It might be more practical to upgrade your AC soon.
Most people take their air conditioning system for granted. They’ll just leave it as it is, as long as it looks functional. Unfortunately, you’ll start bleeding money as your air-conditioning system approaches the end of its lifespan.
The system will run harder to decrease the temperature on the thermostat. The bill will also increase even if the winter is mild. It is highly recommended to get an upgrade before it’s too late. Read on below to help you determine the right time to upgrade your residential air conditioner.
Indications That It’s Time for a Residential Aircon Upgrade
Contact your trusted air conditioning expert in Newcastle, Hunter, and Central Coast as soon as you experience the following:
1. The increase in utility bills already bothers you.
Your air conditioner’s efficiency will decrease over time and will cost you more money every month. Some reasons an air-conditioning unit’s efficiency decreases include:
- More efficient technology is introduced in the market
- It is no longer cost-effective to replace parts to keep the unit efficient
- Age already caught up to the unit, and the AC simply doesn’t run well anymore
Note that current standard units utilise less energy as compared to the units in the past. A high-quality air-conditioner today needs 30-50% less energy than those produced in the mid-1970s.
2. You’ve been using the same system for the last 10 years.
You need to start thinking about air conditioning upgrade once your system reaches the 10-year mark. A central air conditioner has a lifespan of 15 to 20 years. Planning ahead of time will allow you to save up for an energy-efficient model.
A decade-old conditioner is quite obsolete in terms of energy efficiency and technology. The sooner you can get an upgrade, the sooner you start saving money.
3. You’re experiencing frequent breakdowns.
Do you feel that your unit is breaking down frequently? Do you find yourself calling the maintenance team more often? The repair costs will pile up and drain your savings in the long run. It is impractical to spend maintenance costs on old units.
Look out for signs of damage that indicate your unit needs to be replaced, such as:
- Moisture and leakage around the unit – this can pose a health risk and damage floors and furniture
- Strange sounds you’ve never heard before – sounds like banging or squealing may be due to broken parts
- Airflow is not great – this may be the result of issues with the compressor or damaged vents
4. You want to decrease your carbon footprint.
The average electricity consumption in an area greatly differs due to changes in several factors. This includes the climate, natural gas usage, type of residence, and various socio-demographics.
The 2018-2019 Local Council Community Electricity Report from Ausgrid listed the average daily consumption in NSW. Some examples include:
- Newcastle – 14.0 kWh per customer per day (approximately 5000 kWh per year)
- Maitland – 18.2 kWh per customer per day (approximately 6600 kWh per year)
- Lake Macquarie – 17.2 kWh per customer per day (approximately 6300 kWh per year)
- Cessnock – 19.0 kWh per customer per day (approximately 6900 kWh per year)
The amount of energy equates to significant amounts of sulphur dioxide and carbon dioxide released in the air. You will decrease your contribution to these emissions if you improve your air conditioning.
5. The climate is hotter in your residential area.
The news is jam-packed with stories from around the world about how the evolving climate affects people’s lives. In Australia, temperatures are increasing. You need a better residential air-conditioning system to fight the intensifying heat.
Check the Zoned Energy Rating Label (ZERL) of your unit to know its expected performance. This gives a seasonal efficiency rating in three distinct climate zones across New Zealand and Australia, which will allow you to determine if a unit saves energy and performs well.
6. You are planning to remodel your home.
Some homeowners decide to enlarge the living space as the family grows or an elderly relative moves in. Adding living space doesn’t necessarily mean adding rooms. You can also increase living space by remodelling the basement, attic, or both.
A bigger living space requires an upgraded residential air conditioning system. A bigger unit will be able to handle the additional workload.
7. You are planning to sell your home.
Consider getting an upgrade if you’re planning to sell your home and have an ancient AC unit. Your home’s value can increase significantly with an upgraded air conditioning system. This will also help you attract more buyers and sell your house faster.
8. No one stays at home most of the day.
If members of your family spend most of the day at work or school, you might want to upgrade to a newer AC model. Some of the latest air conditioning units have a programmable thermostat which will ensure efficient use of utilities while most of you are away from home.
Is It Worth Upgrading Your Residential Air Conditioning System?
Aside from the huge savings, getting an upgrade also offers the following advantages:
- Improved air quality
The United States’ Environmental Protection Agency notes indoor air quality as one of the main risks to human health. A clean indoor air lowers the risk of lung reactions like allergies and asthma. An upgraded aircon unit has low-speed fans that improve circulation and clears the air in your home.
- Well-managed humidity
Your air conditioner’s low-speed fans also reduce humidity. The air moving in your home will become more comfortable, and there will be a decrease in the risk of moisture-related damage.
- Creates a noise-free environment
You may already be used to the noise of your air conditioning unit firing up on a hot afternoon. Isn’t it better to enjoy a hot night with the sound of quiet cooling?
The latest air conditioning systems have dual compressors. These permit them to work hard without producing too much noise.
Consult an Aircon Expert Regarding Your Residential Air Conditioning System
Try not to upgrade your air conditioning system on a whim. It’s best to consult a professional to make sure you choose an aircon unit that addresses your specific needs and budget.
Remember that an air conditioner has a direct impact on the health and safety of your family. An improperly installed air conditioning system can leak out toxins like carbon monoxide. It can also promote mould growth or start fires.
Coles Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Pty Ltd is one of the leading and reliable names in the business. Contact us today, and we’ll help you upgrade your system.
