Investing in a New AC Unit: Saving Money in the Long-Run

Investing in a New AC Unit: Saving Money in the Long-Run

A well-functioning air conditioner is essential to your comfort this summer. It’s also a good way to boost your home’s value. However, the cost of a central AC system can be a big expense. 

U.S. News reports the national average cost of central air conditioning was just under $5,900 in 2023. It can vary depending on your location and whether you have existing ducts or need them installed. If you have a brand-new home without central AC, it will be more expensive than replacing an existing system.

Your home’s insulation may need updating, which also drives up the total cost. Home Advisor’s reports show that the average cost in Chicago is just over $4,000, but it can go over $8,000. The only way to truly know what it will cost is by asking for a free estimate.

Why Should You Replace an Existing AC System?

A new AC system is more efficient, so you automatically save money on energy bills. Each year, technology changes and makes the systems more efficient than before. The energy savings are important, and there are incentives for purchasing an energy-efficient system that helps reduce your home’s carbon footprint, too. Energy.gov is a good place to start exploring those tax credits.

You also gain the benefit of having warranty coverage. Most manufacturers include a 10-year warranty on the compressor, which can be one of the most expensive components to replace or repair. Plus, there’s the warranty on the other components that usually lasts a year or two, so you have peace of mind that you won’t get hit by a failed system that you suddenly have to pay for the repairs or another replacement.

Our Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Investment

SEER ratings changed in 2023 to SEER2. Systems must now be 13.4 SEER2 0r higher. The higher the number, the lower your energy consumption, so you save money. If your current 2-ton system is SEER 12 and you upgrade to SEER2 16, your energy savings would be about $60 per year. Increase to SEER2 20 and save almost $100 per year.

It’s important to have your unit professionally sized. An undersized system works harder to keep your home cool. That means it may never shut off, so it drives up your bills. An oversized system may cool your home quickly, but then it is continually shutting on and off. That wears out the components quickly, and you’ll be paying for repairs more often than you need to.

Many utility companies offer rebates, sometimes instant, when you purchase an energy-efficient air conditioning system. Plus, there are tax credits available from the government if you purchase an efficient AC system that meets the government’s requirements. 

Long-Term Strategies for Saving Money

We have several tips for maximizing the savings you get from your new AC system. Most of them are easy to implement and will save you a lot of money in the long run.

Keep Up With Maintenance

Have your new AC system maintained regularly. Some tasks on the list are things you can do on your own. You should change the air filters every couple of months or so, depending on how many pets you have and how many people occupy the home. Smokers need to change filters more often, too.

Keep the coils in the interior and exterior units clean. If there is a layer of dust, pollen, mildew, or other grime covering them, get a hose and spray them off. If it’s stuck on, you might need a cleaning agent, such as a mild dish soap diluted in water. Spray that on, wait a few minutes, and use a soft brush to loosen the grime before you use the hose.

Make sure the exterior unit’s vents are not blocked by weeds, overgrown shrubs, grass clippings, leaves, and fallen branches. If the AC cannot properly release the heat, your system cannot work efficiently. 

Check the drain pain to make sure the condensate line is draining properly. If it’s not, unclog it by running a mixture of vinegar and hot water through it. If that doesn’t fix it, call a technician for help.

You will want to bring in a Chicago AC expert once a year for a professional cleaning and inspection. If any problems are beginning, you can catch them before it leads to costly repairs or damage to your system.

Improve Your Home’s Insulation

Boost the insulation in your attic, roof, and crawl space to keep cool air from escaping. Insulation also keeps the heat from the sun from getting into your attic or upstairs rooms and making them hotter than they need to be.

Put an End to Drafty Doors and Windows

When your home is cool, feel around doors and windows for warm air that’s coming in. If you find them, weatherstripping and caulk block the draft and prevent the loss of cold air through that gap. If you have very old doors and windows, it may be time for new ones.

Embrace Home Technology

Smart technology is one of the best ways to reduce costs. Smart thermostats that learn your patterns and adjust your AC to make your home cooler when you’re about to come home or warmer when you leave for the day. The technology analyzes when there is movement in the home and tracks it to create a schedule of when you go to work or school and when you return. When the thermostat is just a couple of degrees warmer, the amount you save is surprising.

Some AC systems have smart technology built in. If something is changing within the system, the AC notifies you of what is happening so that you can take care of it. Your filter is dirty, so you get a notification. The coolant pressure is different, you can look for a leak or call a professional. You also have technology that allows an AC technician to connect to the system remotely and see if a house call is needed or if it’s something that can be repaired remotely.

Choose a Company That Goes Above and Beyond

Air Blue Heating and Cooling backs all new installations with a lifetime installation guarantee. As long as you keep up with recommended maintenance schedules, we have you covered. Our new installations also come with three-year maintenance plans and two-year equipment test drive guarantees. 

Air Blue has more than 30 years of experience in installing, repairing, and maintaining HVAC equipment at both homes and businesses. Ask us about our discounts on new AC installations or low monthly payments for a new AC and furnace system.