Consider a new system if the AC repair bill gets out of hand. A new air conditioner could also boost your home’s resale value. A rising energy bill is not a sign to go and purchase a new air conditioning unit. Your energy bill may have increased for many reasons, including a faulty thermostat switch or clogged ductwork.
Excessive Energy Bills
As any homeowner knows, there are a lot of things that can cause your energy bills to spike. The electricity company may have raised their rates, or you might use more appliances than usual because of the holiday season. But there are also several common causes of eye-popping energy bills that can be easily fixed with a little effort.
The biggest culprits are often inefficient windows, a lack of insulation, or unsealed air leaks that allow heated and cooled air to escape your home. These issues make your heating and cooling systems work harder than they should, wasting energy.
You can also reduce your electric bill by limiting usage during peak times (typically between noon and 6 p.m.). Finally, if your air conditioner isn’t keeping you as cool as it used to, even with regular maintenance, it may be time for an upgrade. Newer models use less energy and do a much better job of regulating temperatures.
If your energy bills have skyrocketed without explanation, it’s time for air conditioning replacement in Garland. In addition to using less energy, newer systems have stopped wasting energy by releasing ozone-depleting CFC refrigerants. These are being phased out in the United States, so replacing your old system with a new one that uses an environmentally friendly refrigerant is essential.
Frequent Repairs
If your air conditioner is constantly breaking down, it might be time to replace it. Frequent repairs are inexpensive and can increase energy bills as your system struggles to keep up with your home’s cooling needs.
Consider replacing your system once it reaches the age of 10 years. However, this depends on several factors.
The age of your AC unit and the cost of repairs will be significant factors in whether you choose to repair or replace it. Generally, you can postpone air conditioning replacement as long as possible by performing regularly scheduled maintenance. This includes twice-yearly tune-ups and changing the filter regularly.
Signing up for a maintenance contract is an excellent way to get priority service when your air conditioner needs repair. These contracts usually include twice-yearly maintenance inspections and reduced rates for many services and parts.
You should also consider replacing your air conditioner if it makes strange noises, such as squealing or grinding. Unusual sounds could indicate an electrical problem, low refrigerant levels, clogged fan blades, or ductwork restricting airflow.
Age
An air conditioner can be repaired and may work fine even if old. However, it will perform better when new. This is especially true in areas like Texas, where the summers are brutal and put a lot of wear on an air conditioning system. Old AC units also use more electricity to meet the home’s cooling needs, increasing energy bills. The newer models of today’s HVAC systems use less electricity than older air conditioning systems and feature several advanced functions to improve home comfort and energy efficiency.
It does not make financial sense to keep repairing an old AC unit past its expected lifespan, just as it would not make sense to keep improving a car that is too old; an old air conditioner should be replaced.
A good rule of thumb is to take the cost of repairs and divide it by the age of your air conditioner. If this amount exceeds the cost of a new AC unit, replacing your air conditioner is usually worth it. It is important to remember that a professional technician should never pressure you one way or another and will offer their opinion and advice on your options without forcing their view on you.
Poor Airflow
If you’re experiencing sluggish airflow, it’s not necessarily a sign that your air conditioner has reached the end of its life. It could result from several things, including a clogged filter that prevents your system from running efficiently. Having a professional check the condition of your system and replace or clean the filter should fix this problem.
Insufficient excellent airflow might also be caused by a thermostat that is either not set to AC mode or not transmitting the correct indoor temperature to the AC. This problem can cause the system to work harder, increasing operating costs and a shorter lifespan.
Another reason your cooling may be less than it should be is a duct leakage problem. The average home ductwork can lose up to 20% of its conditioned air due to insufficient insulation and leaking or poorly sealed joints. An HVAC professional can run a duct leakage test and ensure your home is adequately insulated to help you improve your comfort and energy efficiency.
You might also be experiencing insufficient humidity control, which can lead to several health and comfort problems, such as mold growth and excessive static electricity. A new air conditioning unit can address this problem and improve indoor climate.
