The AC unit on the house is original, 28 years old. Reliable, blows cold and keeps the house comfortable without problem to any temp it's set at. Does not require any maintenance/repair. Had a tech out once years ago and he commented the unit was in great shape and it's blowing very cold and did not recommend replacement.
But when it’s hot, the unit just seems to run almost constantly (or at least cycles very often). Either it’s just because I’m paying attention more, it’s been very hot/humid lately or the unit is slowly getting more inefficient and working harder. If it’s 90 outside, the unit can get the house down to 72 no problem. It seems to work really well. I keep the unit at 72 at night, 77 during day when at work and 75 at normal times in the evening.
But I can’t help but think… Would it be worth it in the fall to consider a new unit to something more “energy efficient” or do I risk having a unit that performs worse and doesn’t save that much money on cooling bills? Would the payback for a more energy efficient unit be something like 4-5 years or something like 10-15 that won't really matter?
Just wanted to get some thoughts from those who are more experienced with this stuff. Seems like the unit has done it’s job well for the past 28 years or so, but wondering if it’s time to replace or just let it go until it breaks and then replace it. We do need to replace the upstairs windows as they are shot, so that doesn't help, but will be coming soon enough before next summer for sure. Other windows have been replaced already on the mid and lower level of the house.
Thoughts/suggestions?
But when it’s hot, the unit just seems to run almost constantly (or at least cycles very often). Either it’s just because I’m paying attention more, it’s been very hot/humid lately or the unit is slowly getting more inefficient and working harder. If it’s 90 outside, the unit can get the house down to 72 no problem. It seems to work really well. I keep the unit at 72 at night, 77 during day when at work and 75 at normal times in the evening.
But I can’t help but think… Would it be worth it in the fall to consider a new unit to something more “energy efficient” or do I risk having a unit that performs worse and doesn’t save that much money on cooling bills? Would the payback for a more energy efficient unit be something like 4-5 years or something like 10-15 that won't really matter?
Just wanted to get some thoughts from those who are more experienced with this stuff. Seems like the unit has done it’s job well for the past 28 years or so, but wondering if it’s time to replace or just let it go until it breaks and then replace it. We do need to replace the upstairs windows as they are shot, so that doesn't help, but will be coming soon enough before next summer for sure. Other windows have been replaced already on the mid and lower level of the house.
Thoughts/suggestions?
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