Factors to Consider When Replacing an Air Conditioning Unit

At one point in his homeownership, a property owner would have to replace his home air conditioning unit. Like any other home appliance, air conditioners are subject to wear and tear and has an expected lifespan after which it needs to get replaced.

The decision to replace an air conditioner can only be made through careful evaluation, and professional assessment carried out by a licensed Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Contractor. The homeowner will have the information as to when the Air Conditioner was purchased, how it is performing, and if there are breakdowns that necessitate urgent repair. An HVAC expert, on the other hand, can professionally assess if the unit has ongoing issues and if it is still practical to repair these operational problems. The contractor can also determine if it is more efficient to replace the current HVAC unit with a more efficient and newer model.

So what are the factors to consider when replacing an air conditioning unit?

The first thing to consider is the performance of the current air conditioning unit. Does it still cool the home as it used to do? Is it performing optimally? Does a repairman have to come in now and then to address some issues like cleaning, refrigerant leaks, system clogs, and so on? The homeowner’s answer to the questions mentioned above should help him decide if he has to replace his air conditioner.

Age of the Air Conditioning Unit

Another crucial factor to consider when replacing an air conditioner is the age of the system. The typical lifespan of air conditioners lasts for at least ten years. Any unit operating optimally beyond those years should be thoroughly inspected and should be considered for replacement. HVAC experts insist that even if the air conditioner may work normally, an aging system will not be as energy efficient as a homeowner will like it to be. It is possible that by keeping the existing unit, the homeowner is paying a lot more in terms of maintenance and energy cost compared to running a newer and more efficient air conditioning system.

Manufacturer’s warranty

The homeowner should also consider the extent of the air conditioner manufacturer’s warranty. Once an air conditioner is already beyond the warranty, then every repair and part replacement will be spent on the homeowner’s account. If an air conditioner is already beyond ten years old and is already way beyond its warranty clause, then it may be practical to replace the unit.

Need for repair

The constant need for repairs should be considered a red flag by every homeowner. Every homeowner should keep track of how much he has been spending for air conditioning repairs, and how often he has to request for it. If the amount of repair multiplied with the operational years of the air conditioning system, would amount to more than $5,000, then the repair is not worth it. The homeowner should consider spending the amount as part of the fund that will be allocated towards replacing the unit.

Power Consumption

If the homeowner feels like he is paying so much for in electricity bills because of home air conditioning, then maybe it is high time for a thorough air conditioning check. Have an HVAC Contractor inspect the whole air conditioning system to find out if there are current issues, and concerns that are in the offing. Moreover, ask for his professional assessment on the air conditioner’s performance, and if it is causing undue increases in utility bills. Clarify as well if he believes that it is more practical to buy and install a replacement unit vis-à-vis keeping the existing one. San Diego Air Conditioning

Once the homeowner has decided to replace his current unit, he should carefully choose the next brand, model, and type of air conditioner to install in his home. While he can always select a newer model of the same kind of air conditioning unit, he can also look outside the box and consider a new system. More and more households are considering zoning their air conditioning system to achieve improved energy efficiency and lower carbon footprint.

The homeowner should also consider his budget and the fact that there are HVAC Contractors and Manufacturers who may offer financing schemes for the upgrade or replacement of air conditioning units. Homeowners should likewise consider the aesthetics and structure of his home when scouting for an air conditioning replacement. Taking the home’s overall design into consideration is crucial in deciding on a new air conditioning system because not all homes have ducts and vents for central air conditioning. Not all homes too would look good with a mini-split air conditioning system given its interior design. American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers

Lastly, every homeowner should carefully choose a licensed HVAC contractor who can correctly and safely pull out the old unit and install a new air conditioner. The contractor has to be a trustworthy and well-regarded service provider within the community. Apart from licenses, permits, and certification, the contractor should offer a service warranty and reliable after-sales service. The customer service part is crucial so that the homeowner can call on the contractor if there are issues with the newly-installed AC, and for annual maintenance inspections.

Central Air Conditioning units are the most common type of air conditioning used in homes in the United States. It basically circulates cold air in all areas where ducts have been installed such that the home will be cooled to the comfort level of the household members.

But like any other home fixture, Central Air Conditioning Units also suffer wear and tear. Homeowners may encounter issues with it from time to time especially when it happens to be ill maintained. Having said this, it is best that every homeowner is aware of the possible issues that could come with Central Air Conditioning use and what they can do about them.

And while self-troubleshooting may appear appealing especially if an area is notorious for high professional service technician rates, it will always be best to leave air conditioning matters to the pros given that there is a safety factor involved and at the same time if everything does not gets fixed or the issues even get worse, repair or replacement rates could definitely be steep.

One of the most common issues for central air conditioning units is it not blowing cool air. When this happens, it is best to check the thermostat first and see if it is at the level where it is supposed to be. If it is but cool air is not being circulated then it may point to a dirty HVAC Filter or worse a clogged one. In the latter’s case, it is best to call in a certified HVAC technician who can address the matter.

Another Central Air Conditioning issue that is commonly experienced in households is unusual noises coming from either the indoor or the outdoor unit. When this happens the homeowner has to be attentive about the type of noise – whether it is clanking, banging or rattling so that he can accurately report it to the technician. He should likewise inspect the outer units as it may have sucked up some debris that is causing the unusual noises.

A Central Air Conditioning Issue that may possibly need immediate technical assistance is the unit failing to operate or power on. Once the owner has made sure that the Central Air Conditioning Unit is actually plugged in and that the breaker did not go off, then the best thing to do is to seek expert assistance. This is because forcing the unit to power on or reset could do more harm than good. 

A leaking evaporator meanwhile needs immediate professional attention since it can also cause water damage among other destruction that will merit house repairs. It is best to turn off the unit for the meantime while waiting for the technician to arrive, to stop the unit from leaking.

Knowing the indicators of possible issues in Central Air Conditioning could mean a longer lifespan for the Home Air Conditioning Unit, lesser repairs and expenses, and a more comfortable home.