With the hot and humid summer season just around the corner, a lot of us are hurrying to have our air conditioners fixed, serviced, repaired, and even replaced. But for many people, it can be very hard to decide and figure out when to have their air conditioners repaired and when to have them replaced all together since for an inexperienced person, there are not many indications that can help them make the right decision. But fret not, we have put together a detailed summary of all the vital signs and information that you need to decide when to have your unit fixed and when to install a new system.
How Old Is the Air Conditioning System?
First thing’s first, before you decide what to do with your ac, evaluate how long have you had it for? At best, an air conditioning unit is suitable for a maximum period of 10 to 15 years. After that, it starts having breakdowns and internet issues. So, the best thing to do before making a decision is to determine your system’s age in order to gauge how much time it has left for its optimum performance. Of course, if you have had it regularly serviced and inspected, it might last a while longer than an AC’s average life span, and for that, you will need to enlist the assistance of an HVAC technician who can have a look at your system for you and determine how much longer can it function for without compromising on energy consumption or efficiency.
If your system came with the house at the time of moving, you could still work out its age by looking for a date on the system’s outdoor unit, compressor, or indoor unit. Once you have successfully determined your system’s age, choosing what’s best for it will be much easier.
If it’s older than 10 to 15 years, consider getting in touch with a professional to arrange a replacement. If you live in Phoenix, Arizona, American Home Water and Air might be able to help you.
For any air conditioner related queries and assistance, get in touch with them online, and they will have one of their licensed experts schedule a visit to your house and inspect your systems. With over 30+ years in business, they have the most adept, professional, and well-trained technicians in the market.
Should You Repair It or Replace It
With your system’s age now determined, you will finally need to move to the bit where you need to decide what to do with it? Repair it or replace it? And although it can be a daunting question, a qualified and experienced ac service las vegas mechanic and some quick reading about ACs can help you make a wiser choice.
Is it using the R22 Refrigerant/Freon?
If your current system uses the coolant R22, also at times referred to as Freon, you must consider replacing it with a newer, more environmentally friendlier option. This is because this particular refrigerant is responsible for ozone depletion and is deemed to be extremely hazardous to the environment. So, it’s best for you to change your AC unit in such a scenario.
Is it energy efficient?
Energy efficiency and consumption are crucial aspects that you should be considering when deciding your AC’s fate since this directly impacts your annual operational costs. To check how energy efficient your current system is, you will need to check its energy ratings. Known as SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio), these ratings allow you to measure your unit’s cooling speed and energy consumption. Your HVAC technician can measure them for you. Having an energy-efficient system will save you a lot of money and help you reduce your carbon footprint and be environmentally sustainable.
Therefore, if you find that your current air conditioner has a reduced energy efficiency SEER rating, you should definitely consider replacing it instead of repairing it.
How Can You Keep Your AC Running Efficiently?
Regardless of whether you choose to fix your current air conditioner or decide to invest in a new unit, it is always a good idea to know how you can keep your system running smoothly and efficiently. So how can you keep your air conditioner energy efficient? First and foremost, try to always keep your air conditioner, ducts, and vents clean and dust and debris free. And dust and debris can clog up the system making it consume more energy to cool your house, so the key to energy efficiency is regularly cleaning your system.
Secondly, try to have your AC unit regularly inspected by a [professional to avoid any significant faults and damages. A routine check-up of your system will allow you to find and fix any damages, faults, and defects before they get complicated and become harder and more expensive to fix. Regular servicing and maintenance also help in keeping your system efficient and effective.
Checking for any refrigerant leaks is also crucial to keep your system energy-efficient and cost-effective. If your coolant levels are not as they should be, have your HVAC mechanic inspect and fix it since decreased or leaking coolants cause air conditioners to consume more energy and time to cool the same area that they were cooling for much less and quicker earlier.
