There are specific revealing signs that indicate it may be time to upgrade your AC system. A new air conditioning unit is a big investment, however considering the costs to operate and repair an old inefficient unit, it may be wise to evaluate a cooling system overhaul. Consider examining the signals below to help you make that determination.
AC Unit is 10+ Years Old
A well maintained AC may survive about 15 years. If your system is over 15 years old and requires expensive repairs it may be time to replace.
Frequent Repair Issues & Costly Maintenance
Are you constantly calling your Champions & Nash HVAC professional with HVAC problems? Costly repairs add up quickly. Evaluate the cost of repair against the purchase of a new unit, and ask yourself if it makes sense to keep repairing or replace.
System Inefficiency
SEER stands for (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio), and it is a unit of measurement that determines the energy efficiency of your air conditioner. The higher the SEER, the greater the air conditioner’s efficiency. A unit with a low SEER rating can be costly to operate. New air conditioners must have a minimum SEER rating of 13.
Increasing Energy Bills
An inefficient cooling system costs more to cool your home. If you notice your home is not as comfortable as in previous years, and your electricity bill continues to rise, it is time to evaluate your HVAC system. Energy Star indicates that when properly installed, replacing your old model with high-efficiency energy star equipment you can save up to 20 percent on heating and cooling costs.
Uncomfortable Home Temperature
Are some rooms in your home too hot or too cold? If it has become difficult to keep your home a consistent temperature this may be due to aging equipment or an incorrectly sized system. When considering a new HVAC system, the experts at Champions & Nash HVAC will perform a load calculation on your home so an exact unit size is procured.
Improper Sized Unit
A poor install or unacceptable sizing directly impacts your systems efficiency. A unit that is too small will not properly achieve comfortable temperature on the hottest days of summer while a system that is too large will inadequately remove humidity.
AC Uses R 22 Freon
The government is phasing out R 22 freon, and the cost is rising. If your current system uses freon you will have to eventually replace with the new refrigerant (R410A). If you have an older unit, and your system needs freon, it may be a good time to consider replacing your system.
System is Noisy
If your air conditioning unit is louder than normal, and your next door neighbors are complaining about the grinding or squeaking sound coming from your AC, it is not a good sign. Most AC units should operate at an undetectable level.
When considering replacing your air conditioning systems, contact your local home cooling experts at Champion & Nash HVAC for a professional evaluation. It is our focus to ensure customers have the appropriate size equipment to maximize the home’s comfort and energy efficiency.
