Can you tell the difference between these two air conditioning installations?

Both systems were recently installed, are the same make/model, and keep the house cool while lowering power consumption. Here’s the catch: One of these systems could cost you over $3,500 more over the next 10 years.

A Few Extra Steps Can Save You Money

The Department of Energy found that over 55% of AC systems with no reported problems are either over or undercharged between 10-30%, causing an average additional cost of $100 PER TON per year. The average house in Florida has a 3 ton A/C system installed. So at the cost of the time and proper instruments to set the refrigerant charge to the ideal levels, the average Floridian would save $300 per year. Also, manufacturers recommend the removal of the optional horizontal drain pan if your unit is installed in the more common vertical application. Because this would add an additional step to the air conditioner installation process, the vast majority of A/C installers just don’t do it. Leaving this pan in the unit can cause a reduction of airflow up to 2% causing the system efficiency to drop by about 1%. Since the average Floridian spends $700 per year heating/cooling their home, removing this pan would not only result in cleaner and more sterile air, but also $7 per year saved.

Importance of Proper Air Conditioning System Refrigerant

When installing a new air conditioning system it is important to make sure there is absolutely nothing in the refrigerant system except the rated refrigerant. The wrong refrigerant can potentially cause premature parts failures and costly repairs, but the primary issue is that is lowers the power efficiency. Noncondensables in the system will not flow normally through the piping and will build up in the outdoor coil. This causes higher pressures, higher compressor electrical usage, and lower heat transfer. Depending on the type and amount of noncondensables this can result in an up to a 7% reduction in power efficiency. Using the correct refrigerant will result in a power bill savings of $49 per year.

In total (with the average yearly heating/cooling costs per year in Florida being $700) incorrect installation of your new HVAC unit could potentially result in an additional $356 in power charges per year.

Total yearly savings of $356 (close to $1 per day) over the 10 years of use amounts to $3,560 you could save if you choose the right contractor to install you new air conditioning unit. Make sure you’re using a reputable air conditioning contractor who knows how important these small details can be.

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Wondering how long it will be before your old A/C unit finally breaks down and needs a costly replacement?

We know an A/C unit is a big expenses, but many consumers have been hearing for years their system needs replacing from companies looking to make a big paycheck. But how can you tell if your A/C unit is about to break? In these hot Florida summers, we regularly see a system make its last stand on some of the hottest days, when it’s having to work extremely hard just to keep the house at a consistent temperature, leaving you with unexpected repair bills for an A/C unit. Many times, when you can plan ahead for those big surprises, you’re able to handle the situation with a lot more ease, but how can you tell? Here’s three signs to watch out for…

1. Age-

The general rule in the industry is that once an A/C unit reaches 10-15 years, the idea of replacing the unit is usually a much better investment than putting money into an older system. If your system is at this threshold, it’s usually wise to begin expecting, not wondering, when the system will fail. Proper maintenance is a great way to extend the life of your system, so make sure even if its new to take care of it. Don’t know your systems age, no problem. Take down the model and serial number from the manufacturer and give them a call to ask them. If you’re our customer, our staff can tell you it as well, we keep great records!

2. Humidity-

One mechanical clue to a systems state is how efficiently the coil is performing. A function of the evaporator coil is humidity extraction, and as a unit ages past the normal life span, the system will not perform to its usual operational standards. These breakdowns in efficiency leave the air more humid, and cause your space to feel more clammy, than cool. Some other signs of an older evaporator coil is if it is prone to freezing or mold growth.

3. Jump in Costs-

As with the coil, the system overall loses efficiency as it ages. The SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio) of an older unit isn’t what it once was. As it loses each SEER increment, up to 9 percent of efficiency is lost. What results is an increase your electric costs . If your utility costs are rising and other causes have been ruled out, it’s more than likely the age of the system that is the greatest contributor.   Should you be planning to replace your Air Conditioner soon? Your A/C unit won’t last forever. Give a licensed, local expert a call and have an system evaluation done during your next maintenance. Make sure they are reputable and ready yourself with these three suggested area to make sure they’re not selling you something you don’t need. If you’re in Central Florida, visit our website to have one of our experts service your air conditioner with a annual maintenance.

We see this all of the time in our industry. A customer who chooses to go with a costly repair, on an old system that will statistically be

a bad investment. What’s stopping you from getting an air conditioning replacement? Many homeowners are can’t justify a large initial investment for a new A/C unit, but don’t consider the long-term benefits that they could start taking advantage with a new unit Here are seven great advantages to upgrading to a new A/C unit and where you could see some significant savings!

• Reduced spending- Due to the fact that new A/C units are designed to run far more efficiently than models which are only a few years old, you can expect your monthly cooling costs will go down.
• Increased comfort- Advanced technologies promote comfort throughout the home by providing a constant stream of conditioned air, better moisture control and more even temperatures with less fluctuations.
• Improved air quality- Improved moisture control means that you’ll be able to breathe easier because your home will be at a lower risk for the growth of mold and mildew. Indoor Air Quality add on’s for new A/C units also are extremely helpful.
• Tax credits- If you want to get an even higher return on your investment, the time to upgrade to a new A/C unit could be now. Homeowners can usually receive a tax credit when they purchase eligible, energy-efficient HVAC equipment. Always do your homework beforehand, but it’s a great way to lessen the expenses of a new system.
• Warranty protection- With new systems we are currently seeing manufacturers with some great warranties and almost all qualify for extended warranties, including some that cover not only parts but labor as well.
• Dependability- A total system replacement, on the other hand, can provide you with the peace of mind that your equipment will run dependably and safely for many years into the future.
• Friendlier refrigerant- The R-22 refrigerant, the type probably used in your current air conditioner is being phased out by the federal government in response to environmental concerns. Today’s units make use of a more eco-friendly, EPA-approved refrigerant known as R-410A. As R-22 is being phased out, we are seeing an increased cost per pound and will continue to as the years go on. R-410A is a lot less inexpensive to place a system in the case of a leak.

Should you be planning to replace your Air Conditioner soon? Your air conditioner won’t last forever. Take a look at our Air Conditioner Buying Guide to familiarize yourself with your options and give a licensed, local expert a call and have an system evaluation done during your next seasonal maintenance. Make sure they are reputable and ready yourself with these three suggested areas to make sure they’re not selling you something you don’t need. If you’re in Central Florida, visit our website to have one of our experts service your air conditioner!