AC leak: Repair or Replace?

Are you preparing to make the decision whether it’s best to repair or replace your old air conditioning system?  In some cases, it may be in your best interest to invest the money you would spend on repairing the old equipment on a new system. 

 

I recently came across an article that discussed this conundrum.  Here is a simple approach that makes a lot of sense to me, the $5,000 rule. 

 

Here’s how it works:  Multiply the age of the equipment by the estimated repair cost.  If the result is higher than $5,000, replacement is probably your best bet.  If it is lower, you might do better to invest in repair.  For example, if the estimate to repair is $896 on a 10 year old system, the $5,000 rule of thumb indicates that you should replace your system.

 

Another factor to consider is refrigerant when determining whether to repair or replace.  If your unit has a leak and it uses R-22, adding several pounds of refrigerant can range from $550 to $1000.  The price of R-22 has risen dramatically as HVAC manufacturers stopped producing units that use R-22 in 2010.  It’s all about supply & demand.

 

Other factors to consider when determining if you need a new AC:

 

1.       How well the unit actually cools your home. 

2.       How often you have to call a technician for service.

3.       The size of your energy bills and how long you expect to live in your home.

 

Jackson Total Service is an air conditioning, plumbing and electrical contractor in Naples, FL. 

       Contact us at (239) 643-0923 3727 or on the web at www.jacksontotal.com

Are you in the market for a new heating and cooling system?

The summers in Naples, Florida are hot, humid and too long.  Suffering in a home that is downright uncomfortable is no way to live.  Your first inclination may be to purchase a new air conditioning system.  But don’t rush into that decision. 

Would you be upset if you purchased a new air conditioning system and your home was still hot & humid, dusty and uncomfortable?  If you make the wrong choice now, you probably won’t be able to justify tearing it out and starting again. You’ll literally have to live IN your decision for as long as you own your home.

There may be three (3) main causes for your suffering:

1.       Your home’s air ducts might be leaking.

2.       The insulation in your home may be insufficient.

3.       Your existing air conditioning system may not be properly sized for your home.

So, how do you find out if your home is contributing to your suffering?  By working with an air conditioning contractor that takes a “Whole House Approach.”  This “whole house” process involves utilizing special instruments and calculations needed to properly diagnose and solve any pre-existing problems with your home’s ducts and thermal envelope. 

Your HVAC contractor should be capable of performing these essential engineering steps:

1.       A thorough inspection and measurement of your home, including insulation levels & window sizes

2.       An Infiltrometer test to measure your home’s air infiltration rate

3.       Duct leakage, airflow and pressure tests to uncover & measure any pre-existing duct inefficiency

4.       Recommendations to simultaneously improve your duct system, home insulation and air infiltration

5.       A computerized design load calculation and equipment selection conforming to the Air Conditioning Contractors of America Manual J

Be careful when buying a new air conditioner or heating system. The wrong system, improperly installed, could sentence you to years of discomfort, unhealthy indoor air and high utility bills. Take the time to do it right.  It costs less to do it right up front. Invest the time, become an educated consumer, and get a system you will enjoy for years to come. It is not a question of IF you want to pay for it or not. You WILL pay for it in higher energy costs and discomfort. 

Jackson Total Service is an air conditioning, plumbing and electrical contractor in Naples, FL. 
Contact us at (239) 643-0923 3727 Enterprise Ave Naples, FL 34104 or on the web at www.jacksontotal.com

 

Top 10 Energy Savings Tips

Effective Ways to Conserve Energy Listed below are some of the quickest and most effective ways to help you conserve energy, trim costs, and gain control over the energy usage in your home. You should post these tips in your home so that everyone can join in and save!

Limit the time you run your pool pump: Summer - six hours a day Winter - four hours a day Cool your home at 78 degrees or warmer with the thermostat fan switched to auto. For additional savings, raise your thermostat to 82 degrees or warmer when you're away. Heat your home at 68 degrees or cooler with the thermostat fan switched to auto. To save even more, lower your thermostat to 65 degrees or cooler at night or when you're away from home. Reduce your water heater temperature from 140 degrees to 120 degrees, which is the recommended temperature setting according to the U.S. Department of Energy, to save about $2 a month. Clean or replace the A/C filter regularly to help your unit run more efficiently and trim cooling costs. Turn off your ceiling fan when you leave the room. A fan that runs all the time costs up to $7 a month. Replace old, high-flow shower heads with water-efficient shower heads and save up to $80* a year. Adjust the water level on your washing machine to match the load size, especially when using hot water. Always use a cold rinse. Clean the lint filter in your dryer before every load to dry your clothes faster. Use the auto sensor function on your dryer to conserve energy by not over-drying your clothes. Jackson Total Service is an air conditioning, plumbing and electrical contractor in Naples, Florida.  Please contact us (239) 643-0923 or on the web at www.jacksontotal.com