When should I replace my old air conditioning system?
There are actually several situations in which you should consider replacing your current air conditioning system. For instance, if you have to constantly call for repairs for your current system, your system probably doesn’t have a lot of good years left. Even if the repairs are relatively minor, they are still costing you money every time a technician has to come out.
Rather than continuing to dump money into a system that probably isn’t working all that efficiently to begin with, it makes much more sense to simply invest in a new system now. You will start saving right away on your energy bills and you won’t have to worry about whether or not your air conditioner is going to work on any given day.
You might even consider replacing an older air conditioning system that is still working and not having any major problems because the newer models are much more energy efficient. Investing in a new system will allow you to begin saving on your energy bills right away.
How long will my new air conditioning system last?
While the life expectancy of a new air conditioning system can vary a good deal from one brand and model to another, most new systems being installed these days can be expected to last from 10 to 15 years. However, this will still depend on how much you use your system and how well you keep it maintained over the years. In fact, some air conditioners that receive proper maintenance can even exceed their projected lifespan by several years.
Why do I need annual AC Maintenance?
Just like most large pieces of equipment, your air conditioning system requires a tune–up every now and then. This will help to keep it working at peak capacity and reduce the chances that you will lose any significant amount of energy efficiency over time.
The air conditioning professional who carries out your annual maintenance visit will also be able to check your system thoroughly for any defects or damages. They will also often be able to catch problems before they get out of hand and can greatly reduce the chances that you will need emergency repairs later on.
I’ve heard a lot about ductless split and mini-split air conditioning systems. What are they?
Ductless split and mini split air conditioners are made up of two parts, much like a conventional air conditioning system. However, the outdoor compressor and indoor wall–mounted units are connected to each other only by a refrigerant line rather than traditional ductwork. That means that mini–split systems are much easier to install in places that don’t already have ductwork or where it wouldn’t be practical to try and fit ducts in.
The other main difference between ductless air conditioning units and other types of central air conditioning systems is that the indoor unit mounted on the wall or the ceiling in your room is where the actual cooling takes place. You can adjust the temperature in the room directly from there, giving you a much more refined control over your indoor conditions.
Is a ductless split air conditioning system right for me?
Ductless splits are a good option for a lot of people, particularly those who don’t already have ducts in place in their home. You may also want to look into a mini–split system if you’ve recently added an addition onto your home and don’t want to have to pay to extend the ducts from the rest of your house into the addition.