You got through last year's hottest days with your current air conditioner, but you aren't sure if you can brave another season with the same AC unit. You are ready for an upgrade, or are you? Maybe your current air conditioner is just fine, but the way you've been using it that needs a change. Are you ready for a new air conditioner this season, or will your current one continue to provide you with reliable service? Use this guide to help you decide.

You have used all other resources to stay cool

You can't just rely on your air conditioner to keep you cool in the summer, you have to use other resources, such as turning your ceiling fan another direction to circulate air, keeping windows closed to keep hot air outside, and using blinds and window treatments to keep the sun out. If you are using these other methods to stay cool in the home and still have to use your air conditioner constantly, then the problem may be that your AC unit is too small or that you aren't using the unit effectively. A quick call to your HVAC specialist will help you determine if you need to upgrade to a better unit or if you need to learn how to use your home's cooling system in better ways.

Your costs to stay cool have risen

You aren't just imagining things if it seems like suddenly you have to spend a lot of money in the summer to stay cool. It can be that your current air conditioner is running at full blast and uses a ton of energy or that the unit is just not as energy-efficient as it could be. The best thing to do is make sure you have the right air conditioner for your home's needs and to continue to monitor your monthly energy costs to ensure that they aren't rising from some other source.

If your air conditioner is not running as it should, needs frequent repairs, or is otherwise unsatisfactory to you, call your HVAC contractor to make repairs on the unit or replace it entirely. You can replace your air conditioner by upgrading to a newer model so you get to stay nice and cool this summer without any worry.

Your budget will be taken into consideration as you choose an AC replacement. The right unit will be both friendly to the environment and friendly to your wallet as well while providing you with years of efficient cooling.