How Often Should I Replace My Air Conditioner?
It’s hot and the air conditioner doesn’t work? You seem to be having some sort of problem. Is it time to replace the old AC unit? Air conditioning Birmingham AL professionals can help shed some light on the problem by explaining the different things that can affect the AC unit. There are many different factors that influence the need for a replacement. You have to analyze the use you’ve given the unit, the age of the unit, whether it has been well maintained and the number of repairs you’ve made.
Even so, most air conditioning units have a lifespan of about 15 years, although some may need replacing in as little as 10 years and some as long as 20.
To top it off, you need to consider the type of whether you live in. A unit will fizzle out faster in humid climates than it will in dry weather. Heat, saltwater and snow can all impact the durability of an air conditioning unit.
Signs Telling You to Replace an Old AC Unit
If you see your energy bills rising and it is not because the weather is hotter than you may need to think about getting a new AC. High energy bills mean the unit is working harder to cool and may be malfunctioning.
If the bill is consistently higher, perhaps it is time to call in a repairman to check the AC unit to see if it is going to need replacing.
Outdated
AC units no longer use R-22 Freon and the substance is no longer produced. So if your AC unit uses R-22 Freon you might want to get it replaced as technicians will no longer be able to service it.
AC units that are older than 10 years are more likely to use R-22 Freon. So if it breaks down or needs freon, it won’t be repairable and you need to buy a new unit.
Noisy Inconveniences
If you notice the blower has become noisier or that dust tends to pile up, this may be a sign that the AC unit is old and not functioning properly. There may be leaks in the ductwork or that the AC unit is not correct for the size of the cooling area. If this is the case, you may have expensive repairs and your cooling costs will increase over time.
Constant problems with the AC are a good sign that you might need to replace the unit.
Inability to Cool Effectively
When the AC can’t cool the home effectively then this may mean you need to replace the unit. You might think it is OK but an AC that cannot cool the home will lead to excessive energy bills. It may be time to replace the unit, even though you will have a large upfront cost. In the end, a new unit will save on your energy bills.
Excessive Moisture Outside
If you begin to notice excessive moisture around the AC unit, its time to have someone come and look at it. Leaking liquid is bad for the environment but also to people and pets that move around the yard. Even when the liquid is water, it can cause mold problems around the home.
Is It Time to Repair or Replace?
You may not always need to replace the AC completely. Sometimes you can repair it and make it work for another 10 years. However, when repairing you want to consider these factors:
- The age of the unit. If it is over 10-years old you want to consider replacement.
- The repair frequency. Do you need to call in the repairman frequently?
- The cost of the repairs. Some repairs are expensive and it may be more cost efficient to replace the unit.
Talk to your air conditioning birmingham al repair professional for options and costs. Ask for his advice and talk about replacement costs, especially if the unit is old and contains freon.
When you replace the air conditioning unit, you get a range of different benefits. You get an improved energy efficiency in your home, reduce the amount of your electric bill, and improve the value of your home.
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