Hello World! Welcome Friends! Are you at a crossroads of whether you need to repair or replace your home AC unit?
No worries, we’re going to walk you through some factors you need to consider when choosing to repair or replace your AC. Read on to learn some of the types of home AC units and factors you should consider.
Types of Home AC Units
Your home AC unit should match your home requirements along with high-efficient features. Here are the most common types of home AC units.
Central Air Conditioners
A central AC has a combined evaporator, compressor, and condenser in one unit. You can place this type of AC on a concrete slab near the foundation or the roof. The ducts will run through the roof or exterior wall to draw air into the inside.
Window Units
This type of AC is common, making it easier to find window AC unit home depots around you. All the components of a window unit are in one box with a thermostat gauge. You can place the window ACs on a small hole in the wall or the window sill.
Portable Units
Portable units are similar to window units, but you can move it from room to room. This type of AC is freestanding and self-contained on the floor, which means you can move it around. A portable unit only needs an outlet to power it and a window to funnel out all the exhaust air.
Ductless Air Conditioners
Ductless, mini-split ACs are ideal for homes that lack ductwork. This type of air conditioner combines outdoor compressors and condensers into one unit. You can place these ACs on the wall along with blowers attached to it. Another type of ductless AC units which are easy to install in your home are the packaged terminal air conditioners or PTAC units. You can add a refurbished PTAC unit from PTAC4Less to make your home office more comfortable.
Each room should have a separate unit to cool that room, which is similar to window units. You don’t tear the walls down to install this type of air conditioner. Ductless ACs are more energy-efficient, but they cost more if you plan to cool your entire house.
Hybrid Air Conditioners
A hybrid air conditioner alternates between electricity and burning fossil fuels to run efficiently. It saves more money and energy while running the system.
During the summer, the heat pumps start pulls the heat from your home and distributes it outside. In the winter, the heat pumps start to work in reverse and pulls in the heat into your home.
Geothermal Cooling and Heating
This type of air conditioner is the latest type to help cool and heat your home. It works by having a geothermal coil deep into the ground to extract the heat from the ground or your home. Geothermal cooling and heating ACs are energy-sufficient and have a longer lifespan.
Repair or Replace?
It’s time for the big decision on whether you need to call your local HVAC services to repair or replace your AC. It can be quite costly to replace your AC, so be sure to look at your options. Read on to know some factors you need to consider when choosing to repair or replace your home AC unit.
Check the Age of Your Home AC Unit
According to the Department of Energy (DOE), an air conditioner’s typical lifestyle is 10 to 15 years. So, if your air conditioner constantly acts up and is over 15 years old, it’s best to replace it. If your AC is under ten years and stops working, it might be due to a broken component.
You need to let your technician look at the major components of your AC. This includes the compressor, evaporator, and condenser. Other factors, such as humidity levels and sulfur, can affect the lifespan of your AC.
Take a Look at the Condition of the Ductwork
Before deciding on what you will do to your AC, be sure to check the ducts. You should check to see if there are any duct leaks on the unit. You can do this by sealing the vents first and checking how much air escapes the ducts.
If there’s 10% air leakage, then you should repair the condenser and blower units. If there’s at least 30% air leakage, then you should replace the ductwork.
Consider the Repair Costs
The cost of the repair should not be higher than the cost of a new air conditioner. If your air conditioner is over ten years old, then the repair bill can go to 50% of its original value. If you need constant repair work done, then it’s best to invest in a new system.
Monitor Your Energy Bills
If you experience an increase in your bills during the off-season, then you require a new AC. An energy bill increasing is a common sign that you need a technician to check for the problem. Note that your AC’s efficiency declines with its age, which means you need a yearly service.
Do you know about the SEER rating on air conditioners? It’s the calculation of the efficiency of how much heat it removes while consuming energy. You should have at least 13 SEER since the higher the rating, the less energy your AC consumes.
Check Whether It Meets Your Home Needs
You should check whether your air conditioner still meets your needs in your home. Take a good look at your AC and make sure they can still do the following:
- Dehumidifies the house well
- Doesn’t make too much noise and vibration
- Cools and heats the room properly
- Cooling costs are consistent
If your AC no longer does any of the things above, it’s time to consider replacing your unit. You should get a knowledgeable HVAC technician to walk you through your options. Replacing your air conditioner can put less stress on your old system and help make your house more comfortable.
To Repair or Not Repair?
Make sure to remember these factors when planning to repair or replace your home AC unit. It can save you plenty of time and money if you know what to look at.
Do you want to learn more about home AC units? Check out more of our posts and guides to learn all you can about them today! You may even learn how you can fix your HVAC problem yourself!
Click the links below for any posts you have missed:
Serene Winters with an Electric Fireplace
Time for a Hardwood Floor Refinish
5 Ways To Spruce Up The Attic In Your Home
How To Make The Best Of This Winter
Tips for Remodeling a Bathroom
I’d love for you to join my email list! You’ll receive a notification straight to your inbox once a week which will include links to my latest home project posts! Simply enter your address below.
Subscribe to our mailing list
Thanks for stopping by! Have a wonderful day/night depending on where you are in the world! Go with God and remember to be kind to one another!
Toodles,
[…] To Repair or Replace a Home AC Unit […]