Your air conditioning AC system maintains your comfort year-round. But what happens when it’s no longer working as efficiently and effectively as it should? Simply put, your utility expenses may increase significantly, and your house may seem unbearable. And if you’re suffering from certain medical conditions that require sufficient airflow), your health could deteriorate. Occasionally, you can resolve your AC issues with minor repairs. However, when the issues are recurrent and costly, Alberta Mountain Air Heating and Air Conditioning often recommends a replacement. But how can you determine if your AC system needs a replacement or if a fix will suffice? Read on to find out.
1. YOUR AC SYSTEM HAS SERVED YOUR FOR MORE THAN 10 YEARS
The average lifespan of a typical AC is around 10 to 20 years, depending on several factors. Although if your AC is beyond 10 years, it may seem functional, but, in reality, it is considerably less effective and may be siphoning a significant amount of extra cash in utility bills and repairs. As systems age, they begin to deteriorate. The busier your AC is, the quicker it deteriorates. After a certain point, replacing becomes the more economical option as you will save significantly on maintenance, repairs, and energy costs.
2. YOUR UTILITY BILLS HAVE SKYROCKETED
Although sometimes, you might encounter relatively higher utility bills, especially during the sweltering summers when you need more air conditioning. A faulty AC having an incorrect quantity of refrigerant or worn-out electrical parts usually impacts energy efficiency. Thus, if your energy bills are higher than usual, purchasing a new and more efficient AC could be a valuable long-term investment.
3. REPAIRING COSTS ARE AT LEAST HALF AS MUCH AS REPLACEMENT COSTS
If your AC has broken down, the cost of repairs will help you know if replacing your worn-out system is financially sound. If the repair cost exceeds 50% of what a new AC would cost, Alberta Mountain Air Heating and Air Conditioning advises proceeding with a replacement. Typically, extensive repairs indicate that a machine is on its last legs. Paying more than half the price of an HVAC replacement wastes time, money, and resources.
4. YOU HAVE MOISTURE BUILDUP OR HUMIDITY PROBLEMS
One of the functions of an air conditioner is to remove moisture or humidity from the indoor air. The evaporator coil removes warm saturated air from your home’s interior, chills it, and reroutes it back inside. However, the eliminated moisture from the air may sometimes leak out of your unit. A small amount of water dripping from an air conditioner is normal. However, when your air conditioner ages and loses efficiency, or if problems emerge with its evaporator coil, it will no longer collect humidity from the air in your home as effectively as it once did. You may even observe fog on your windows, condensation around your vents, or dampness in your ducts. Additionally, it may release a large quantity of water. You may start noticing mildew or mold growth within your unit.
5. YOUR HOME ISN’T GETTING ENOUGH COLD AIR
A broken AC won’t supply enough cool hair to your home. This problem is attributable to a broken compressor or low Freon level, among other issues. However, before purchasing another one, call Alberta Mountain Air Heating and Air Conditioning and let us assess your system. If the repair is extensive, we might recommend replacing it instead. Also, remember to act immediately because waiting could only worsen the situation, leading to more expensive repairs or a costly replacement.
6. LOUD NOISE OR STRANGE ARE EMANATING FROM THE AC SYSTEM
You may be accustomed to the noises of your AC turning on and off. While these sounds are typical, others are not. The presence of bangs, loud clangs, or sometimes whistling may indicate a severe problem. If these problems are detected early enough, it may be reasonable to repair your HVAC system. In most cases, however, these strange sounds indicate more severe problems (for instance, belt sliding out of place or faulty motor bearing) that necessitate replacing the entire AC system.
7. YOUR AC NEEDS MORE FREQUENT REPAIRS
Assessing your unit’s history will provide a better picture of the future. And so, looking back, does it seem like your system has demanded lots of frequent repairs for the past few years? Has it experienced lots of unexpected issues? If your unit has experienced a tough life during the past few years, don’t expect it to suddenly change. This is particularly true for older systems. The number of repairs should help you get a glimpse into your AC’s future and see what lies ahead. If the road appears to be full of expenses, repairs, and a fragile AC, it’s time to get a new one.
8. IF YOU’RE UNSURE WHETHER TO REPLACE IT
If you are undecided about whether to replace your AC system, the best course of action is to see an expert. Alberta Mountain Air Heating and Air Conditioning specialists can evaluate your unit to determine the source of the problem. We can recommend fixing or replacing your AC, depending on our findings. A second opinion usually doesn’t hurt, especially if it would save you time and money. During our assessment, we may also discover problems you were unaware of. Whether we recommend repairs or replacement, we’ll be sure to assist you moving forward. It is essential to know that AC replacement is not a DIY project. Working with AC systems is challenging and potentially hazardous. Always have a professional do any replacements or necessary repairs.
9. THE AC RELEASES ODORS
An air conditioner should never create weird or dubious odors; therefore, if you detect a moldy or musty smell, you should have a specialist inspect it. The same holds if you notice a burning stench emanating from the system. It may have mold in the drip pan, clogged air filters, or evaporated coils, all of which are repairable. However, the odor issue may be too profound to be repaired, in which case you may need to replace your unit. It is typically advisable to have an AC maintenance service performed at least twice a year to discover such problems before they cause system-wide harm. A Alberta Mountain Air Heating and Air Conditioning technician will assist you in choosing between repairs and replacement.
10. THE AIR CONDITIONER REQUIRES R-22 REFRIGERANT
AC systems typically require a refrigerant gas to cool the air inside a home. Before January 2010, R-22 refrigerant, also known as Freon, was used in all air conditioning units. This refrigerant contains environmentally hazardous ozone-depleting chemicals. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) mandates modern-day manufacturers to use eco-friendly refrigerants in new air conditioning units. Check the label of your system to find out if it still uses R-22; if so, now is the best time to purchase a new air conditioner. Contact Alberta Mountain Air Heating and Air Conditioning today if you’re thinking of repairing or replacing your AC, and one of our representatives would gladly answer any questions you may have. We deliver top-notch heating, AC, HRV systems, humidifiers, UV light refrigeration, and ventilation repair and replacement services in Alberta and the surrounding areas. Call Alberta Mountain Air Heating and Air Conditioning today to schedule your replacement or repair appointment.
