A/C Replacement: How to Determine First Time and Lifetime Costs

If your A/C is 10 years old or more, an A/C replacement could save substantial energy, promote greater comfort and give you the peace of mind of a new warranty. With so many advances in A/C technologies in recent years, you may be wondering how to choose the right system for your home. Consider first and lifetime costs to help you decide.

First Time and Lifetime Costs

The first time cost of an A/C replacement is what you see on the price tag plus the cost for installation. The lifetime costs are your total investment for your new system, including estimated operating expenses, maintenance and repairs for the lifespan of the new A/C.

Consider Advanced Features

A high-efficiency A/C understandably has a higher first cost. The quality of system components and advanced features are strikingly better than what a standard A/C can deliver.

• Variable-speed blower motor: Variable-speed blower motors deliver smoother airflow for even cooling.
• Inverter technology: Inverter compressors are quieter, more efficient and deliver more precise cooling than conventional compressors.
• Better coil design: Many high-efficiency A/Cs use better coil designs with grooved coils for larger surface area. Combined with inverter technology, you receive more powerful cooling.

Factor Maintenance and Repairs

Repair costs through the years can add on a large sum to your total A/C investment. Higher-efficiency A/Cs use more durable components. Variable-speed technologies impose less vibration and wear on parts, which help reduce repairs and extend system life.

Return on Investment

Request a lifetime cost analysis from your HVAC contractor. This report gives you actual figures of standard and higher-efficiency A/Cs to base your decision. You’ll also see your return on investment (ROI) for a higher-efficiency A/C replacement than a standard 13 or 14 SEER. The ROI is the point that energy savings of a more efficient system offset the higher first cost.

A/C systems in the Coastal Bend area endure a heavy workload each year. Consider the frequency you use your cooling system to help you base your decision. To learn more about choosing the right A/C replacement for your South Texas home, please contact CCAC today.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Corpus Christi, Texas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about A/C replacement and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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