Is It Time To Upgrade Your AC Unit?
What to look for if you think it’s time to replace your air conditioning unit? There are a lot of signs that could signify that it is time to replace your air conditioning unit. Here are some of the main ones:
- It is at least 15 years old. Air conditioners typically only last about 10-15 years.
- It makes strange sounds. If you hear a rattling or clunking noise when the unit is running, it could be signaling that the compressor is failing and should possibly be replaced before it conks out completely.
- It leaks water into your house. This can damage the floors and walls in your home and can cause mold to build up.
- You have recently spotted a hole in the outside part of the unit. This could be caused by animals trying to get warm or is a sign that your unit needs maintenance or replacement due to age.
- It isn’t cooling as well as it used to, even though you’ve had nothing major repaired or replaced on it in the last year.
- It won’t turn on at all. If your unit is older, it may need to be recharged with refrigerant every few years to keep it running well. If you notice that your unit isn’t cooling anymore, this could be the reason why because there isn’t any refrigerant left in it.
- Your energy bills have been steadily increasing. This could be due to the unit being inefficient or that it is time for regular maintenance, possibly replacement as well.
These are some of the main signs you should look out for if you think it is time to replace your air conditioner.
What To Consider When Buying A New AC Unit?
When it comes to air conditioning repair, you can’t be too safe. For smaller problems that arise, you might feel comfortable fixing them yourself, but for larger problems, you should call a professional contractor who specializes in air conditioning repair. When it comes to the repair of larger systems many things can go wrong if you don’t know what you are doing.
It is important to note that an AC unit is not something that should be taken lightly or used as a temporary replacement for your old one while you search for a new machine. While it might seem like a good idea at first, purchasing a new machine primarily because of a broken or ailing old model is not the best course of action. A lot of times it will be more expensive for you to have a new machine installed than it would be to repair your current unit.
However, if your AC unit is so heavily damaged that it would cost as much as half the price of a brand new one, then it might be time to start looking into buying a new one. Or, if you want peace of mind that your unit is reliable without putting out too much money on it, then it would also be alright to buy a brand new machine.
Why Is It Better To Repair Your AC Instead Of Replacing It
Many people often think that when their air conditioner breaks down, the best solution is to replace it with a brand new one. However, there are times when repairing an air conditioner can save you money and be just as effective. The main reason for this is because many people forget about the life expectancy of an air conditioner unit. In most instances, your AC unit should last around ten years. This means that the chances are high that you might only need to do some repairs and not buy a new unit entirely. If you are looking to save money on repairs or replacement, here is what you can do:
The first thing you can do is try to repair your air conditioner yourself.
This can save you a great deal of money versus paying for an air conditioner repair technician. The reason is that the majority of the time, all that needs to be repaired is your compressor. This in turn will reduce your monthly energy costs and lower the temperature in your home. If the problem comes from the capacitor or evaporator, though, you might be better off hiring a professional. These components do require experience and specialized knowledge to get them fixed properly.
If repairing your air conditioner yourself seems like too much of an undertaking, the second thing