Time to Replace AC?

It's always difficult to know when it's time to repair your air conditioning, or just replace it. Here are some helpful tips that might help in the decision making process.

Sources: "When Is It Time To Replace" Energy Star http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=heat_cool.pr_checklist_consumers

"Determining If You Should Replace or Repair Your Air Conditioner" Air Conditioning Helper http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=heat_cool.pr_checklist_consumers

TIPS:

Please note: all suggestions are made in a specifically general sense and are not meant to be understood as prescriptions. Please contact us (www.sinclairair.com) to provide information about your specific situation for advice regarding your personal air conditioning system and whether repairs or replacement would be best for you.

Age Matters

If your unit is 5 or under, we usually recommend repairs. If your unit is 7 years or older we recommend replacing. Energy Star recommends that you replace your unit if it is older than 10 years old.

Why?

• Well, age matters for a couple different reasons. When your unit becomes older, it becomes less efficient. Just like the longer you drive your car, the more frequent service calls become. Older units just need to be used more carefully than a brand new unit. Maintenance is also very important for older units. While a newer unit may be able to 'get away' with running a dirty filter, that same dirty filter may cause the older unit to break down. PLEASE NOTE: It is VERY important (READ: VERY IMPORTANT) to change/clean your filters regularly (no less than every 3 months and more in the summer/winter depending on use).
• Age also affects the technology of the unit. If a newer, more efficient, environmentally friendly refrigerant is running in the newer units, it's a good idea to upgrade. This lessens your carbon footprint AS well as saving you money on your energy bills.

Repair Bills Piling Up

It is important to keep your unit properly maintained. That means keeping it clean, keeping dirt/plants/etc. debris away from the outdoor unit and having a contractor come out once a year to check it. However, if you are having frequent "break downs" or periods where your air system is not working, it's time to consider replacing the unit.

Let's say a repair bill is going to cost $500 - a whole new unit (change out with existing duct work etc.) can run a couple thousand dollars. At $500, you're almost already there, and there isn't any assurances that after you replace that certain part that something else won't break.

Humidity/Dust Problems

If your home is not getting cool enough, or there is a dust problem, this could be related to the age of your air conditioning unit.

A large part of the air conditioner's job is to remove moisture from the air. Humidity is what makes you feel warm, if the humidity level in your home is controlled, you will feel more comfortable. If you have noticed lately that you have to keep pumping the air conditioner to a lower temperature and you're still not feeling comfortable, it's probably time for a new unit.

Dust is also a problem indicating that your ducts may need to be resealed or replaced. If you have particles from the attic or crawl space, your unit is not running at top efficiency. If particles are being drawn in, that means cooled air is leaking into the attic (or non-livable spaces in your house) - that's basically like paying to cool the outside.

Your Heating System is Noisy

If your unit makes banging sounds or the air is loud, there could be a problem with the indoor unit, or the duct work. Either way, technology in air conditioning has come to the point where the 'hum' of the units should be softer than conversation. This is meant to help keep your home comfortable and also prevent the disturbance of the neighbors every time your unit kicks on. So, if your unit is louder than conversation, it is time to consider replacing it.

If your home is experiencing any of the above 'symptoms' it is at the very least a good idea to start looking into replacement options. There is a considerable amount of terminology involved with the purchase of an air system and it's good to know what the contractor is trying to sell you. If you don't understand something ASK questions! Think about your decision, don't rush into this investment.