1. Your air conditioner/furnace is more than 10 years old. An air conditioner/furnace, if properly maintained, can last up to 15 years, but replacing it at 10 years can be more cost-effective. Though your current system may last another 5 years, replacing it now can lower your energy costs, essentially allowing the system to pay for itself.
2. Frequent repairs. If your air conditioner/furnace requires frequent repairs, it is highly recommended you replace it, as it is very costly to continue paying for repairs. While it might cost more money upfront, installing a new system will save you money long-term.
3. If you notice certain rooms getting too much air and others not enough, it is probably time to replace your current system. The older your system gets, the less efficient it is at cooling properly.
4. According to gov, the average lifespan of your central HVAC system is between 15 and 20 years. This assumes, however, that you support your equipment with regularly scheduled maintenance. We’ve found that systems without regular maintenance last between 8 and 10 years, while systems with proper maintenance last between 20 and 25 years.
5. This also assumes that your heating and cooling equipment has been installed properly. Besides regular maintenance, proper installation is the most important factor when estimating your system’s “lifespan.” According to gov, over half of all new HVAC systems do not live up to rated efficiency levels. This not only negatively affects your utility bill but also reduces the lifespan of your unit. “In fact, improper installation can reduce performance by as much as 30.”

1. Once again, the most effective solution is to replace your furnace with a newer, more efficient furnace. Modern high-efficiency furnaces could save you 25% on your energy bills, which means the expense of purchasing a new furnace should pay for itself fairly quickly.
2. Just as you can set your thermostat to a higher temperature for greater efficiency in the summer, lowering the temperature on your thermostat for at least a portion of the day can save you money on your energy bill in the winter.
3. Just like in the summer, avoid blocking your vents to ensure that heat is evenly distributed throughout the house. Save energy by closing vents in rooms that you rarely use.
4. While it may seem counter-intuitive, ceiling fans can help heat your home in the winter, if the blades spin clockwise. Therefore, install ceiling fans for improved energy efficiency in both the summer and winter.
5. Finally, annual furnace maintenance will ensure that your furnace is running smoothly and efficiently and catch any potential issues.

There are plenty of ways to improve the cooling efficiency in your home. First, you could replace your existing air conditioner with a newer, more efficient one. This will significantly lower your energy bills and cool your home much more effectively. Schedule a consultation so we can help you find a unit that fits your home.

If you aren’t ready to upgrade your air conditioner, you can improve efficiency by setting your thermostat to a higher temperature. During the summer, set your thermostat to 75 degrees or higher. Every degree counts: just 1 degree below 75 degrees will cause your energy bill to go up 3 to 5%.

Another small way to increase your home’s cooling efficiency is to avoid blocking vents. Move any furniture or curtains so that air will be evenly distributed throughout your home.

Additionally, you can install ceiling fans. The U.S. Department of Energy says that a single ceiling fan “will allow you to raise the thermostat setting about 4 degrees with no reduction in comfort.” As we already mentioned, every degree will save you money on your energy bill.

Finally, make sure to get annual maintenance from a licensed technician to ensure that your system is running as efficiently as possible, and to fix any potential issues.