Are you having trouble with your air conditioning unit? Are you unsure if it's time to replace it or if you can keep it for a few more years? If so, you're not alone. Many homeowners in Hampton Roads struggle to decide when to upgrade their heating and cooling system. Knowing the signs that your air conditioner needs to be replaced can help you make an informed decision. One of the most obvious signs that your air conditioner is about to run out is that it just isn't working properly.
If your air conditioner is making more noise than before, or if little air comes out of the ventilation grilles, it's time to consider a new unit. Unusual or loud sounds during operation are a sign that the air conditioner unit may be nearing the end of its life. Musty odors from air conditioner vents could be an indicator of mold or mildew formation in ventilation ducts. Foreign odors that come out of the vents when you run central air could be a sign that your air conditioning unit needs to be replaced.
If your heating and cooling system is more than ten years old, it will most likely use freon (or R-2 refrigerant). Due to its damage to the environment, manufacturing of R-22 has been phased out around the world. There are options to convert the refrigerant chemical into a safer agent. However, you must weigh the costs of this repair, in addition to others on the horizon of an aging system. Another reason to replace the air conditioner with one that does not use R-22 is that the price of this refrigerant has increased considerably.
You may still have access to the coolant if you have an older model that needs repairs, but all new units come with the latest R410-A refrigerant. Finally, if your air conditioning doesn't get rid of enough moisture, it's time for a replacement. According to Energy Star, you should consider replacing your air conditioner if it is more than 10 years old, and you should seriously consider replacing the air conditioner if it is more than 15 years old, since this is the average lifespan of most cooling devices. If you think it's time to replace your air conditioning unit, contact the experts at Smith & Keene to evaluate your outdated system and guide you to the most efficient heating and cooling system for your home. By answering these questions, you can make a more informed and educated decision when it comes to investing in a new air conditioning unit.
