Do I fix my cooling system or buy a new one no matter the season in New York City?

Do I fix my cooling system or buy a new one no matter the season in New York City?


Do I fix my cooling system or buy a new one no matter the season in New York City?

When cool weather arrives you may want to forget about your aging air conditioner until another summer arrives.

But off-season actually is the best time to consider the pros and cons of buying a new AC system in New York City or Long Island because you’re not feeling pressure to make a snap decision. Instead, you can consider various issues – your budget, your needs, the unit’s effectiveness and age – and make a rational choice of whether to replace or repair your air conditioning system.

Just as Brooklyn is different from Queens, there’s no one answer that fits air conditioning for all homes and businesses. That’s why you should feel free to call Lighthouse HVAC at (646)-442-1556 and talk with us about your options.

We know that new AC systems are significantly more efficient and deliver lower utility bills, but some units continue functioning quite well even at age 25.

What to consider
Usage and maintenance costs will tell you a lot about your system’s future. All AC systems have projected life expectancies, but each one varies depending on how much it is used and how well it is maintained.

If the system has been properly maintained, it could be worth repairs to keep it motoring on in future summers. But if you’ve been having more and more problems in recent years, you may want to do the math and see if a new system makes sense.

Your utility bills may be bloated by an inefficient system while a new unit can cut utility bills by as much as 30 percent. Then again, many manufacturers have raised prices of heating, ventilation and air conditioner systems by 5 percent to 10 percent since President Trump announced tariffs on steel and aluminum in March 2018, and costs may rise again because he is putting tariffs on many products from China, which makes many parts used in HVAC systems.

Specific questions
Our experienced staff can walk you through the minefield of questions.

• How long is your current system expected to last? While all systems have an average life expectancy, the actual number can vary widely depending on usage and preventive maintenance.

• Does your A/C normally work well or does it require more and more parts and repairs?

• What’s the nature of the problems? Sometimes it’s just a minor electrical snafu. And older systems can be cheaper to fix than new, higher tech equipment, just as your dad often could fix his 1965 Chevy himself but is stumped by today’s modern, computerized cars.

Then again, the problem could be the compressor, the most expensive single part, which may convince you that replacement is the right route. •What’s the best size for my home. If the unit is too small, it won’t be effective; if it’s too big it will use more energy and cause humidity problems.

Feel free to call Lighthouse HVAC. We will give you the information you want to make the best decision for you.

Lighthouse HVAC is a homegrown company based in Brooklyn and serving Long Island and New York City. Our techs can fix and install heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, boilers and other equipment for your home or business. Put us in your address book https://lighthousehvacny.com or call us at 646-442-1556.