When it comes to replacing an old air conditioner, it's important to know what size to choose. The Department of Energy recommends that your air conditioner should emit 20 BTU per square foot. For a medium-sized room (250 to 350 square feet), this would be 7,000 to 8,500 BTU. To determine the heating load, you can check how long the existing system runs when the outside temperature is close to the local outdoor design temperature.
In the United States, air conditioners typically last 15 to 20 years. However, in Florida, where air conditioners are used almost year-round and are exposed to high levels of humidity, salt water and sulfur, the life expectancy of the system can be much lower - between 10 and 12 years. If you replace a 15-year-old 12 SEER unit with a 16 SEER2 unit, you could potentially save up to 40% on cooling costs per year*. As air conditioners age, their operating efficiency decreases (or due to poor maintenance).
So, after fifteen years, your 12 SEER air conditioner could be operating close to a 10 SEER level. This means that you could save up to 68% a year in cooling costs if you switch to a 16-unit SEER2* system. If you upgrade to an even higher SEER2 rating, your potential savings will increase. All new air conditioners installed in the southern United States must have an efficiency rating of at least 14.3 SEER2 (which is equivalent to 15 SEER in the old rating system).
When choosing an air conditioner for your home, it's important to consider what type of unit will work best for your new decor. It's also important to understand the average costs involved in replacing or repairing an air conditioner. If you plan on selling your home soon, a new air conditioner could increase its marketability. When deciding whether to repair or replace your air conditioner, it's best to consult with an HVAC professional who can perform all the necessary calculations for maximum efficiency.
If you live in an older house and have lived there for many years, chances are that your central air conditioning unit is about to run out and that it's time to replace it. With so many factors to consider before repairing or replacing your air conditioner, it can be overwhelming. If you don't plan on selling it anytime soon and want the peace of mind of having a new unit and an extended warranty, replacing your air conditioner may be worth considering. In a perfect world, your air conditioner should last its entire lifespan without causing any problems.
It is essential that homeowners understand how to choose the right size air conditioner for their home in order to maximize energy efficiency and cost savings. When selecting an air conditioning unit for your home, there are several factors that need to be taken into consideration. The size of the room or area being cooled is one of the most important factors when determining what size unit is needed. The Department of Energy recommends that each square foot of space should have 20 BTUs of cooling power.
For example, if you have a 250-350 square foot room, then you would need an AC unit with 7-8500 BTUs of cooling power. In addition to size considerations, it is also important to consider the age and efficiency rating of your current AC unit when deciding whether or not it needs replacing or repairing. If your current AC unit is more than 15 years old and has a 12 SEER rating or lower, then replacing it with a 16 SEER2 unit could potentially save up to 40% on cooling costs per year*. On the other hand, if you upgrade to an even higher SEER2 rating then your potential savings will increase even more.
Finally, when selecting an AC unit for your home it is important to consider what type of unit will work best for your new decor as well as understanding the average costs involved in replacing or repairing an air conditioner. If you plan on selling your home soon then a new AC unit could increase its marketability. When deciding whether or not to repair or replace your AC unit it is best practice to consult with an HVAC professional who can perform all the necessary calculations for maximum efficiency and cost savings.
