There are few things more miserable than a hot and sticky summer day in Florida—except for a hot and sticky summer day without air conditioning.
Most of us are no strangers to a little heat, but when the weather goes from balmy to scorching, it’s a different story. While there’s no telling if we’ll get a repeat of last year’s record-shattering heatwaves, it’s always a good idea to prepare for the worst the summer can throw at us.
If you’re anywhere in the Orlando area, of course, this means making sure your air conditioner is up to speed. If you have an outdated or malfunctioning unit, you may be wondering whether your system can make it through another warm season intact. After all, how do you know when it’s a good idea to get an AC replacement before summer?
If you’re on the fence, it’s worth considering a few key benefits to getting an upgrade well before the worst of summer’s heat sets in. Here’s why a new unit might be just what you and your family need.
Get Better Energy Efficiency
If you’re like many people, you’re becoming more and more aware of the impact of your carbon footprint. Major home appliances like an air conditioner can drain away huge amounts of energy if you aren’t careful, meaning less overall energy efficiency for your home. This is especially true of older units that weren’t manufactured to today’s energy standards.
Newer AC models come equipped with a range of energy-saving programs that allow the unit to reduce energy waste even when you’re using it most often, such as in the middle of a scorching Florida summer.
Of course, you’ll need to do your research to make sure you’re getting a cutting-edge product, as the right AC replacement will offer the home comfort you’re looking for with better performance. Be sure to check out ENERGY STAR’s list of recommended AC units to get the best bang for your buck in the long term.
Pay Less on Monthly Energy Bills
Aside from the environmental benefits, there’s another great thing about a more energy-efficient unit: financial savings go hand in hand with better performance.
If you have an older unit, you’ve probably noticed an uptick in your home’s energy consumption over time. As they age, even AC units that were once considered state-of-the-art will lose efficiency. As this happens, they’ll consume more energy for the same standard tasks.
Opting for a new AC unit now will mean spending less on your energy bills this summer when your AC is at its peak use. One sound rule of thumb: if your next bill will cost you over a third of what your air conditioner is worth, it’s time to put that money toward an upgrade instead!
Have Fewer Repairs and Pay Lower Repair Costs
Does your heart stutter when you hear an odd noise from your AC? Are you familiar with common signs of AC failure because you’ve lived them all?
At a certain point, this endless cycle of repairs may be a red flag. Of course, if you have a tight AC replacement budget or want to save money on air conditioning, you may be wondering if now is really the time to upgrade your system.
However, a better question might be, “Can I afford to keep paying unexpected repair bills?”
As they age, most HVAC units will need more and more expensive repairs. With outdated systems that have accumulated wear and tear over the years, you might feel like repairs are a regular occurrence in your home.
If you want to avoid scheduling your next repair in the middle of a sweltering heatwave—or if you’re tired of a revolving door of AC technicians coming into your home—it’s time to replace your older unit.
Experience Enhanced Home Comfort
Just because the weather is hot and muggy outside doesn’t mean your home should feel that way! When the temperatures start to rise, your home should be a cool and comfortable oasis—but if your AC is malfunctioning or broken, your summer can quickly grow miserable instead.
Of course, even if your older system still seems to be working, you may notice that the temperatures in some parts of your home aren’t as comfortable as they could be. Certain rooms might be freezing, for example, while others are stuffy and warm. If this is the case, it may be time to enhance your home comfort with an upgrade, especially before the heat of summer sets in.
Enjoy Better Air Quality
More comfortable temperatures are reason enough to opt for an AC unit replacement, but it’s worth noting that your AC does more than cool down your home.
Your HVAC system is responsible for moving fresh, clean air around your home. It’s also responsible for maintaining a comfortable humidity level. If you’ve ever noticed musty, stuffy, or damp air throughout your home, it’s often a sign that your air conditioner is malfunctioning.
In the heat of summer, it’s more important than ever to maintain a comfortable indoor humidity level. With outdoor humidity skyrocketing, it’s crucial to keep unwanted moisture outside where it belongs.
Humidity may seem like a minor issue, but don’t forget that it can affect a range of health concerns, including respiratory conditions. After all, there’s a reason why so many people invest in humidifiers and dehumidifiers to reach their ideal humidity range!
Because increased moisture levels and stale air can impact you and your family’s overall health, it’s a good idea to consider a new air conditioner that will improve your air quality before you start depending on the system in earnest during the summer.
Avoid the Summer Rush
As you might expect, summer tends to be the time of year when AC replacements are in the highest demand. Homeowners with older, outdated, or broken units often scramble to replace them at the last minute, which means a rush of repair calls.
If you wait until summertime to spring for a new air conditioner, you may find yourself out of luck for a while. Many of the area’s reputable contractors will have a waitlist for replacing AC units, meaning you may need to endure your hot home for a few days before they can pencil you in. There’s nothing worse during a system breakdown than unexpected delays!
Instead, consider beating the rush by replacing your air conditioner long before you’ll have to rely on it heavily. This way, you’ll ensure that you and your family can enjoy the summer in comfort without scrambling for a last-minute replacement.
Have More Time for Research
In a similar vein, opting for an early AC replacement gives you much more time to do your research before taking the plunge.
Going with a last-minute replacement may not only leave you open to hot temperatures and installation delays, but also to settling for a unit that may not be ideal. You can expect an air conditioner to last 10 to 15 years on average—and longer if you care for it properly. Considering the length of this investment, it’s well worth the time and effort of extra research to make sure you’ve found the right fit for your home.
Giving yourself some extra time on the front end allows you to do your due diligence, from weighing different warranties to seeking advice from specialists. Don’t cut this step short!
Enjoy More Peace of Mind
At the end of the day, there’s one key reason to opt for a new air conditioner in advance of the summer: less stress.
If you’ve been dealing with the hassles of constant repairs, DIY maintenance, and tweaks, uncomfortable rooms, poor air quality, or system breakdowns, it’s time to ensure your peace of mind. The last thing you want to do is spend your summer wondering if your AC will break down in the middle of a hot day!
Stop worrying about the next time you’ll need to coordinate a last-minute repair and position yourself to enjoy your summer knowing you have a reliable unit to ensure your home comfort.
Get Your AC Replacement Before Summer With GAP Mechanical
Ultimately, the decision to replace your AC depends on your needs and the state of your current unit. However, if you’re relying on an older or malfunctioning model, or if you’re worried about your family’s comfort and health with the upcoming heat, it’s a good idea to get an AC replacement before summer.
Our team at GAP Mechanical has over 25 years of experience with air conditioning repairs and replacements, and we’re happy to help you find and install the perfect system for your home. With a 10-year warranty on AC replacements, you can trust us to tackle the job, no matter what air conditioner brand you’ve chosen. Contact us today for more information, or schedule an appointment online to request service.