Repair or replace? Learn what’s best for you.
An air conditioner is a long-term investment that will keep you comfortable for many years to come. If your unit is more than 15 years old, it may be more cost-effective in the long run to replace it with a newer unit offering greater efficiency and lower operating costs. The sooner you upgrade to a better, more efficient system, the sooner you could start to save money on your energy bill.
If you decide you are not ready to replace, be sure to keep your air conditioner running smoothly with regular maintenance.
It’s all about energy efficiency
The energy efficiency of central air conditioning systems is compared using a SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) value. SEER refers to the unit's cooling efficiency—the higher the SEER, the more energy-efficient the unit. An increase in SEER value from 10 to 11 represents an increase in efficiency of approximately 10% and a decrease in operating costs of approximately 10%.
When shopping, look for the ENERGY STAR® symbol that clearly identifies energy-efficient products. By selecting an ENERGY STAR® labeled model, you could save hundreds of dollars in energy costs over the life of your equipment.
Other things to consider.
Size
When determining the size of unit that is best for your home, you should consider the size of your home and the number of windows it has. Bigger is not always better. In fact, an oversized unit will not adequately lower the humidity, resulting in an unpleasantly cold and damp home.
Noise
The system rating for the sound level of central air conditioning is measured in Bels. The lower the Bels rating, the quieter the unit will be for you and your neighbours. The industry standard maximum sound for new air conditioning equipment is 7.6 Bels. For every 0.3 Bels lower, the noise level is reduced by one half.
Scroll Compressor
The compressor pumps refrigerant from the outdoor unit to the indoor unit. Many central air conditioners have a reciprocating compressor, which operates much like a small engine. Alternatively, a scroll compressor has fewer moving parts, which is quieter and more efficient.
2-Speed Outdoor Fan
An air conditioner with a 2-speed outdoor fan operates on low speed 90% of the time, automatically switching to high speed when the outside temperature soars. The result is lower operating costs plus less noise outside—something you and your neighbours will appreciate.
Environmentally Friendly Refrigerant
R410 is an alternative refrigerant to Freon, which is damaging to the ozone layer because it contains chlorine.
®Reproduced with permission of the Minister of Natural Resources Canada, 2005.
Homes without Ducts
If your home is heated with electric baseboards or a hot water boiler system, it will not have the necessary duct system required by most central air conditioning systems. There are several options specifically designed for cooling homes without ductwork, such as ductless split and 'Space-Pak' systems. Talk to one of our knowledgeable Energy Management Consultants to help you decide on the best solution for your home.
Air Filtration
If you or a family member suffers from allergies or asthma, you may want to consider an air filtration system to help reduce symptoms. You can add an air filtration system to your central air conditioner.
Costs
The price of a new cooling system depends on factors such as the size of your home, the number of windows and trees nearby, whether ductwork needs to be installed, and more. One of our expert Energy Management Consultants will be able to provide an estimate based on your home and your needs.
