How old is your current unit?
HVAC systems are designed to last only 12-14 years in an environment of 95 degrees or below. However in Oklahoma, most the summer weather many times take the temperature over the desired environment and the average lifespan of a system is 8-10 years with a new 14 SEER or higher.
A typical scenario you may have experienced:
Your air conditioner stops working, and you discover that the condenser fan motor (which removes heat from the condenser) has failed. The cost to repair the 11-year old fan motor is $700. If your HVAC system has not received routine maintenance, the condenser fan motor failure may be the first of many system issues. Additionally, 11-year-old systems are typically rated a 10 on the SEER (or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) scale, which is relatively inefficient and often results in increased energy costs. In this case, Spencer Heating & Air would recommend replacing your HVAC system.
Compressor failure is typically an indication that an HVAC system should be replaced. Virtually every time a major component fails and the system is eight or more years old, a replacement will be recommended — especially if the air conditioner uses R22 refrigerant, which is being banned by the EPA. Newer systems use R410, which is an environmentally sound refrigerant.
Modern air conditioners use 30% to 50% less energy to produce the same amount of cooling as mid-70's to mid-80's air conditioners. Even if your air conditioner is only ten years old, you may save 20% to 40% on cooling energy costs by replacing it with a newer, more efficient model.
Signs That an HVAC System Should Be Replaced
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Choosing a New HVAC System
Proper size and installation are critical to air conditioner efficiency. A unit that is too large will not adequately control humidity; conversely, a unit that is too small will not sufficiently cool a home during the summer months. Improper unit location or duct installation, as well as insufficient insulation, may greatly diminish efficiency. Spencer Heat & Air’s Specialists can help you choose the right air conditioner for your home.
It’s important to choose an air conditioner with high efficiency. Central air conditioners are rated according to their seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER), which indicates the relative amount of energy needed to provide a specific cooling output. Many older systems have SEER ratings of 6 or less, while today the minimum allowable SEER is 13 to 14. Central air conditioners with the ENERGY STAR® label have SEER ratings of 13 or higher; for even greater savings, you may want to consider air conditioning equipment with even higher SEER ratings.