5 Ways to Plan for an AC Replacement in Your Atlanta Home
Whatever the reason you’re considering a new air conditioner or furnace, you’ll want to go through this handy checklist to make sure you are shopping for the right equipment and asking contractors the right questions about AC installation.
1. “Look Tech – Gimme the Truth – How Much Time I Got?”
Sad but true, eventually every AC is going to give up the ghost. The question isn’t if, but when. Since that’s the case – don’t give up before you’ve got to. An experienced technician can add up the facts and give you an estimate that could be days, weeks, months or years.
It will also take into account repairs, maintenance, cost and what you want to get out of your machine.
2. “Do You Think You Can Fix Him, Tech?
Maybe you don’t need to replace an entire system, and can do just fine with replacing a single component. A compressor is certainly expensive, but if the AC unit is new enough, purchasing a replacement compressor wins over AC replacement.
Here’s a very general guideline: if the machine is eight years old, or the cost of repair is half the cost of a new machine, it’s advisable to buy the new machine.
3. What Is the Area You’re Trying to Cool?
Just because you’ve always cooled one way, doesn’t mean it’s the only way. Your original machine could be sized incorrectly for the amount of space and thermal load in your home. That’s why an HVAC technician is supposed to start from the drawing board when considering how much cooling you need, which will affect the kind of system that you buy.
4. Is Cold Air All You’re After?
Perhaps you have more in mind. Do you want added efficiency? Would you like to install a zoned duct system with multiple thermostats? What about a variable speed compressor motor?
In addition, you might consider a geothermal heat pump, which can be turned to bring cold air into the house in the summer and save you money all year round – but it takes running a lot of pipe underground in your backyard…
Know that you’ve got options, and make sure you ask your technician what make the most sense for you.
5. What Is New in Air Conditioning?
Do you know that you can equip an AC thermostat with a GPS? It will know when you’re coming and going and will set the temperature accordingly.
Or have you thought about combining your AC system with a custom air purifier? Remember that your AC doesn’t renew air – it only removes heat from your existing air and dehumidifies.
Given that homes often have very polluted air from chemicals and household products, it’s not a bad idea to see how you can ventilate in tandem with your HVAC system.
Talk to your friends at Anytime Heating, Cooling and Plumbing and learn everything you need to know so you can replace your system the right way – right now – we’re open 24/7.