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Why Upgrading Your AC Unit Pays Off 

2 men shaking hands
2 men shaking hands
2 men shaking hands

Updating your home's HVAC system is a smart investment. Learn why.

Homeownership requires a lot of upkeep. The best home projects add to your quality of life while helping you save money in the long run. Replacing your aging air conditioner (AC) can do both.

The useful life expectancy of an AC unit is usually seven to 10 years. While an older unit may continue to run, its efficiency will degrade. Having a new AC installed and following a regular maintenance schedule can extend your AC's life expectancy, improve performance, and help reduce the severity and frequency of breakdowns.

If you choose to update your home's cooling system, take the following steps to ensure your investment pays off:

• Find a good contractor. Cheaper isn't always better. Check prospective contractors for current certifications and a record of positive customer reviews. Correct installation is critical: the U.S. Department of Energy reports that improper installation can cut the efficiency of your AC by up to 30 percent.

• Buy the highest efficiency unit that fits your budget. Spending a bit more upfront for an energy-efficient unit can lead to long-term savings.

• Ask about rebates. Many vendors offer seasonal rebates to help boost sales. Check with your contractor to learn about current and upcoming deals.

• Make sure your ductwork is properly sized for your AC. An improper fit means the unit won't work as efficiently as it should.

• Get a programmable thermostat. Programmable thermostats make it easy to save energy while you're away and cool things down before you get home. For even more control, choose a smart thermostat that can be adjusted from your smartphone.

• Check your service options. Even the best-installed air conditioner can break down, so find out when your contractor does warranty service. Make sure you have 24/7 service because AC units rarely break down at convenient times.
 

A cooling protection plan  can help you maximize the lifespan of your home's air conditioning system and minimize the risk of unexpected repair bills. 

 

Browse our protection plans

Our plans give you lots of options, so you can get just what you need for your home without paying for coverage you don't need.

Shop our protection plans

Terms and conditions contained in the protection plans may limit our contract obligations due to coverage caps, coverage exclusions, and our cash back offer. View plan details for more information.

*Repair claims are limited to $500 per service call and $2,000 per plan in the aggregate per plan term. Plans are provided by NRG Protects Inc. Independent contractors will be performing various services under the plans. In some instances we may make a cash payment in lieu of repairs or replacement in the amount of actual cost, which may be less than retail, to repair or replace any covered system, component, or appliance.

**If your authorized repair technician determines that the water heater is deemed irreparable, we will give you a credit of $500 towards a replacement water heater by your authorized repair technician.

Once repair plans commence, there is a 30-day waiting period before you may request services for a claim. Unless the plan provider elects not to renew the plan, upon expiration of the first year, the plan will automatically renew at the standard rate and terms unless you opt out of the auto-renewal option in writing by mail at P.O. Box 2309, Houston, TX 77252- 2309, by email at cancel@nrgprotects.com or by calling us at 1.855.241.9094. Sales tax will be added in select states.

This is a summary of what the provider will and will not cover under the plan, and is subject to the Terms and Conditions of the plan. The Terms and Conditions may limit the provider's contractual obligations due to coverage caps, coverage exclusions and any cash-back option available under the plan. Please refer to the Sample Terms & Conditions for details.