New HVAC units have a life span of 10-20 years. After the first decade, your unit can begin to show signs of aging and require service from time to time. However, as with anything, 10 years is a long time in terms of technological advancements. It is also important to consider how the size of your home impacts the life span of your system. Have you added on to your home? Is your A/C the appropriate size for your house? These factors can greatly impact the longevity of your air conditioner.

When it comes to replacing your home’s air conditioner there is a lot to know and understand. The first thing to determine is if your air conditioner needs to actually be replaced or repaired. Is your old A/C unit struggling to keep up with south Louisiana’s high temperatures? Is it freezing up? Is your electricity bill through the roof? Are you on a first-name basis with your A/C repair guy? All of these are things to consider when deciding if the time has come to replace your home’s air conditioner.

The age and condition of your air conditioner, as well as how often you use it, are all factors that play into the determination of if you are better off going with a repair or a replacement. Air conditioner replacement has a fixed cost. Repair costs can not only fluctuate, they can be frequent. Significant problems like a refrigerant leak or a bad compressor are expensive. Comparing the cost-benefit options of making these major repairs may show you that you’d be better off replacing your system. New A/C systems are also much more energy efficient. Your new A/C could actually pay for itself over the next few years in terms of lower monthly energy bills.

The energy efficiency and overall comfort of your home is largely determined by the size of your air conditioner. A unit that is too small will constantly be running trying cool your home. A unit that is too big will constantly be cycling on and off. Both of these examples will significantly increase your electricity bill.  To determine the correct A/C size for your home, load calculations are used. These calculations account for: the size of your home, the climate, roof material, and more. This is one of the most important conversations you can have with your HVAC installer when you are replacing your A/C.

SEER stands for Season Energy Efficiency Rating. The U.S. Department of Energy set the minimum SEER at 13, however, SEER goes all the way to 22. The higher the SEER the more energy efficient your unit will be, resulting in a longer-lasting air conditioner, and a lower monthly energy bill.

If your home’s A/C is older than six or eight years old, there are several technological advancements and new conveniences you probably aren’t aware of. In addition to more energy-efficient models, remote capabilities like WIFI-enabled thermostats allow you to control your home’s temperature from anywhere.

Once the decision has been made to replace your home’s air conditioner, it is critical to select the right contractor to install it. Look for a reputable company with a long track record, not only in the HVAC industry, but specifically in A/C replacement. Today reviews online and on social media are a great way to gain insight into a company. You also want to ensure that they are licensed and insured. Also, opt for someone who is a certified or a preferred partner of the type of equipment you are purchasing. If you get more than one quote, ensure that they are including and comparing the same type of equipment and service.

An air conditioner replacement can cost between $3,000 and $10,000 depending on the equipment you select. While you may opt to pay cash for this service, many companies have financing options available.