Check If Your AC Unit Needs To Replace
A/C units no longer produce the same amount of cool air over time. It is essential to take preventative measures before suffering from an AC unit that is not cooling as well as it used to. Some tell-tale signs to look for are; loud sounds or strange noises reduced airflow and decreased efficiency. To avoid this scenario, we’re going to outline what you can do and when is the right time for a replacement.
Let’s start with the easy one:
When it simply doesn’t cool as well as it used to or perhaps blows hot air most of the time, this probably means that your AC unit has seen better days, and it’s time for a replacement.
The next few cases are when you should consider the possibility of a new unit.
Their efficiency is often measured in Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) which determines how much energy it uses to cool your house, and thus how cost-efficient it is. A proper/decent replacement unit will probably be at least 13 SEER, though it may go up to 19 SEER. If your AC unit’s efficiency is below 10 SEER, you’re probably making a bad investment in keeping it running.
AC units are often installed in the attic/roof, and their insulation is only as good as what surrounds them. If there are any holes or gaps around where the AC unit is installed, your home probably isn’t properly insulated and you will lose a lot of cool air through the cracks/gaps. Blocking and filling these holes with insulation can be very effective in increasing your cooling efficiency.
It’s often recommended to replace the filter at least once every three months, though we suggest doing it at least once per month. Dirty filters are less efficient, so change them often!
Buying A New AC Unit
No matter what your house looks like, you want it to have a comfortable living environment. Unfortunately, that means that your AC unit needs to be repaired so you can get the cool temperatures back. This is something every homeowner struggles with at some point in their lives. The harder part is trying to figure out when to call a professional HVAC technician and when you can try to fix it yourself. Here are some tips on how you can determine whether this is something for a professional or if you should take the time to fix the unit yourself.
As with anything in life, if your unit breaks down in the middle of summer, it’s best to call a professional HVAC technician immediately. In most cases, you will not be able to get the unit back up and running before hot weather hits unless you have a backup AC unit that is ready for use.
This being said, if your air conditioning unit breaks down in the middle of winter or just as colder weather approaches, it should only take a few hours to fix. If it isn’t fixed in a few hours, you should probably call a technician to assess the situation and possibly replace parts of your system.
Should You Repair Or Replace Your AC Unit
There are many reasons to replace an air conditioner, however, sometimes you need only a little bit of maintenance or ac repair to get your system working properly again. If your air conditioner is old and starting to have problems, it may be time for a replacement unit. Another factor that should be considered before replacing an air conditioner is poor insulation. It can also be a safety concern due to mold and mildew build-up. If you notice the walls and ceiling stained with wet spots, then there may be a problem with your unit.
Instead of replacing an air conditioning system, other types of repairs may be needed. If it takes a long time for the air to cool or if it is producing extremely loud noises, there may be an issue with the motor and bearings. Replacing these parts does not require tearing apart ductwork and can be done in less than a day.