Do you ever find yourself questioning whether your HVAC system needs to be repaired or replaced? If the air coming out of the vents doesn't seem quite right, the central air conditioner does not respond well to the thermostat, or you find yourself calling the technician regularly, it may be time to consider a new unit. Here are 10 signs that your air conditioning system needs to be serviced or replaced:1.Your air conditioner makes strange noises when running.2.You see signs of leaks coming from the unit.3.If your air conditioning unit is at least ten years old.4.Air conditioners don't usually last more than a decade.5.Keeping your home at a comfortable temperature during the summer months requires many mechanics to work properly.6.Trying to do the repairs yourself can result in unnecessary costs if something goes wrong.7.Do you even know when your air conditioning system was installed?8.According to the Department of Energy, air conditioning systems need to be replaced every 10 to 15 years.9.The main components of any HVAC system will start to deteriorate after about 10 years.10. Systems that are more than 10 years old also use a type of freon (R-2) that is not only outdated, but also extremely harmful to the environment. When a newer unit is installed, you'll not only reduce your energy bills, but you'll also help reduce your carbon footprint on the environment. Many times, as an air conditioner unit ages, you'll have to pay for frequent system repairs and eventually replace some of the major components. When that starts to happen, it's time to see if replacing parts will actually save you money in the long run. If repair costs are more than half the cost of a new system, then it's time to “get rid of the old and go in with the new”.
Buying a new system will be a smart investment, as it will save you money in the long run and reduce your immediate energy costs. Again, just like with home heating, consider how old your air conditioner is. When it comes time to make the decision between repairing or replacing your air conditioning unit, age is an important factor. EnergyStar recommends replacing your air conditioning unit every 10 to 15 years. Before investing in a new HVAC unit, you may want to check your home and your HVAC unit for expensive air leaks. If you feel like your HVAC unit is always having problems, it's time to schedule a technician to come to your house and inspect the unit and diagnose any problems.
Regardless of the air conditioning system you have, each unit needs a quality filter that is properly adjusted to keep indoor air quality clean and your unit operating at maximum efficiency. Since sealing leaks and insulating your home properly will help your HVAC system work more efficiently, you may not need a replacement yet. If your heating system presents a safety hazard, it should be common sense to replace it, especially if the repair is going to be expensive and temporary. An air leak could be the cause of the problem in your HVAC system and is probably less expensive than replacing it. In addition to providing you with hot or cold air in your home, your HVAC system is also responsible for providing adequate ventilation. If you frequently invest money in repairing an old HVAC unit, then your best option might be a new, more energy efficient system.
Any household problem is a source of stress, but keeping up with your air conditioning unit will save you money, anxiety, and time in the long run. If you notice bad odors coming from your air conditioning system, it's not only annoying, but it could also be an indicator of a bigger problem in your unit. Even so, you'll want to check with your experienced HVAC technician to discuss your air conditioning unit and the ducts that supply cold air. Freon is poisonous, so be sure to call a professional HVAC technician as soon as you notice a moisture leak around the unit. If you start to notice any of these signs above or other “weird” things in your air conditioning system, contact Ready & Able to repair or replace your HVAC. Investing in a newer unit can not only save you from headaches caused by frequent visits from an HVAC technician, but it will also save you money in the long run. Nowadays, while you can repair your unit just like continuously spending money on an old car repair; it may be better to buy a new one at some point.
