Tallahassee is a terrific city to call home. As the Sunshine State’s capital, it’s rich in Floridian history, home to multiple prestigious academic institutions, and has no shortage of things to see and do. It’s one of the biggest cities on the panhandle, after all!
What isn’t so terrific, however, is high energy bills. To make matters even worse, you could be dealing with higher costs without the benefit of more cool air. This might leave you asking the question, “How much will a new AC unit save me?”
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to encompass that question. How much a new air conditioner can save you will ultimately depend on several different factors.
As a reliable AC repair company in Tallahassee, FL, our team at Cooper’s Plumbing & Air knows how beneficial a new air conditioner can be. We’ll explain everything you need to know here.
When It’s Time To Invest in a New Air Conditioner Unit for Your Home
Before you invest in a new air conditioner unit, you’ll want to thoughtfully consider how much more lifespan and longevity you can get out of your current air conditioner.
How long your air conditioner will last often depends on the type you have. For example, most portable air conditioners will last between five and 10 years. Meanwhile, a residential whole-home air conditioning unit will usually last around 15 years.
By contrast, central air source air conditioners last for an average of 15 years, with well-maintained units running upwards of 25 years. Ductless mini-split air conditioner systems typically have the longest average lifespans, capable of lasting around 20 years. In any case, if your unit is nearing the end of its effective lifespan, and repairs or maintenance are failing to extend it, it may be time to get a new unit.
Signs That Indicate It’s Time for a New Unit
If your aging air conditioner is also experiencing the following signs and symptoms, take them as telltale signs to replace your unit:
- Strange loud noises: Harsh banging and screeching sounds could indicate performance issues.
- Unpleasant smells: This could indicate a buildup of bacterial or fungal contaminants in the unit.
- Performance issues: The unit’s airflow could be failing to keep a balanced air temperature.
- Electrical issues: Leaving frayed wires or poor connections unattended can be dangerous!
If any of the above applies to your situation, contact your local air conditioning experts. They can inspect your system and offer an estimate for replacing your old air conditioner and installing a new one.
Factors That Determine the Cost-Savings of a New Air Conditioner
“So, how much will a new AC unit save me if my current unit is old and inefficient?”
A new air conditioner can save you a significant amount of money in the long run, especially if you currently have an old, inefficient unit. How much your new system can save you depends on several different factors.
The Initial Investment Cost
Every new air conditioner requires an upfront investment. Each type of system will run you a few thousand, between as low as $3,000 or as high as $15,000, on average. Likewise, additional costs associated with the installation service (like labor) could be an additional few hundred or thousand.
Your Utility Bills Savings
Worn and broken-down air conditioners aren’t the only reason that Florida homeowners might consider investing in a new air conditioning unit. Around half of your home’s energy bills go toward heating and cooling costs. So, your choice of a new air conditioning unit will have a significant impact on your future energy bills.
The higher the SEER rating a unit has (more on that below), the more likely you are to save money in the long run. However, higher-rated energy efficiency systems tend to carry higher upfront costs.
The Unit’s Energy Efficiency and SEER Rating
If you’re still asking yourself, “How much will a new AC unit save me?” you have some ways of being able to pre-emptively tell. Outside of professional guidance, one of the most reliable ways for a consumer to tell is by looking at the unit’s energy efficiency rating.
Not all energy consumed by your AC system is useful. The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio rating shows how much energy your air conditioner actually uses versus how much goes to waste. A higher SEER rating means your system wastes less energy, which can help you save money with lower energy bills.
What SEER rating should you be looking for? Modern air conditioners with SEER ratings of 13 or greater are the most energy-efficient. Systems that are 10 years old or older may have a SEER rating of only nine or 10.
New air conditioners with higher SEER ratings tend to have greater upfront costs, but they can save you an impressive amount of money on your monthly energy bills over time.
The Long-term Cost Reduction and Return on Investment
Finally, consider whether short-term spending is worth long-term savings. You’ll want to be sure that you’re getting just as much, if not more, of a return on investment from that initial cost. Beyond the price tag of the unit itself, factor in:
- If you need insulation upgrades and services as well
- If the manufacturer has a good warranty and repair record
- If your local electric company will offer any rebates
- If your overall HVAC system needs service as well
Want a Cooler Florida Home? Count on Cooper’s Plumbing & Air!
“How much will a new AC unit save me?” According to the Department of Energy, you could save up to 20 or even 40% on your energy bills if you replace a unit that is 10 years old or older with a new system.
A new air conditioner can help save you money in the long run and even help reduce humidity levels in your home. If you’re ready to explore new air conditioning systems, let our team help. Learn more about what a new air conditioner can do for your home by calling Cooper’s Plumbing & Air at 866-464-7132!