as much as 30% of air loss—for conditioned air that you’re paying for anyway! If your ducts are in bad shape and in addition to your AC you need to replace your heater too, then you may want to consider a ductless mini-split.
“Do I Really Need a Replacement?”
This is a logical question. After all, why would you want to pay for a premature system replacement when you can get by with a repair instead, at least for this summer? These are the things you should consider when determining the answer to this question:
Age
A properly maintained air conditioner should last around 10-15 years. If yours has surpassed this age (and is showing signs of disrepair) then you’d do well to consider an upgrade. After all, beyond this age is when AC systems begin accumulating chronic problems, and while one repair might get you through the next few weeks, you may find yourself calling for another repair shortly after—which brings us to the next factor to consider…
How Often You’re Calling for Repairs
Needing a repair every once and a while is one thing. However, if you find yourself calling for AC repairs multiple times in a single season, it’s time to talk to our professionals about your AC replacement options.
How Much Your Cooling Systems Costs to Use
How much did you pay in cooling costs this same time last year? How much are your neighbors paying for their cooling? If what you’re paying is significantly higher than either of these, it’s definitely time to consider an upgrade, as your current system is not working as efficiently as it used to or as it should.
DB Heating & Cooling, Inc serves the heating and cooling needs of customers throughout Rockland County, NY as well as Bergen County, NJ and surrounding communities. You can count on us for expert services. Contact us today!