If you have a much larger home, you can divide the square footage by 400 to get the right air conditioner size. An air conditioner will cost more for larger homes, and there are other costs associated with installing a new unit, such as electricity, plumbing, and warranties. To keep your air conditioning unit in good working order, it is recommended to repair it at least once a year. Homeowners can do a few things to maintain their HVAC unit after it has been installed by a professional.
These include regularly replacing air filters; sealing any air leaks in the ducts; cleaning any debris surrounding the HVAC unit; maintaining a 2-foot clear space around the unit; replacing or adjusting the thermostat; and cleaning the evaporator coil, evaporator trap, and drain pipe with a garden hose. Replacing the ducts adds 2 to 4 days of work and it is recommended to replace them at the same time as the air conditioning system. However, due to the skill and danger involved, it is best to leave most air conditioning installations in the hands of licensed professionals. Under current regulations, manufacturers can no longer produce and companies can no longer install new air conditioning units containing R-22. Some HVAC companies offer discounts on more expensive options, such as a zone system, and many local energy companies offer discounts or rebates for upgrading or replacing an HVAC system, especially if it's an energy efficient option.
It's also a good idea for homeowners to replace their ducts if they are going to replace their entire HVAC system. Most HVAC system replacements require new ducts, so homeowners should check with their HVAC professional to see if they need to replace them. The advantages of ductless air conditioning systems include low maintenance, the absence of ducts (which can be expensive to repair or replace), and their quieter operation compared to central air conditioning. Most HVAC professionals recommend replacing the unit if it's 15 years old or older and replacing both units simultaneously if you have an indoor and an outdoor unit.
If replacing the unit with a more energy efficient model would help you reduce your energy bill over time, it's a good idea to replace it. Finally, if your current air conditioner is broken, find out if the cost of repairing it is similar to the cost of replacing it. If the cost to repair the HVAC unit is 30 percent or more of the total cost of replacing it, homeowners should choose to replace the HVAC system. Companies can still manufacture new parts, such as capacitors with R-22, to replace them in existing units.
