Air conditioning problems are inconvenient but inevitable. Eventually, every air conditioning system will run into trouble and need repair. You need a qualified HVAC technician to perform a thorough inspection, test the system, and provide an accurate assessment of the problem. Often, air conditioning problems can be repaired when the trouble is with one component and the system is not too old.

When the air conditioner is near the end of its life, needs frequent repairs, or no longer keeps the home sufficiently cool, your technician may recommend replacement. The benefits of upgrading the air conditioner include improved comfort, energy efficiency, fewer breakdowns, and lower home cooling costs.

Before buying a new air conditioner, consider the: 

• Type of system – There are two main types of central air conditioning systems: split air conditioning systems, and packaged systems. A split system has the condenser unit outdoors and the evaporator inside the house. A packaged system has the components in one metal cabinet. You may also want to consider heat pumps if you want one system that will both warm and cool your home.
• Size – The air conducting unit needs to be the right size for your home to effectively remove heat and humidity from the air. When the system is too large for the house, it may not sufficiently control the humidity levels and cost more to run. Your technician can perform load calculations to determine the proper size unit for your home.
• SEER rating – The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating, or SEER, provides insight into the energy efficiency of an air conditioner. A higher SEER rating indicates better energy efficiency. Over the life of the system, you can save a significant amount of money with a higher SEER rating.

Cost – A new air conditioning system is an investment, so the price is naturally a consideration. Be sure to consider both the upfront price and the operating costs, as a more energy-efficient system that costs a little more may cost less over time with lower utility bills.