Calling a professional HVAC technician to replace your air conditioner and repair the ducts is a wise decision for any homeowner. A professional will have the necessary skills and tools to disconnect and replace the central unit, as well as clean or reoperate the ducts where needed. The technician will take care of the central unit, outdoor compressor, refrigerant, and ducts. However, you can choose between different HVAC styles.
A trained professional can help you select the best HVAC system for your home based on size, local climate, and budget. Here are some factors to consider when calculating HVAC system costs. 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-saving option. For instance, if it's a hot summer and the air conditioner is not working due to old age, you don't need to change the furnace heater, but you'll likely need a new or repaired air conditioning unit.
Companies can still manufacture new parts, such as capacitors with R-22, to replace them in existing units. But if you still need to replace a broken air conditioner unit with a new one, this may be something you should consider to help reduce your energy bills in the long run. If you are replacing the entire air conditioning system, it is recommended to replace the ducts as well to ensure that they are free of dust and allergens and that the system does not leak. Under current regulations, manufacturers can no longer produce and companies can no longer install new air conditioning units containing R-22. The benefits of ductless air conditioning systems include low maintenance, no ducts (which can be expensive to repair or replace), and quiet operation compared to central air conditioning.
Most HVAC replacements will require new ducts, so homeowners should check with their HVAC professional to see if they need to replace them. To keep your air conditioning unit in good working condition, you must repair it at least once a year. In addition to the air conditioning system itself, it's helpful to consider other costs that may come with installing a new air conditioning unit, such as electricity, plumbing, and warranties. To ensure system safety, good air conditioning companies replace the disconnecting device and the whip when replacing an air conditioner.
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. Replacing the ducts takes 2 to 4 days of work and it is recommended to replace them at the same time as the air conditioning system. If replacing the unit with a more energy efficient model would help you save on your energy bill over time, it's a good idea to replace it. Some things homeowners can do to maintain a new HVAC unit after it has been installed by a professional 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.
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.
