Dealing with an outdated HVAC system can mean constant repairs, lackluster performance and noisy operation. You might think squeezing those extra years from your system saves you cash, but what are the real costs of using an old HVAC system? Are you better off upgrading?
Read on to discover how updating to a new HVAC system can save you money.
When it comes time to replace your old HVAC system, you’ll need to find the best air conditioning company near you. Cardinal Plumbing, Cooling and Heating has the experience and knowledge you need to help you find the right HVAC system for your home. Give us a call at 703-656-9715 to get started.
What Are Some Benefits of Buying a New HVAC Unit?
A properly maintained HVAC system can last 12 to 15 years. Of course, it’s wishful thinking to imagine your system would somehow last longer, but we often make decisions with our wallet rather than our heads.
Upfront costs usually seem to have more of an impact than incremental savings. However, at around $4,000 to $10,000 for a full HVAC replacement, the price is certainly not small. With newer HVAC systems, you save with lower utility bills, special incentives and not having to pay for repairs. Let’s start with energy and efficiency.
Efficiency
Heating and cooling your home takes a good bit of energy. If you have ever gotten an outrageous power bill during the peak of the summer heat, you already know the effect your HVAC system has on your monthly costs.
Using an old system raises these costs. Poorly performing units or outdated components decrease the efficiency of your home cooling and heating.
But efficiency is about more than just worn-down parts. Systems built ten years ago don’t have the same efficiency as modern HVAC units. HVAC professionals measure this efficiency with the seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER). The SEER describes how much cooling a system can generate from a single watt of energy.
Modern HVAC systems require a minimum SEER of 14. In contrast, older systems may carry a SEER of six or lower. The higher the SEER, the better the utility savings.
New Units Require Fewer Repairs
It should come as no surprise that a new HVAC system will require fewer repairs. The components are new and, if your technician installs everything correctly, things should work without issues.
While proper maintenance is the key to maintaining your system, it can only go so far. At some point, parts are going to wear out, and you’ll need to ring your local HVAC repair service.
Repairs can be costly. If your AC compressor goes out, you could be looking at a $3,000 repair bill. If you need more work and replacement parts, you can see how things will start to add up.
Newer units usually won’t have these types of issues. Since everything is fresh and new, you can expect a few steady years of service before repairs might come up.
Incentives for Upgrading
If the dramatic decrease in your utility payments isn’t enough, there are other monetary incentives to upgrading. For example, tax credits for installing energy-efficient equipment.
Additionally, your state or local municipality might offer more in the form of cost savings if you opt for a new installation. Both government entities and utility providers might offer such incentives, so be on the lookout.
If you’ve got a question about a new HVAC installation, Cardinal Plumbing, Cooling and Heating has the answers. If you are installing a new air conditioner in Reston, VA, we can help you navigate the installation process and manage a proper maintenance schedule.
When Should You Begin to Think About Purchasing a New HVAC Unit?
You might be in the camp of, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” Unfortunately, years of this kind of attitude can cost you in the long run, especially when it comes to HVAC systems. As we have learned, inefficient systems can’t produce the same cooling power per dollar.
We also learned the price of expensive repairs to outdated components. If you choose to stick with an old system, you’ll want to keep your HVAC technician on speed dial.
So when it comes to the right time to upgrade, you have a lot of say. Of course, no one will force you to update your system, but the costs of not doing anything will start to add up.
Generally, you want to replace your HVAC system every ten years. A few factors, like environment and maintenance, will play a role in lifespan, for good and bad. If you are looking to save money, though, you’ll want to think about upgrading sooner rather than later.
The best strategy to determine whether or not you need to replace your system is by having an inspection done. First, you’ll want to find the best air conditioning in Reston, VA. Once the licensed HVAC technician from Cardinal Plumbing, Cooling and Heating arrives, they can give you a more comprehensive picture of the efficiency of your system and, if need be, recommend a complete system upgrade.
Making the Call: When Does a New HVAC Unit Start Saving You Money?
It can be a tricky situation determining the efficiency of your HVAC system. Using the SEER, we can establish a good gauge for yearly savings. Here is a savings calculator you can use to discover your cash savings when switching HVAC units.
You’ll need a few bits of information before you find your savings. Make sure you know the SEER of your current AC unit, the tonnage and the SEER of a new system. For example, upgrading from a 3-tonne unit with a SEER of 9 to one with a SEER of 19 cuts monthly energy bills in half.
So, to answer the question, you can expect to see savings on your first electricity bill.
Looking for High-Quality and Affordable Air Conditioning in Reston, VA?
Whether you’re in need of repairs or a full HVAC system upgrade, you’ll need to find the best air conditioning company near you. Cardinal Plumbing, Cooling and Heating is here to help with any of your HVAC needs.
Contact us today for the highest quality servicing for air conditioning in Reston, VA.