Air Conditioning is essential for enjoying life in Alabama. When the weather turns hot and humid, we take it for granted that our homes will be cooled at the flip of a switch. Don’t get caught in an emergency situation the first week of warm weather when HVAC repair technicians are overbooked.
If you suspect that a new AC may be needed, watch for these signs, plan ahead, and consider the alternatives.
Blowing Warm Air
If you notice the AC needs to run constantly or the air coming from your vents is not as cold as it should be, it may be time to replace your air conditioner. Broken compressors, coolant leaks, or other issues could be the cause. While some of these problems are repairable, they should not happen frequently. As long as you are scheduling annual maintenance, there is no reason your AC should stop blowing cold air in the summer. That is a warning sign the unit has reached the end of its lifetime, and you should start planning for replacement.
AC Is More Than 15 Years Old
Even with regular maintenance, older AC systems last for about 15 years. If you notice strange noises or leaks coming from an old AC unit, it is a sure sign that time is running out. Refrigerant leaks or condensation are both bad news. Refrigerant is toxic, and water condensing from a struggling AC compressor can seep into your home’s insulation, causing mold and mildew growth. New and improved models will last 20-25 years, or even longer, and are more energy-efficient. The longevity of equipment continues to climb as cooling technology gets better every year. This is great news and another reason to consider replacing your AC now instead of paying for repairs.
Higher Energy Costs
Cooling your home accounts for more than half of the total energy costs. When a thermostat needs to run longer or repeatedly turns on and off, it can quickly drive up your utility bills. Energy costs are already inflated more than ever and the situation is going to get worse before it gets any better. A new AC unit will result in appreciable savings on your power bills. There may even be tax credits available for homeowners to enhance energy efficiency and lower their carbon footprint. That’s because new AC units use less electricity and last longer, adding up to considerable savings over time.
AC Using R-22 Freon
If your AC unit is old, it probably uses a coolant called R-22 Freon that is no longer being manufactured and will be gone forever once current reserves are sold. This chemical is particularly harmful to the planet, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is phasing it out nationwide. All new AC units built today work with less toxic and more efficient refrigerants. Don’t wait for your old AC to start leaking R-22 Freon, because an emergency replacement will be needed.
Wait Until Winter
It might seem strange, but consider replacing your AC during the winter months. Mid-winter is the perfect time to have your system inspected by a professional. Demand for AC replacement is the lowest during cool weather when most people are not thinking about it. Supply chain delays that drive up equipment costs are less of a problem during the winter/early spring months, and HVAC technician schedules are usually wide open. Smart money doesn’t wait until there’s a problem to think ahead for next summer when supply becomes a major issue and demand is highest.
You Have Friends In The Business
Kevin Long is meticulous, honest, and experienced in both residential and commercial AC replacement. Long Heating & Cooling technicians are all highly-trained, licensed, insured, and care about your comfort. When it’s time to replace your AC, you can depend on us for the best quality at the right price.