No one wants to be uncomfortable. That’s why families everywhere rely on central heating and air units to keep them warm in the winter and cool during the summer. When it’s time for Air Conditioning System Installation in El Dorado Hills CA, some property owners are tempted to replace only the system that has failed. However, replacing the heating and AC systems at the same time can save money and energy. There are significant reasons to replace both components, and some of these are listed below.
Energy Efficiency
The air conditioning and heating systems made today are very efficient, using much less energy than those made just a decade ago. It’s easy to compare different systems’ efficiency by checking their SEER ratings. New systems have SEER ratings of at least 13, which is the minimum standard. The higher the number, the less energy the unit uses and the less it costs to operate.
For furnaces, the AFUE (annual fuel utilization efficiency) number measures seasonal performance. Generally, an AFUE of 90% or more is suggested. Heat pumps and boilers have slightly different recommendations. The average furnace will last up to 20 years, while a central air unit will last up to 15 years, depending on the efficiency and quality of the system.
Performance
Combining new and old technologies can diminish a system’s performance. By replacing only one part of the system, an owner effectively lowers the performance of both parts. When new parts are combined with old parts, they don’t match, and the new technology won’t be used to its full potential. Central air units and furnaces share an air handler, and a matched system will allow both parts to work as they should.
Other Issues
Not replacing both parts of the system with efficient, new equipment can lead to frustration, discomfort, and higher operating costs. When new parts are installed on top of old components, the new system’s lifespan may decrease. It’s important for customers to understand their warranty coverage as, in some cases, manufacturers aren’t obligated to honor warranties on new systems if they’re combined with older equipment. Here, replacing both sides of the system at the same time can keep that warranty in effect. To learn more about Air Conditioning System Installation in El Dorado Hills CA, visit Golden Aire Heating & Air Conditioning today. You can also visit them on Facebook.