New AC units have Season Energy Efficiency Ratio or SEER requirements much higher than in years past. Older units generally have a SEER rating somewhere in the neighborhood of 8-12, whereas the newest units can reach a SEER rating of 26. That’s some potentially serious savings on your monthly bills!
When the cost of continuous repairs and monthly bills start to add up, in most cases it can be more economical to replace the unit. Our installation team at Borum Heating & Air can go over your options so that you can have all the information you need to make the best decision possible for your home and budget.
While replacing your HVAC system can be costly, the good news is that homeowners typically only have to purchase a new central air conditioning system once. Our experts are well-equipped to help you make the best decision for your home and family.
Call us at 804-561-6001 to have our expert install technicians assess your current system and provide a FREE estimate on new air conditioning installation today!
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If your air conditioning unit is over 10 years old, it will start to become less reliable, and this is the case regardless of the system. A properly maintained system will far surpass a system that was neglected in terms of longevity. As your HVAC system approaches the end of its life, repairs will become more frequent and increasingly expensive while at the same time cost more to run yearly due to lower efficiency. If your unit is showing these signs of wear, it may be time to consider replacing with a newer, more energy-efficient unit. Our experts can help you decide what option is best for your home today to get your A/C back up and running again quickly.
The size of your home is the one of the major factors in determining which unit will be right for you. As you may expect, the larger the space that needs to be cooled, the more powerful and expensive the system that is needed. If you have a smaller home, the size of the unit needed and also the amount of labor that is required will be different than those with larger homes. This, in return, will determine the cost of installation.
The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) relates to how much energy, and money, an AC unit will use in operation over the course of one year. The United States Department of Energy (DOE) requires all new air conditioning units to meet minimum efficiency ratings identified by these SEER numbers. Many options go above and beyond those minimums.
Another factor that affects the energy efficiency and cost of a new system is whether it’s a single-stage, two-stage, or variable-stage system. A single-stage cooling system has one operative mode: on or off. When your indoor temperature rises above the desired level on the thermostat, the system begins to cool at 100% capacity and shuts off completely when the temperature is lowered. A two-stage cooling system functions more efficiently by rarely operating at full capacity—instead they typically run at approximately 80% capacity and for longer periods of time. This in turn uses less energy and helps keep your bills lower.
The condition of your current ductwork will also determine the costs involved in setting up your new HVAC system. There are many types of ductwork, but the most common is round. The purpose of ductwork is to carry the cold air from the outside unit and deliver it to the interior rooms of your home. If there are any holes or weak areas in your ductwork, cold air will escape into your attic and not allow it to fully reach your rooms at full capacity, cutting down on the efficiency of the system and increasing your utility bills.
