6 Signs That You Need to Upgrade Your Home’s Air Conditioner

Nursing your old air conditioner won’t guarantee that it’ll last forever. You’ll eventually have to upgrade to a new AC system. An aging AC unit cannot cool your Surf City, NC, home efficiently during summer. Here are some common signs that indicate it’s time to upgrade your home’s air conditioner:

Frequent Breakdowns

If your AC unit keeps on experiencing frequent breakdowns even after regular maintenance and repairs, consider upgrading to a newer model. It’s better to budget for a new AC unit than dealing with an uncomfortable home or continuing to pay for the repairs.

Before you purchase a new unit, check if the faulty unit is still on warranty. If the unit is less than five years old and its warranty hasn’t expired, the cheaper option would be to have it repaired. Consult with an experienced HVAC expert before spending your money on an aging unit.

High Utility Bills

Air conditioners, like most appliances, decrease in efficiency as they get older. Internal components in the air conditioner tend to wear off, resulting in the AC system having to work harder to cool your home. The harder and longer the air conditioner works, the more energy it consumes.

AC units are typically known to consume more energy than other appliances in a home. But if you notice an increase in the energy bills you pay over time, you should call in the professionals to examine the unit. If the repairs recommended are expensive, consider upgrading.

Air Conditioner More Than 10 Years Old

Most AC models are designed to last about a decade. It would not be economically viable to continue paying for repairs for a unit that will soon have to replace. New models are more energy-efficient and lesser prone to inconvenient breakdowns in the middle of a hot summer.

Many manufacturers offer warranties that last for about five years from the purchase date. Replacement or repair of some individual internal components without a warranty could equal or exceed the costs of upgrading to a newer model.

Want to Shift to a More Environmentally Friendly Unit

Most older models use R-22 refrigerant, a hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) compound. HCFC compounds contain chlorine, which causes deterioration of the ozone layer if released into the atmosphere.

It might be time for you to consider upgrading your AC unit, especially since the EPA announced its plans to cut the supply of R-22 refrigerant. New modern units use a refrigerant called R-410A, which is more environmentally friendly.

Moisture Buildups

To some extent, moisture accumulation is normal for most AC units. A properly functioning air conditioner should be able to handle moisture accumulation without a problem. But if you notice excess water pooling around your unit, it could be that the unit is leaking refrigerant.

Refrigerant leaks not only cause the AC unit to perform less efficiently. They also pose serious health risks to you and your family. Further health complications could develop from biological growth in moisture accumulation. You should call alert an HVAC service technician immediately if you notice moisture buildups.

Home is Getting Uncomfortably Hot

If you’re having hot and cold spots in your house’s rooms, it’s an obvious sign that your AC unit is on its way out. A clearer sign that your air conditioner is struggling is if it doesn’t blow cool air within a few minutes after being turned on.

Sure, a faulty unit doesn’t always call for a replacement. But if the unit has had regular maintenance and repairs and still doesn’t cool your home as it once did, it’s time to get an upgrade.

An air conditioner that runs optimally can help you save on utility bills and add to the comfort of your home. Ensure that you schedule regular maintenance visits with a qualified HVAC expert to service and repair your AC unit. At Gideon Heating & Air Conditioning, we offer professional and timely HVAC repair and installation services best tailored for you.

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