Hello World! Welcome Friends! Your air conditioner has a finite lifespan, and at some point it may make sense to replace it rather than repair it.
Technicians will perform load calculations and inspect your home for drafty areas or poor insulation in order to ascertain what size of HVAC system will best meet your needs. In some instances, they may even install new ductwork.
Age
How long your air conditioning unit has left to live depends on its age and maintenance practices. A properly cared-for air conditioning system should last between 15-20 years depending on equipment quality and frequency of usage; but if maintenance becomes neglected it could age quickly and require replacement sooner than you expect.
If you have recently moved into a property, it’s advisable to ask the previous owners for information regarding the age of their HVAC system. You can click the link: https://www.reddit.com/r/how_do_hvac_systems_work/ for more information. If records for your unit aren’t available, look at the casing itself and search for a metal nameplate which lists its manufacturer and serial number; calling up this manufacturer with this data may help ascertain its age.
As a general guideline, any cooling system over 10 years old that starts experiencing issues should be considered for replacement. That doesn’t necessarily mean replacing it immediately though; by addressing other factors that reduce efficiency like poorly insulated home walls and ductwork that reduce the effectiveness of cooling systems you might even save money by prolonging its lifespan and saving yourself some cash in the process.
Newer AC units feature energy-saving refrigerants that are both great for the environment and your wallet. If your old air conditioning uses chlorofluorocarbons that deplete ozone layers, consider switching out for one that uses environmentally friendly refrigerants that use 40% less electricity to cool your property than average air conditioning systems. You can click here to learn more.
When making this decision, look for one with ENERGY STAR(r). This could save up to 40% in overall electricity costs when cooling costs become an issue.
Thermostat Issues
A thermostat is an essential component that controls when your air conditioning system begins and stops running, and any problems with one can be extremely frustrating. Luckily, there are a number of common thermostat issues that are easily remedied such as incorrect placement, loss of calibration or malfunctioning sensor – often simply changing batteries or checking settings is all it takes to address an ineffective thermostat.
The ideal location for thermostat sensors to work effectively is far away from heat sources and direct sunlight, and must be capable of accurately reading temperatures to operate optimally. In order for a thermostat to sense whether heating or cooling occurs, sensors need to accurately register where they’re placed – otherwise a new one may be necessary.
If your thermostat display is blank, that indicates it’s not receiving power. A dead battery or tripped breaker could be to blame; something may also have gone amiss during installation – though there are numerous YouTube tutorials outlining how to install most types of thermostats, it is still important to be cautious when handling electrical components.
Grime may also have built up on both mechanical and electrical components of your thermostat, leading to failure. Dirt, soot, cigarette smoke or dust accumulations may clog it up, so giving it a thorough cleaning with canned compressed air or soft brush may solve this issue.
Clogged condensate drain lines can also contribute to AC failure, leading to mold and mildew growth within your home. An air conditioning professional should inspect your system for such obstructions and fix them immediately before they worsen further. A reputable company like First Rate Plumbing Heating and Cooling that can provide quick service can save you money in the long run. Be sure to look at online reviews before hiring a plumber.
Poor Insulation
Poor insulation around your home can significantly decrease air conditioning efficiency, increase utility bills and wear on AC equipment. Regular inspections and upgrades of existing insulation will save money in the long run while improving indoor comfort throughout your home.
Drafty windows, doors and attic hatches can be an indicator of inadequate insulation in your home. Drafts can make your house feel warmer while also causing valuable cool air to escape out the backdoor. Insulation may be added in these areas but for best results we advise seeking professional assistance to complete this job successfully.
Air ducts in your house can also become sources of drafts. Split foam pipe insulation from your local hardware store is available to wrap around them to stop air from escaping, however only insulate the copper line running from outside to inside ducts (rather than smaller condenser unit to inside evaporator coil) as this line is heated by refrigerant and needs insulation for optimal functioning.
Mismatched Equipment
If you are installing a new air conditioner, it’s highly advised that both its evaporator coil and condenser be replaced simultaneously to maximize efficiency and prevent any future issues that might arise from using outdated models.
One common misstep homeowners make when updating their air conditioning system is only replacing one component at a time, whether because their existing furnace and AC unit continue working perfectly well or they want to save money by purchasing only a replacement outdoor air conditioning unit. Unfortunately, doing this could result in less-than-efficient performance from your new AC and hasten its wear out faster.
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