How Can a Winter AC Repair or Replacement Save Money Next Summer?
Were your summer-time AC bills out of control? Now that the cooler weather is here, you realize just how much electricity your home's central air system uses. From air conditioning repair to a full replacement, take a look at what you can do in the winter to reduce your summer cooling costs.
Schedule a Winter Service Appointment for Summer Savings
The AC system cooled your home all summer long without a noticeable problem. The temperature was constant and each room had cold air. Does this mean your air conditioner doesn't have an issue that could require professional attention?
Even though an air conditioner pushes cold air into your home's interior spaces, it may not work at its possible peak performance. Lack of maintenance, a dirty or debris-filled system, hidden damage, and general wear and tear can pose problems you don't know about. These, and other similar issues, can force your home's system to use more energy. This can increase your electricity bill, causing a noticeable change from what you would normally pay for the utility.
A postseason check-up from a qualified air conditioning company can catch these problems before next summer. The technician can inspect your AC system, look for damage and signs of wear, and clean or remove debris. The result is a system that's ready to go next summer. You may not only notice a change in the way the air conditioner cools your home, but you may also see utility bills that are on par with what you pay during the other seasons.
Consider an AC Replacement, Too
Your summer utility bills were sky high—and you're not sure if a routine cleaning or an air conditioning repair can solve the problem. An old, worn, and damaged system can put a strain on your home's overall energy usage. This can cause unnecessarily high electric bills throughout the summer.
As you move into the fall and winter (and stop using your air conditioner), you may notice a decrease in the price you pay for this type of energy. According to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI), central air conditioners have an average lifespan of 7 to 15 years. If your AC unit is on the upper end of this range, has noticeable severe damage, or requires constant repairs, consider a winter-time replacement.
While you won't need to use the air conditioner for months, now is still the perfect time to replace it. An off-season replacement may equal a better deal on the overall price of an air conditioner. It also allows you to schedule an installation service during a time when home cooling isn't necessary. If you wait until the summer to schedule this service, you may need to go a day (or days, if the system doesn't work well) without the use of a central AC system.