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Considering a new AC unit to keep your home cool in the hot summer months? Whether you are just thinking about the idea or ready to make your purchase, it is prudent to think about some key questions before you go ahead with your investment.

Search for a home air conditioning service near me to get expert advice. Before you do, you can check out our quick guide to answer some of the top questions about home air conditioning units.

What homes are suited to central air conditioning?

There are all types of AC units available now, so almost any type of home can be fitted out. There are many factors to consider, such as the size of your home and the equipment needed, your budget, and the climate you live in. But before plunging into a decision, you can search for heating and air conditioning companies near me to seek expert help.

Deciding when to replace a central air conditioning system is also important. It is best not to run your old system into the ground. This can cause an interruption in your service if it fails, become highly inefficient with energy usage, and even risk harmful carbon monoxide leaking into your home. This means extra cost, a potentially hot home, and worst of all potential safety concerns.

All AC systems over 10 years old should be checked regularly by a qualified expert. You can find air conditioning repair near you in most towns. This maintenance can simply be a case of checking your older system for any improvements needed, but it can also uncover potentially more serious issues.

Once you reach the latter stages of your AC system’s expected lifespan, it will likely fall outside of the manufacturer’s warranty. This means you will need to pay for any maintenance from your own pocket.

Depending on the outcome of this assessment, you can decide whether to continue paying to maintain your older system or consider whether it might be time to invest in a new system.

Counting the cost of your new AC system

AC units are available for most budgets nowadays. Pricing up a new system depends on a variety of factors, but you will need to spend at least around $2,500 as a starting point.

Consult with a heating and air conditioning service near me to understand the commercial aspects of your new system. This includes discounts that may be available for the carbon reduction that comes from replacing old systems with newer installations. It can also include financing options to reduce the initial outlay and potentially paying for your system over several years.

You can also use technology such as adding a cooling system to your furnace. This represents a potentially cost-effective way to introduce a cooling system to your home without the outlay of a fully dedicated AC system.

Assessing your investment

As the technology continues to improve, so does the lifespan of AC systems. Well-maintained modern systems can last for up to two decades.

This expected working lifespan can even increase if you have the system regularly serviced by a qualified engineer. You can also get maximum peace of mind by taking an extended warranty when you first make your purchase.

Your engineer can work with you to assess the different factors involved in pricing and installing a new HVAC system. This works in the size of your house, its insulation rating, and how many people live there. Other quirks such as the layout of the home and any remote parts of it to ensure an even distribution of cool air throughout the property.

Carrying out a professional assessment ensures you get the right fit, and avoids a potentially costly mistake of an over-spec that costs you unnecessary money, or under-spec that doesn’t do the job as you need it to. By fitting the right quality and size AC unit, you also ensure that you maximize the longevity of your system, avoid wasted energy loss, and save yourself cash longer term.

By understanding some of the most important questions on AC, you can put yourself in a position to work with your local expert to fit the ideal solution in your home. It does not replace the services of an expert, but ensures that you can get the best lifespan and performance from your system.