HOW DO YOU KNOW WHEN IT IS TIME TO UPGRADE YOUR AC? 

May 5, 2023 | Huber Heights, AC, Air Conditioner, Air Conditioning System, Cooling Unit, Energy Bills, Financing, Lifespan, Ohio, R22, Refrigerant, Upgrade

  

With the warmer weather here, it is critical to make sure your air conditioner is ready for the scorching summer days that are right around the corner. If you have an older AC that is nearing the end of its life, it may be time to start considering your upgrade options. At Huber Heights Heating & Cooling, we believe in providing our clients with superior service and reliable AC units so they can stay comfortable all season long! If you’re searching for an efficient way to keep up with the coming months – look no further than us as your trusted source of comprehensive heating and cooling solutions. Making the right decision when choosing to upgrade an AC unit is not an easy task, but here we have all the information you need.  

ON AVERAGE, HOW MANY YEARS CAN YOU EXPECT AN AIR CONDITIONER TO FUNCTION EFFICIENTLY? 

On the whole, air conditioners are designed to last roughly 12-17 years. Yet, this statistic is only a guideline and will differ depending on the type of model you have as well as how attentively it has been maintained over time. Take this estimation into account when assessing your AC’s age, then take appropriate steps towards either replacing or repairing it promptly.  

WHAT OTHER FACTORS SHOULD BE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT WHEN DETERMINING WHETHER TO UPGRADE YOUR AIR CONDITIONER?  

1. Energy Costs: Is your monthly energy bill on the rise? Your AC system may be to blame. With prolonged use, air conditioners can become less efficient and require more power to achieve desired temperatures – resulting in costly bills. Ideally, an AC’s share of total energy consumption should sit below 46%. If it is higher than that, it could be time for a new system overhaul!  

2. Irregular Temperatures: Your air conditioning system is designed to not only cool the air in your home but to maintain a steady temperature as well. If you notice fluctuating temperatures around your house, it may be an indication that something isn’t quite right with your AC unit, and it’s time for maintenance or repair. 

3. Loud Noises, Odors, & Dust: If your AC is overworked, it might be giving off clues that a repair should take place. Unfamiliar noises and odors combined with dust particles in the air are common indications of an overloaded air conditioner. 

  • Noises – If your AC unit has gone from a soothing, consistent hum to an incessant and loud disturbance, it could signal a system nearing the end of its lifespan. But also remember that if your current air conditioner is not adequately sized for the square footage of your home, this will cause undue stress on its mechanisms and potentially be the source of said disruption. 
  • Odors – If you’ve detected a foul odor emanating from your air conditioning system, it could be due to mold or mildew in the ducts and refrigerant escapes. Even though this issue can still be resolved if discovered at an early stage, you may have to assess every angle of the problem before choosing whether replacement is necessary or not. 
  • Dust – If you’re unable to rid your home of persistent dust, no matter how much you clean, it might be a sign that there are cracks or gaps in the ductwork. These can cause dust particles to spread across your home and make cleaning almost impossible. To help get this issue resolved once and for all, contact us today so our NATE-certified technicians can inspect the problem quickly and efficiently.    

4. Frequent Repairs: We established how upkeep and maintenance are pivotal determinants of an air conditioner’s lifespan. Adhering to regular maintenance is essential for your HVAC system to run optimally. If you own a more aged model that necessitates frequent fixups, it may be time to fully accept that your AC has reached the end of its life cycle. Although repair costs might appear lower than the expense of getting a brand-new unit upfront, numerous repairs plus whopping energy bills can add up rapidly in due course if not addressed promptly.  

5. R22 Refrigerant: We now have the opportunity to save money and help our environment by upgrading older air conditioners that use R22 refrigerant, which has been discontinued by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency). Most older air conditioning units require the use of R22 for refrigerant refills. Therefore, once your current AC needs to be refilled with freon, finding a compatible and compliant-friendly refrigerant for your current AC can be quite costly – another cost to consider in your overall decision-making. 

However, thanks to modern technology, we can replace these systems with sustainable and energy-efficient ACs, allowing us to be environmentally conscious while also saving costs! Not only will a newer energy-efficient unit save you money each month on your power bill, but their low carbon emissions also mean cleaner air for your living space. This not only improves your well-being, but it also helps create a healthier ecosystem overall. 

If you’re on the hunt for a reliable HVAC company, Huber Heights Heating & Cooling is your answer! Reach out to us at your convenience and schedule an appointment for a free estimate. We can also discuss our financing options. When it comes to something as vital as your HVAC system, quality should always be a top priority, from superior equipment and installation work down to outstanding customer service in the long run.

Join forces with Huber Heights Heating & Cooling today and experience firsthand what true five-star excellence looks like! You can reach us at (937) 226-9675 or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here