During hot months, having an air conditioner that’s up to the job is a must. If you’re looking at installing a new AC and trying to decide when it’s best to do so, here are some considerations.
Your AC Has Been Around for More Than 10 Years
If your AC doesn’t seem to be functioning as it ought to be, the issue may be simply because of the system’s age. AC units that are more than a decade old typically show a significant decline in efficiency over time.
A proper air conditioner should cool the home sufficiently, so if you’ve been using the same one for several years, you can assume its performance is poorer than that of a new one.
High Energy Bills
Another factor that suggests it might be time for an AC upgrade is a high electric bill. An air conditioner that’s functioning properly should only slightly raise your electric bill when in use. If you’re noticing that your energy bills are skyrocketing, your AC is likely malfunctioning.
Excessive Noise
Although all air conditioners make some sort of noise, ones in optimal condition should be relatively quiet. If you have a central AC unit, loud noises could mean that your duct system isn’t large enough for your home’s square footage.
Additionally, a central AC unit can become noisy if there’s a problem with its indoor coil. Calling an HVAC specialist is often the best option if you’re not sure where in the unit the noise is coming from. If the problem can’t be fixed conveniently, then it might be time to consider a new unit.
Humidity Problems and Inconsistencies
A proper air conditioner should remove some humidity from the air in order to make the space more comfortable. If this process is in working order, the unit should maintain a stable temperature throughout its daily use.
If your AC has been running and your home still feels humid, the cooling portion of the unit is likely experiencing a malfunction. If you have a central AC unit, ductwork issues could also be to blame for humidity problems.
If you suspect your air conditioner is not keeping the space as dry as it should, it might be time for an upgrade. Fixing the structural problems that could be causing higher humidity often ends up being more costly and more of a hassle than simply replacing the unit all together.
Long-Term Efficacy
Assessing whether or not an AC unit should be replaced with a new one can sometimes be made easier when taking a few long-term factors into account. To start, an AC unit tends to decline in efficacy year by year as it steadily loses power. If you find that you’ve been cranking it up all day long for the last two years or so to combat the heat, a closer look into the unit is necessary to determine whether or not a repair will be sufficient.
Secondly, consider the repairs you’ve had in the past and their price tags. If you’ve had an HVAC specialist come to do maintenance for several consecutive years and haven’t noticed any significant improvement, the unit may simply be too old to regain proper function.
A unit that is over 10 years old will have a much more difficult time maintaining its performance in the years after a repair than a new one will.
Lastly, structural changes to your home, particularly adding new rooms and therefore increasing square footage, will increase the demands on your air conditioning unit. If you live in a hot climate, this will pose an especially difficult challenge.
If your home is increasing in size, making adjustments to your current AC unit likely won’t be able to accommodate the larger space. With a home renovation, installing a new AC system is usually your best bet. We service and install all makes and models including Lennox and Mitsubishi.
Looking to ensure coolness and comfort during the hot months? Faught Service CompanyHeating & Cooling is at your service. We’re proud to offer the very best air quality specialists in Austin, TX and the surrounding areas for any of your air conditioning needs. With other services, such as furnace maintenance and repair, plumbing services, and home energy audits, we’re here to help maximize the comfortability and affordability of your home life. Give us a call today, and let our expertise work its magic. We can’t wait to get down to business on your home.
