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When to Replace Your Air Conditioner & Furnace
With hundreds of locations throughout the United States and Canada, One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning® of Lee's Summit has accumulated a wealth of knowledge and statistics that enables you to make the best decisions when it comes time to replace your aging home comfort system. The data from the thousands of calls we and our sister One Hours have run over the years gives us a unique advantage in understanding your needs. We’ve identified the two most likely scenarios in which upgrading your furnace and air conditioner are a necessity.
Utility Overpayment
A new heating and air conditioning system will save you money on utilities. A high efficiency system can save you as much as 75% in utility costs. For example, if an air conditioner with a 6 SEER was replaced with a 13 SEER system, you would divide 6 by 13 to determine your SEER ratio. Then locate your utility savings on this chart.
As an example, let’s say you have an 8 SEER air conditioner in Lee’s Summit. The average utility bill in Missouri during July is $185. Assuming the air conditioner accounts for 50% of that, you’re paying $92.50 to cool your home in July. If you upgraded to a 16 SEER air conditioner, you’d save $46.25 during equivalent months. (8 / 16 = .5 and $92.50 x .5 = $46.25)
Cost of Repair
The other scenario that necessitates replacing your air conditioner and furnace is when the system breaks down. From our data, we know that once a system has an initial breakdown the system is likely to have further issues down the road. This graph illustrates the ratio of repair costs with equipment age to help you decide at what point it makes more sense to replace your system.
As an example, let’s say you have an air conditioner that is 10 years old and our technician finds that your air conditioner needs a hard start kit. At $253, this falls into the “Repair” column, so we’d recommend doing so. However, if our technician determined you needed a new condenser fan motor, with a $667 repair we would recommend replacing your system. Why? We’ve done the studies for you and have determined that, in the long run, it’s going to cost you more to maintain your old system than it would be to replace with a new system.
The True Cost of Repairing an Aging System
When faced with a malfunctioning mechanical system, it's only natural to consider repairing it as a cost-effective solution. However, there's a critical factor that often gets overlooked in this decision-making process: the true cost of repeatedly repairing an old system versus replacing it.
All mechanical equipment has an expected lifespan, beyond which its performance becomes less reliable and its efficiency diminishes. Delaying the replacement of an aging system might seem like a money-saving tactic in the short term, but it's important to understand the long-term financial implications.
- 1. Escalating Repair Costs: As a system ages, it's more prone to breakdowns. Frequent repairs can quickly add up, not just in terms of immediate repair costs, but also in terms of the inconvenience and discomfort caused by repeated breakdowns.
- 2. Decreased Efficiency: Older systems tend to be less energy-efficient, leading to higher utility bills. Modern systems are designed with the latest energy-saving technology, which can significantly reduce your ongoing energy expenses.
- 3. Reduced Comfort: Aging systems often struggle to maintain consistent indoor temperatures and desired comfort levels. This can lead to discomfort for you and your family, impacting your quality of life.
- 4. Environmental Impact: Inefficient systems consume more energy, contributing to higher carbon emissions and environmental damage. Upgrading to a newer system can reduce your carbon footprint and support sustainability efforts.
- 5. Opportunity Cost: Money spent on frequent repairs could be invested in a new, efficient system that offers reliable performance and long-term savings.
Remember, it's not a matter of if you'll need to replace your existing system, but rather when. Delaying the inevitable replacement can ultimately cost you more than investing in a new system upfront. The longer you wait, the more you'll spend on repairs, energy bills, and compromised comfort.
Use this calculator to determine the true cost of repairing your existing system instead of replacing your system.
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Invest in Your Comfort and Savings. Schedule a Consultation Today.
For more information about furnace and air conditioning replacement in Lee's Summit, MO, call us at (816) 354-1077 or contact us online to schedule an appointment today.
