About "Ask the Energy Expert" Craig Muccio ran FPL's Conservation Research & Development Program and crunched the numbers to figure out how you can save by managing your energy use. Your questions on energy-related topics can be submitted anytime to our Ask the Energy Expert blog. Just click here to submit your question, and if chosen, it will be answered here Asked on: March 11, 2013 by Sandra G., Boca Raton, FL How do I know when it is time to replace a functioning heat pump air-conditioning unit with a new, more energy-efficient system?The question of early replacement of an A/C or heat pump that is working fine is mostly an economic decision. Ask yourself if you’re ready to make the large investment in a new air conditioning unit, and you can start saving on operating cost right away. Generally, FPL suggests considering early replacement if your existing A/C is 10 years old or more. Your possible annual savings is affected by the efficiency rating, or SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio), of your existing unit and the extent of your upgrade.

For example, using an average 3 ton A/C unit, if you upgrade from a SEER 10 to SEER 16, your annual savings will be about $400 a year. Meanwhile, you’ll save about $150 per year by upgrading an already more efficient SEER 13 unit to a 16 SEER. In addition, when installing a 16 SEER 3 ton unit, FPL will contribute $585 as a rebate to your total cost of the unit if you purchase your A/C system through a Participating Independent Contractor (PIC). FPL rebates vary based on size of the A/C unit and the SEER efficiency selected.  See our annual cooling cost calculator illustrating this example below. Try our "cool" calculator. Once you use our calculator and have an idea of how much savings you can expect, you can make a more informed economic decision.  Also, you may be eligible for a rebate if you install a new A/C.  Your safety is very important to us. If this is a medical emergency, please call 911 immediately or go to your nearest emergency room. For non-emergencies, you can reach us during regular business hours via Facebook private message, or follow and message us on Twitter and one of our representatives will assist you.

To report an outage, please call 1-800-4-Outage. Thank you and please stay safe.How Long Will My Central Air Conditioner Last? A central air conditioning system is a very complicated animal.  It uses the heat from outside when it is warm to actually cool your home.  This entire process is illustrated below.  Most people do not care how the cooling system works, just that it does work.  How long will it last?  This question is complicated. A cooling system's life span, like any other system's life span, depends on use.  If the system is used 24/7, then system will have a relatively short life span of 8-10 years.  This is typical of Florida. A cooling system in Wisconsin, however, may last 20 years or more because there is really only 2 months of the year you really need it. However, if someone runs it all the time for 5-8 months out of the year, the cooling unit will not last long. The chart above gives a general idea of how long cooling systems work for.  Please note that the systems may or may not last to the stated life of the product depending entirely how the system is used.

More by this AuthorPlumbingPlumbing 101: Hot and Cold Water Lines Should Not TouchHot and cold PEX water lines ran through the same hole in a stud wall. This is not a typical installation as both pipes should have their own holes to pass through the framing. ARS Construction One of the big... Home AppliancesAttic Central Air Conditioning: Energy Efficiency InformationA thermal image of an attic air handling unit for a central air conditioning system. decorative wall ac coversARS Construction Using thermal imaging is a very useful tool to find moisture, insulation, and even electrical issues. best wall mount ac unitWhile it is not...cheap outdoor ac units PlumbingWhen Pipes Sweat: Causes and Cures For Sweating PipesThe PEX tubing and brass ball valve are sweating substantially in a basement that the building owner wants to finish but can not until this issue is corrected.

ARS Construction In hot summer months, it is not uncommon... Comments Go to last comment Let AC Today take care of your Air Conditioning needs. Our professional technicians are highly trained to perform any Air Conditioning job that is needed. Call us today for a free estimate. AC Todays Bradenton Location From residential customers to corporate companies, AC Today has provided services in Bradenton for several years now. Our technicians work hard to ensure that air conditioners all around the Bradenton area are functioning properly. Dont forget to schedule your maintenance check with us today. 24/7 Air Conditioning Services We provide 24/7 Air Conditioning services for those unexpected times of emergency. No matter the time of day, our technicians are always available for your air conditioning needs. We dont want your family to suffer through the night with no cool air or heat. So call us right away for fast service. How long does your Air Conditioning Unit last in Florida?

Air Conditioning, Air Conditioning Unit Being a Florida AC company, we get several questions regarding the Florida weather and how it effects your Air Conditioning system. Our answers always seem to be the same regarding these issues. Air Conditioners have a lower life expectancy here due to multiple factors that can cause damage to your AC system. Florida is a state that is constantly hot and humid. These weather conditions can add stress to your unit. While trying to keep your home cool, your system is being forced to work harder to keep the temperatures at a comfortable setting. If you have just purchased your home or recently moved here, the first thing you want to do is call your local AC company. We will be able to inspect your entire AC system and inform you of the issues that you may be dealing with. Our technicians are here to help you make professional decisions on what is best for both you and your home. You must consider that if the AC system is not brand new, issues may arise if it was not well maintained.