Thinking about replacing your HVAC unit? Mighty Mike’s Plumbing, Electrical & HVAC is based out of Pharr, Texas and has helped many with this decision. Before making your decision check out these FAQ’s that many have.
IS A BIGGER UNIT BETTER? No, you don’t want your heating or cooling system to be too large. Air conditioners control the comfort level in your home by cooling the air and by removing Humidity. An oversized AC can cool your home faster, but it will use more energy and will not remove humidity adequately. In addition, your existing ductwork may not be able to support the airflow of a larger system.
HOW CAN I TELL IF MY UNIT IS TOO BIG? (If you answer yes to one or more of the following questions your unit may be too big.) Is your unit frequently turning on/off? Does your house feel wet and damp? Are you constantly at an uncomfortable temperature? Is there mold or mildew stains in the house? Is your energy bill too high?
WHAT SIZE UNIT SHOULD I GET? Whether you live in Mcallen, Mission, Pharr, Edinburg, Harlingen or anywhere in the Rio Grande Valley we want to help you make the right decision. Often the mentality of replacing like for like is not the answer. It all depends on if the previous installers took the right load calculations rather than using a basic rule of thumb. Use this load calculator to get an idea of what size unit you should have. Although this gives you a basic idea, a Mighty Mike’s HVAC technician can help you get the exact unit sizing.
WHEN SHOULD I REPLACE MY UNIT? Most systems have a lifetime of 10 to 20 years. As your equipment gets older, efficiency can decrease dramatically. When a unit begins to show its age, you have two choices: overhaul the system or replace it. Because heating and air conditioning technology improves over time, a unit designed with newer, more energy-efficient equipment makes sense, especially if your system is 10 or more years old. Did you know you can finance with Mike’s Plumbing, Electrical & AC? Call (956) 6868-1353 today!
CAN I REPLACE ONLY A PORTION OF MY UNIT TO SAVE MONEY? While it may cost less initially to replace the outdoor unit on an older system, over time expenses will add up and may even cost you more. Replacing only the outdoor unit will lower the efficiency of the unit. Even worse, your system may fail sooner than normal and most manufacturers’ warranties will be voided. You should always replace the indoor cooling coil along with the outdoor unit.
WHAT DOES SEER RATING MEAN?
SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. Every air conditioner and heat pump comes with a SEER rating, which represents the unit’s energy efficiency. Generally, the higher the HVAC SEER rating, the more efficient the unit and the less energy it consumes. This means A/C energy savings for your customers, and a great selling point for your tech. Since 2015, national energy efficiency standards require a minimum SEER rating on all air conditioners and heat pumps sold and installed. While older HVAC equipment may have an 8 or 9 SEER rating, modern units typically range from 13 or 14 SEER as a minimum (regulations vary by state) and 21 to 25 SEER as a maximum. Another round of national energy efficiency standards for residential central AC and heat pumps goes into effect in 2023. But, there’s more to helping customers choose the best central air system or heat pump than simply picking a unit with the highest SEER rating. Our SEER Rating Calculator determines costs and A/C energy savings based on a specific HVAC formula.
Still unsure about whether or not to replace your HVAC system? Don’t fret, call Mighty Mike’s today! Ask us about financing.