Air Conditioning Replacement Loveland OH is a big decision. You’ll need to weigh repair versus replace and decide how comfortable you want to be in your home.
It’s generally recommended to replace the entire system. Replacing just the outdoor compressor or indoor air handler can create a mismatched system that will be less efficient and could potentially void your warranty.
1. Your AC Unit is Over 15 Years Old
If you’re currently operating a system that is over 15 years old, it’s time to consider replacing it. While air conditioners can sometimes last longer than this, they typically start to wear down and operate less efficiently as they age. Additionally, newer AC units are often more energy efficient than older ones, making them a better choice for your home.
One sign that your air conditioning unit may be nearing the end of its lifespan is when you notice that some rooms in your house aren’t cooling as well as others. This could be due to ductwork issues or a unit that is no longer capable of meeting your home’s cooling demands. In either case, it’s important to have your air conditioner replaced so that you can enjoy even cooling throughout your entire living space.
It’s also a good idea to replace your air conditioner when you begin to notice recurring problems. Depending on how frequent these problems are, it may be more cost-effective to purchase a new unit than to continue spending money on repairs for an aging one.
In order to determine whether repairing or replacing your AC unit is more cost-effective, many HVAC professionals use the “5,000 rule.” Simply multiply the estimated repair costs by the age of your unit, and if that number exceeds $5,000, it may be worth investing in a replacement instead. With that being said, it’s always a good idea to consult with an experienced professional before making any final decisions. This will ensure that you get the best possible results from your new air conditioner!
2. Your AC Unit Isn’t Producing Cool Air
Keeping cool air flowing in and out of your home is critical to comfort. If you notice that your AC system isn’t producing cool air, it may be time to call for service or consider a new unit.
Your cooling system uses a refrigerant to convert hot air into cold, and then the cool air flows through your ducts and out into your home. If the refrigerant is leaking out or there’s an issue with the condenser or evaporator coil, it could be causing your AC system to work harder than necessary to keep your home cool. This will result in higher energy bills and may cause your air conditioner to have a low SEER rating.
Another reason why your AC might not be blowing cool air is if the return-air filters are dirty or clogged. If the filter is clogged with dirt and pet fur, it restricts airflow and prevents the system from operating at full capacity. Changing your filter regularly is one of the best ways to avoid this problem.
If the air flow seems to be restricted in one room, it’s a good idea to check your vents and make sure they aren’t blocked by furniture or other objects. Also, make sure that the air-vent covers are not closed by mistake. If the issue is isolated to one room, it’s likely an air-duct issue and you should call for professional service.
3. Your AC Unit Isn’t Working Properly
Getting your air conditioner to work properly takes regular maintenance. You should have a professional clean the unit at least once every year. If you don’t, a dirty filter or clogged evaporator coil can cause it to turn on and off continuously and negatively affect energy efficiency. If you’re hearing strange noises, it’s a good idea to have a professional take a look at the problem to prevent further damage.
If you’re only getting warm air from your vents, the first thing to check is the thermostat settings. Make sure it’s set to “cool” and the temperature is lower than the current ambient temperature. You may also need to replace the batteries, and if that doesn’t solve the problem, it’s likely that the thermostat itself is broken.
Another possibility is that your AC ducts are blocked. Make sure the supply vents are open and free of dirt, dust, toys, and other obstructions. If you do find that the ducts are blocked, you can try cleaning them out or rearranging furniture to help improve the flow of air.
If the problem is that your air conditioner isn’t working at all, you should check the breaker box. You might have tripped the breaker by using too many appliances at once or it could be that there’s a power surge after a storm. Resetting the breaker should fix the problem, but if it happens often, you should call an electrician to examine the electrical system and determine if it needs replacement. Also, if the air conditioning unit is emitting a strong odor or causing carbon monoxide problems, it’s probably time to invest in a new one. Both of these issues can be serious health and safety hazards.
4. Your AC Unit Is Old
If your air conditioner is older than 15 years, you should definitely be thinking about replacing it. Air conditioning units that are this age begin to experience frequent failure rates and may start struggling with cooling demands, especially in Texas’ harsh summers. This makes them less efficient and can lead to higher energy bills.
If you have been putting off getting a new AC unit because you are concerned about the cost, now is the time to change that. A replacement will likely be cheaper than continued repair costs, and you can even make up the initial investment through increased home energy efficiency.
You should also consider that most manufacturers offer a warranty with their newer models, so you can be confident in the quality of your purchase. It is possible to find the date your AC unit was manufactured by looking for a metal nameplate on the condenser. Alternatively, you can ask a professional to verify the date of installation.
A final consideration is that older air conditioners don’t have the same energy-efficient features that newer ones do, so they use more energy to keep your house cool. Replacing your old air conditioner with a newer model can lower your energy bills significantly and help you save money over time.
5. Your AC Unit Isn’t Energy Efficient
When your AC unit isn’t efficient, you are wasting money and energy. Energy efficient air conditioning units reduce your utility bills, and they also contribute to a healthier environment. This is why it’s important to keep your current AC unit properly maintained and to invest in a high-efficiency replacement as soon as necessary.
If your energy bills seem to have jumped significantly without any obvious reason, it may be time for an AC replacement. Older air conditioners become less energy efficient as they age, requiring them to work harder to cool your home. It is also possible that your air conditioning unit was sized incorrectly or that it has a leak. If you think that either of these factors is causing your high electric bill, it is best to consult with a professional for a replacement.
In addition, a clogged air filter restricts the flow of air from the unit, forcing it to run longer and consume more electricity. Leaky ducts can also cause cool air to escape before reaching its destination, which again causes the system to work harder. Other problems that can affect efficiency include a thermostat with inaccurate temperature readings, an AC unit that isn’t rated for your area, or a refrigerant leak.
A leaking refrigerant can require a costly repair or even a replacement compressor. A new unit that uses a higher-efficiency refrigerant will make a big difference in your energy costs. It is important to keep your home and air clean as well, so don’t forget to change the filter regularly. And if you’re leaving your house for the day or weekend, it is more energy efficient to leave the AC on but to turn it up a few degrees.