Warning Signs the AC Needs Replacement Before Summer
There’s nothing better than relaxing in a cool, comfortable house after a long day in the summer sun! The trouble is, homes don’t always stay cool and comfortable even with an air conditioner. It’s easy to forget about the air conditioner when it’s working, but this unsung hero does break down and eventually requires replacing.
But biting that bullet is a loathsome thought for most homeowners. Air conditioners aren’t exactly cheap, and it makes sense to replace one only when it absolutely needs it. Keep reading to determine if the AC is giving warning signs that it needs retired before summer arrives.
The Unit Is of Retiring Age
How old is too old for an air conditioner? AC units last pretty long, all things considered. Their life span sits between ten and twenty years, depending on use and maintenance. However, once a unit has reached twenty years, replacement is definitely on the horizon. The chances of an air conditioning unit making it another five years are slim, and the older a unit gets, the harder it is to find replacement parts to keep it running.
This is especially true for air conditioning machines using R-22 freon for coolant have been officially outmoded by the United States government. R-22 freon can no longer be purchased or produced, and if an AC machine needs R-22, the only option is to replace the entire unit.
The Unit Is Wasting Money & Energy
With age and wear comes cost and waste. Older units require more frequent repairs, which means more money going down the drain to keep the unit in working order. Unfortunately, repairs only last for so long. Air conditioners become money pits as they age, and it’s not just the repairs increasing the bill.
As air conditioners struggle to keep up with demand, the home’s energy efficiency will suffer. Inefficient air conditioners are constantly cycling as they attempt to cool down a house. No matter how hard the unit tries, it simply can’t cool the home like it used to. Aside from being environmentally unfriendly, this energy inefficiency will increase utility bills, all while only postponing the inevitable cost of replacing the air conditioner.
The House Is Hot
If the house is hot, but the thermostat says the air conditioner is running, well, then it may be time to replace the unit itself. There are times when the air conditioner does not need replacing, and a repair or cleaning fixes the problem. The condenser coil may need cleaning, or the fan may need replacing, for example. But, most homeowners cannot make that decision. A qualified HVAC technician will investigate if a minor repair is required or if replacement is the best option. If replacement is the only option, an HVAC expert will know. They’re trained to weigh the benefits of repairs versus the long-term expense and guide homeowners whose air conditioners are at risk of failing. If two or more of these warning signs have shown up in the home, there’s a good chance that the best option to preventing an uncomfortably hot summer is AC replacement.
Let The Meridian Company Keep Your House Cool This Summer
Lansing, Michigan, has been getting a helping HVAC hand from the Merdian Company since 1984. Their experts are available 24/7 to take care of heating and cooling emergencies. The Meridian Company makes HVAC repairs and maintenance easy with their affordable services and financing options. Give them a call today for AC installation in Lansing, MI.
