If it’s time to replace your old AC unit, you probably have some questions.
Since replacing your air conditioner isn’t something you do every day, you’ll need to talk to an HVAC contractor to get some answers.
Here’s a list we at Sears Heating and Cooling have put together of the most frequently asked questions homeowners have when replacing their HVAC unit.
What You Need To Know Before Installing Your New Air Conditioner in Columbus, OH
1. How big of an AC unit do you really need?
Most people assume they can simply replace their old AC unit with the same size. Sometimes that’s right — and sometimes it isn’t. If you’ve installed new windows and doors or added a room, your needs may have changed.
And bigger isn’t better: it’s tempting to think a larger AC unit means more cooling and better efficiency, but an oversized system actually struggles to control humidity, which leads to more problems, not fewer. Proper sizing is everything, which is why we help you figure out what size furnace or AC your home actually needs before recommending a system.
2. Should you replace the furnace at the same time you replace the air conditioner?
Usually, when your original AC was installed, a furnace went in around the same time — they often come as a set. But when one needs replacing, it doesn’t always mean you have to replace both. There are real advantages to replacing your furnace and AC together, and it’s worth weighing. You might also consider a heat pump — a dual-fuel system that both heats and cools through the same unit and can help reduce your energy costs year-round.
3. Should you repair it or replace it?
This one really depends on your system’s age and condition, and it’s best answered by a technician who’s looked at it. A single failed part is usually a simple repair. But if you’re facing a major issue like a failed compressor — or your system still runs on an older, phased-out refrigerant like R-22 — replacement is often the smarter long-term move.
Refrigerant rules have changed significantly in recent years, and newer high-efficiency systems use today’s approved refrigerants, run more efficiently, and cost far less to maintain than trying to keep an outdated unit alive. Our Central Ohio technicians will assess your system and give you an honest repair-or-replace recommendation — with no pressure and no upselling.
4. What actually happens during a new AC installation?
Knowing what to expect makes installation day easier. When Sears installs your new system, we confirm the right size for your home, protect your floors and workspace, safely remove and haul away your old equipment, set and connect the new unit, make the electrical and refrigerant connections, and then test everything under full operation before we leave. Most standard installations are completed in a single day, and we walk you through your new system before we go.
5. How long will a new AC unit last in Central Ohio?
With proper maintenance, a quality air conditioner typically lasts 12–15 years. Central Ohio’s humid summers make your system work hard, so regular furnace and AC maintenance really pays off — it protects your warranty, keeps efficiency high, and helps you get the full lifespan out of your investment.
Once you have all the facts, you’ll be better able to make an educated decision about which route is best for you.
Central Ohio’s Trusted Name in AC Installation Since 1950
Sears Heating and Cooling has been installing new AC systems for Central Ohio families since 1950 — and no, we’re not affiliated with Sears Roebuck; Johnny Sears started our company right here in Columbus, and we only work in Central Ohio. If it’s time to replace your system, call us at 614-475-1800 for a free quote and an honest recommendation. Ready to move forward? Contact us anytime, and ask about our financing options to make your new system easier on the budget.
