Central cooling units like air conditioners and heat pumps typically have a maximum lifespan of around 15 years. The only problem is that most units start to have more issues and work less effectively and less efficiently after about 10 years. If your current HVAC unit is more than 10 years old, there is always a risk that it could suddenly die in the middle of the summer and leave you stuck sweltering in the heat until you can finally get it replaced. Replacing your HVAC unit before it does finally give out is always a smart decision, and here are just some of the reasons why you should definitely consider having a new AC unit installed before the summer heat hits.
1. Shorter Wait Times for Service
Summer is by far the busiest time for HVAC companies in California, and this is one reason why it is always a good idea to schedule your air conditioner or heat pump replacement early. If you were to put off replacing your unit and it did suddenly give out in the middle of the summer, you would probably have to wait longer for a technician. That’s not what you want to experience on a warm day.
Scheduling your HVAC replacement early on in the spring is always the best option to avoid the longer wait times you would typically have if the unit needed to be replaced during the peak season. This will ensure that your new unit is ready to go once the hot weather sets in.
2. Quieter System
Older HVAC systems may start to make an annoying amount of noise as the parts wear out and don’t fit as securely as they once did. Any grinding or clanging sounds are red flags that your unit is struggling. A maintenance visit can only accomplish so much. At some point, it becomes more cost-effective to buy a new unit than to continually pay for repairs.
3. Lower Purchase Costs
Planning your replacement before the summer rush can allow you to research what brands and models of units are best instead of being rushed into a decision that doesn’t fully meet your home’s cooling needs. Many HVAC manufacturers also offer sales or discounted units during the off-peak parts of the year, which can potentially help you save even more on your new air conditioner or heat pump. We sell Trane and Lennox HVAC products, which are two of the most respected brands in the country.
4. Improved Efficiency and Lower Cooling Costs
If your current unit is more than 10 years old, you are almost certainly paying more to cool your home than you need to. Almost any new unit will likely be quite a bit more energy efficient than what you currently have. As such, all you’ll end up doing by putting off replacing your old unit is wasting money since the unit won’t cool as effectively and will use more energy than a new unit would.
If your current unit was installed before 2006, replacing it could potentially lower your annual cooling costs by 35% or more. The reason is that the minimum efficiency rating required by federal law up until that year was only 10 SEER, whereas the new minimum in California is 15 SEER. If you were to opt for a unit with an even higher SEER rating, you could easily reduce your energy costs by well over 50%. This is another reason why you may want to consider replacing your unit, even if it still has a few years of life left, since the energy savings you’ll get with a new unit can go a long way toward offsetting the installation cost.
5. Fewer Cooling Issues and Improved Comfort
Many older units also struggle to cool effectively once the weather starts to get really hot. Not only does this mean that the unit will start to use much more energy since it needs to run more, but it also means that your comfort can suffer since the unit may not ever keep your home cool enough. Uneven cooling is a quite common issue with many older ACs and heat pumps, which can lead to those rooms at the furthest ends of the HVAC system always staying hot. Upgrading to a new unit is the easiest way to avoid these problems and ensure your home stays cool and comfortable without costing you a fortune in your energy bills.
6. Available Rebates and Tax Credits
Depending on which new unit you choose, it may also qualify you for a rebate and/or a tax credit. The U.S. recently announced a new HVAC tax credit program that runs from 2023 until the end of 2032. As part of this program, you can earn a tax credit worth up to $600 on a new ENERGY STAR-rated air conditioner or up to $2,000 on an ENERGY STAR heat pump. Unfortunately, the requirements for which units qualify under the new tax credit program will likely increase next year, which is yet another reason why we wouldn’t recommend putting off your HVAC replacement.
Your new unit may also qualify for a rebate from both the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power and the South Coast Air Quality Management District. Both of these organizations currently offer rebates on some new HVAC units that can help you save even more on your new unit. However, we would definitely advise acting now to ensure you can take advantage of these rebate programs as there is no guarantee that they will still be available next year.
7. Peace of Mind
Perhaps you have a special event planned for this summer, or you’re expecting guests to arrive for a visit once the school year is over. The last thing you want to experience is an HVAC breakdown on a hot day. If you have already been considering a replacement for your existing unit, spring is an ideal time to schedule the new installation. While choosing your model, you might want to consider including air purification products in your purchase. These will integrate seamlessly into your new system and significantly enhance your indoor air quality. We can even include germicidal UV lights while installing your new HVAC equipment. Help everyone be healthier in your home.
Your Local HVAC Installation Experts
If you’ve decided to replace your old air conditioner or heat pump, Southland Heating & Air Conditioning can help ensure your new unit is installed and ready to go before the summer heat sets in. We specialize in all types of HVAC installation, and we carry a wide range of energy-efficient central ACs, heat pumps, ductless mini-splits and furnaces from trusted brands. Financing is available for new HVAC installations on approved credit, and our team can also help to ensure your new unit qualifies for the available rebates and tax credits. If you need any HVAC maintenance, repairs or indoor air quality services in the Newbury Park or Valencia areas, we’re here to help with that as well. For more information or to schedule an HVAC replacement consultation, contact Southland Heating & Air Conditioning today.
