Thomas J. Fannon & Sons

Replacing your air conditioner isn’t as simple as replacing a smaller appliance, unless you’re using a window-type AC. But such types are becoming more and more rare these days, simply because window units are too fragile, too expensive, too inefficient—even those using digital inverters—and too prone to damage, as any HVAC repair professional would tell you.

However, there are simple ways to tell when it’s time to replace your air conditioner, whether centralized, split, window or another type. Before taking the plunge, ask yourself these essential questions:

Why Do I Need to Replace My Air Conditioner?

First of all, you need to know your purpose. Knowing why you need to replace your AC—or anything, for that matter—should be a number one priority. For example, most owners replace their AC because they’ve seen a better, more “high-tech” unit on the market. In this case, upgrading may not always be a good idea, especially if your unit is still fairly new or your current AC is more efficient.

You can easily do this by maintaining a notebook of your needs versus your wants. If the HVAC replacement is in the realm of “need,” you can upgrade; but if it’s more a “want,” you can defer the upgrade—the same as you would with a water heater, for example.

What Are the Available Products That Make Sense for My Situation?

If the AC replacement is in the “need” column, ask yourself this question next.

Avoid impulse-buying and falling for great ad copy. Research a product that works just like your old unit, but better—lighter, better energy efficiency, less maintenance and so on. Because there are many AC manufacturers with a bevy of models and variants, Thomas J. Fannon & Sons is happy to help you find the unit that’s right for you.

Should I Upgrade to a Smart AC?

A smart air conditioner isn’t just an AC; it can also perform the functions of a heater, depending on the ambient temperature. As you might have guessed, smart units are more expensive than their regular counterparts, and it might be a bit more trouble to install. If it’s going to cause you more headaches than it solves, you can simply choose a good old-fashioned HVAC system.

Thomas J. Fannon & Sons is the area’s premier HVAC and generator specialist. If you want to learn more about our AC units and other products like fuel oil, contact us today at (703) 549-5700. You can also fill out our form to get started.