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Posted by Ralph Mowery on September 26, 2008, 3:03 pm
> Our air conditioner unit is almost 20 years old now. It is a Trane unit
> and
> still works fine-SEER is 12.
>
> The attic furnace, also a Trane, is natural gas and is about 13 years old.
> It still works OK.
>
> We haven't had problems with any of the equipment since installation. I
> live in northern Texas-the summers can get pretty hot and humid.
>
> I hear a lot of commercials recommending that I change out the old units
> with new, higher efficiency air conditioners and furnaces. Many of the
> commercials claim that the newer units will pay for themselves with
> savings
> in utility costs.
>
> My house was built in 70s and I have added insulation in the attic. It
> has
> about 2200 sq ft living area. My highest electric bill this summer was
> $350 (electric only).
>
> Is it worth replacing the AC and/or the furnace with new units? Depending
> on the costs, I would strongly consider upgrading the SEER.
>
> Thanks.
It is not worth it to replace the unit if it is working. It would take many
years (like maybe 15 or 20 or more) to pay for it. a SEER of 12 is not
really that bad if it is working and already installed. Even if you clould
save $ 15 to $ 30 a month , it would be a very long payback and by then you
would need a new unit.
I would just run what you have and if it breaks and costs more than say
around $ 500 to repair, then replace it.
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