There’s nothing like the sinking feeling you get when your turn on the air conditioner and nothing happens. If you have an older Las Vegas air conditioning unit, you’re living on borrowed time – and most homeowners understand this.
When your AC unit breaks down and you feel the pressure of rising temperatures, you need to weigh your options. At what point do you look at replacing your elderly AC versus repairing the old one? Should you even try repairing first? At what point do the energy efficiencies of a new AC unit help balance the cost of replacement?
These are all great questions – and this article will help you find the answers.
Las Vegas Air Conditioning – Repair
A 10-year air conditioner typically uses twice the energy of a new unit. But if you’d like your older unit to function as effectively as possible it’s important to not only maintain the blower and motor but to look at the ductwork.
According to Pacific Gas & Electric, 10 to 30 percent of the cool air your air conditioner puts out is lost before you ever feel the benefit. That makes your unit work harder and your home hotter.
If you’re considering repair over replacement of an older Las Vegas air conditioning unit, consider having your ductwork looked at to help your AC work a little more efficiently.
Too, it might make sense to add insulation to your home. Poorly insulated buildings lose a lot of air, which makes your Las Vegas air conditioning equipment work a lot harder. The good news is adding insulation can net you a $500 tax credit, in addition to keeping your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.
Las Vegas Air Conditioning Replacement
How old in your AC? The first thing we ask homeowners before we suggest a replacement unit is the age of the equipment. Most air conditioners typically last 10-15 years, although proper maintenance may extend the life of your air conditioner. Many homeowners replace their units at this time to take advantage of increased efficiency, which shows up in savings on their monthly utility bill.
We cannot stress enough how important regular until maintenance is to the longevity of the system. Yearly maintenance is designed to spot problems before they cause a problem and keep your Las Vegas air conditioning unit functioning well.
So how do you know if its time to scrap your existing air conditioner? There are four key signs that your air conditioner should be retired:
· Room hot spots that signal an uneven cooling of your home.
· A loud, obviously struggling air conditioner motor.
· An increase in your electrical bill that doesn’t seem to match your usage.
· If you’ve called Ambient Edge for repair more than twice in a one-year time span.
Scheduling a maintenance check with your Las Vegas air conditioning crew will be the smartest way to determine if it’s time to replace your equipment. We highly recommend spring as the best time to replace your AC, just before regional temperatures start to soar.
Ambient Edge can run the numbers to see if replacing your air conditioner is the smart option for your family. Contact us to find out more.