As your air conditioner ages, you will notice more and more problems with it. Troubles that require repair crop up more frequently. Maybe it sounds like it’s struggling, or just isn’t getting the job done as well as it used to, even though you’ve scheduled routine maintenance. At some point, you’ll start thinking about replacing it.
When you start to consider AC replacement, there are a lot of factors you might be considering, like the size of a new unit, the cost, and how efficient it is. There’s one thing we suggest you think about before you make any other decisions. Should I replace my air conditioner with a heat pump instead of another AC unit? There are some major benefits, and we’ll outline them for you.
How to Know It’s Time for AC Replacement
You should be seriously planning your AC replacement or heat pump installation if your air conditioner in Lansing, MI is showing any of the following signs.
- Age: An air conditioner that is maintained every year will last ten or twelve years. As it gets close to that age, you should be aware that the need to replace it is coming soon.
- Repair Cost: If your air conditioner requires a repair that is more than half the cost of replacing it, replacement may be your better option. If it requires a costly repair, you can multiply the repair estimate by the age of the AC unit, and look into replacement instead if your answer exceeds 5000.
- Repair Frequency: Small costs add up, and as air conditioners age, they need repairs more often. If you’re getting minor repairs every year or even more often, replacement is on the horizon.
- Inefficiency: Major advances have been made in AC technology in recent years. If you’re paying a lot to run your air conditioner and you want a more efficient solution, replacement will solve your problem.
The Heat Pump Advantage
Speaking of more efficient solutions, that’s the biggest reason to choose a heat pump over a traditional air conditioner when it’s time to schedule your replacement installation. They do tend to be somewhat more efficient than even brand-new air conditioners. But that’s not the amazing part. The fact that they can provide spectacularly efficient heating as well is what’s really exciting.
In our climate, we do have winter temperatures that can cause your heat pump to struggle with efficiency. A cold-climate heat pump is an appealing option. But during transitional seasons, when you do need heat but the outdoor temp isn’t dropping below freezing, you could be using a fraction of the energy you’re using now to heat your home. You’ll cut your utility bills and do the planet a favor.
Tax Incentives
Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, homeowners who purchase a heat pump can get a major tax incentive. There’s a tax credit for 30% of the cost, up to $2000, which is a huge discount! So when you’re looking into the cost of heat pumps versus air conditioners, keep that in mind.
If you’ve got any questions about how a heat pump would work to keep your home comfortable and cut your energy bills, we’d love to talk with you about it.
Contact A-1 Mechanical Heating & Cooling for heat pumps in Lansing, MI. Comfort and Character You Can Depend On.