Hey there, homeowner! Have you been sweating over your air conditioning unit lately? You might have noticed that something’s off but can’t quite put your finger on it. Well, you’ve landed on the right article. We will talk about five telltale signs that say it’s time to replace your air conditioner.
One of the most glaring signs is an unexpected surge in your energy bills. If your AC is working harder than usual to cool your space, it’s consuming more energy, reflecting in your skyrocketing bills.
This surge often occurs when the unit’s efficiency has decreased due to age or damage. (Electronic components, compressor, coil leakage, etc.) As a result, it struggles to maintain the desired temperature, leading to longer operating times and a noticeable increase in energy consumption.
If your AC uses R-22 Refrigerant, it’s time for a replacement. Not only are you harming the environment, but it’ll also be VERY costly to refill as supplies dwindle. The same will be said very soon for 410a refrigerant as well.
Moreover, the manufacturing of R-22 has been discontinued due to its harmful environmental impact, meaning it’s becoming increasingly scarce and expensive. (But we have some, if you want it!)
Additionally, servicing machines using R-22 could become more challenging as HVAC professionals transition to eco-friendly options.
Consider a replacement if your AC has celebrated more than a decade of birthdays. Older models are often less energy-efficient and may break down more frequently.
As technology advances, new models on the market are more efficient, offering enhanced features, superior energy savings, and often a quieter operation.
Therefore, replacing your decade-old unit can improve your home’s comfort levels while reducing energy bills and environmental impact. The average replacement is between 15-20 years. If your system is older than that, you should start to budget for a new 16+ SEER system.
Like a car with frequent breakdowns, an AC unit requiring regular repairs indicates underlying issues that might be more economical to replace rather than repair.
Frequent breakdowns disrupt your comfort and lead to mounting repair costs that may exceed the cost of a new, more efficient unit.
Plus, constantly dealing with AC troubles can add unnecessary stress and waste valuable time. Make sure you’re on an annual maintenance plan that can take the age of your system into account as it gets older and requires more visits, repairs, and, eventually, replacement. See more about our “Rock*Star Maintenance Plan.”
Finally, the most obvious sign: inadequate cooling. If your AC no longer cools your space as it used to, despite being in good repair, it might be a sign that it’s on its last legs.
When your home isn’t getting cool enough, or it takes significantly longer than usual to reach the desired temperature, it clearly indicates that your unit isn’t performing as efficiently as it should.
Persistent issues with cooling, even after professional servicing, signal that your air conditioner’s operational life is nearing its end. However, it may also be the furnace fan/motor that circulates and distributes the air.
Ignoring these signs can lead to discomfort, higher energy bills, and potential environmental harm. Not to mention expensive emergency service calls or potential catastrophic failure requiring equipment replacement.
It’s always better to act promptly regarding your air conditioner by scheduling an annual “Clean & Check Tune-Up” to keep up with the general maintenance and current status of your electrical components and pressures that may indicate the first signs of declining system health.
Understanding your air conditioner and recognizing the right time for its replacement is crucial for maintaining a Smarter, Healthier, and More Efficient home. Always look for the five key signs discussed above that hint at the need for an upgrade. Trust in Harmonic Heating & Air Conditioning in Crystal Lake, Illinois, for your HVAC needs – with our expertise, top-rated customer service, and commitment to excellence, we ensure a seamless, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly solution for your home cooling system.
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