When You Should Replace Your Air Conditioner
Many people put off getting a new AC longer than they should. It’s no wonder- like dental work, air conditioner replacement can be expensive and uncomfortable. But to use the dental analogy again, it’s a terrible idea to delay when all the warnings are there. It’s common knowledge that machines will always go belly up at the most inconvenient times – say a busy Fourth of July weekend or during a record-breaking high. So don’t let your old AC get the better of you. Keep an eye out for these signs – your air conditioner may be telling you it has had enough.
Frequent repairs
If your AC repairman is becoming a speed dial candidate, scrapping your current system might be cheaper and more prudent. There’s only so much sweat and duct tape can fix. And it’s a sure thing that the longer you wait, the more expensive the repairs will become. If costs aren’t likely to come down, it’s time to update.
Rising bills
You notice that your cooling bills are high in the summer. No biggie, just cut back some. You raise the temperature a touch. You put a timer on your thermostat. You cut everything off when you leave the house. And it’s still going up! If all of your efforts to cuts costs are futile, it may foretell AC replacement.
Humidity problems
Sticky air isn’t fun when you’re outside, and it’s intolerable when you’re trying to chill out in your house. Sometime this problem can be solved simply by looking at your ducts. But if everything’s sealed up nice and your home is still a sweltering mess, it may be time to part ways.
Cold or hot patches
You’ve got a foyer that’s always toasty or a bedroom you nearly freeze in. Again, sometimes your ducts are to blame. Sometimes it’s poor insulation at fault. But if you’re still having spots of mysterious temperatures in your house, start considering air conditioner replacement.
Mountains of dust
The motes in your house are becoming so thick it’s like living in a snow globe. There are a couple of possibilities here. The first is that your ducts are screwy and they’re sucking down stuff from your attic. That’s not so bad. The other possibility is that your unit doesn’t have the strength to filter your air properly anymore. That’s pretty bad. If it’s the latter, you know what to do.
Noise
Your AC is so loud it keeps you up at night. Quiet or coolness, coolness or quiet- what’s the point of sacrificing one comfort for another? You’re still uncomfortable! Get someone to look at your ducts and cooling equipment. If things look bad, it’s AC replacement time.
Age
And lastly, think about AC replacement if your unit has more than 10 years on it. Yes, even if it seems to be in good shape. Why? The efficiency of today’s air conditioning units vastly outstrips even those made ten years ago. And because half your home’s energy goes to heating and cooling, you’ll save a lot of money by getting a better unit. If possible, shop for one that has an Energy Star rating of 5 or more. These products use 20-30% less power than federal energy standards, so they do all the work with less drain on electricity. You’ll be doing your part to protect the planet while you hold onto your cash!
Air conditioner replacement can seem like a nuisance, especially when there’s an upfront investment to be made. But when the alternatives are high bills, bad air, and an uncomfortable home… well, is there really a choice? Don’t let your air conditioning problems become dire. Consult trusted professionals, and don’t hesitate when it’s time for an AC replacement. Your family and your budget will thank you profusely in the long run.
