Signs Your AC Needs to Be Replaced
Your AC unit is your lifeline in hot and humid North Carolina summers. Without it, you are left to face the elements in your home. Many, if not all, AC issues can be easily diagnosed if you know where to look. Here are the step to take to inspect your air conditioning system:
1. Feel for warm air
Warm air could be an indicator that the unit is no longer functioning. While it may seem minor now, warm air combined with the already warm North Carolina weather can lead to the growth of mold and bacteria and discomfort in your home. If you begin to experience this, it is best to find a replacement AC unit as soon as possible, so that conditions don’t worsen.
2. Look for leaks or moisture
These signs are not just inconvenient; they could be dangerous. If you notice leakage surrounding your HVAC system, have the unit inspected so that you can determine its source. It could be anything from a broken tube and dripping condensation to a dangerous refrigerant leak. The refrigerant leak could leak poisonous freon, so it is important to address the situation immediately. Another sign of a leak could be the presence of ice on the copper refrigerant lines inside the heating and cooling unit.
3. Notice any changes in your power bill
A skyrocketing power bill doesn’t just mean you’ve been forgetting to turn off the lights when you go to work. If you see a massive change in your monthly charges, it could be due to an air conditioning malfunction. Why pay more for an AC that doesn’t even work right? If you think you are paying too much for your AC, it might be time for a replacement. In this case, buying a new unit could end up saving you money in the long run!
4. Keep track of the age and history of the unit
Just because your unit is relatively new doesn’t mean it isn’t ready for a replacement. The typical lifespan of an air conditioning unit is between 15 and 20 years. As it ages though, its history is important to consider. If your unit has been giving you problems from the start, it may need replacing long before its expiration date. An upgraded unit can save you money on power bills and prevent costly malfunctions and repairs. Sometimes a replacement can be more economic than constant repairs and checkups.
How to Choose the Right AC for You
There is a science to finding the perfect AC unit for your needs. Upgrading or replacing can give you a chance to maximize your efficiency, get better quality AC and cut costs in your Ocean Isle Beach area home. Once you decide to replace it, consider the reasons for replacing and use that to help you find what you need.
There are many components and characteristics of an AC unit that you might not regularly consider. This is especially true if your previous unit lasted its full life cycle and you haven’t had to shop for AC units for 15 to 20 years. When you make the choice to replace your air conditioning system, consider the following features:
AC Unit and Home Size
A major element of cooling is size. The type of unit you’ll need depends on the size of your home and the space you have for the unit.
Common Mistakes:
A unit that is too small for your home size will end up overworked and underperforming. On the other side, a unit that is too large will end up costing you a ton on your power bill.
Our expert HVAC system technicians perform a load calculation to ensure that the unit they are purchasing will have enough power to cool their home while remaining as small and affordable as possible.
SEER Value
Any air conditioning unit you are considering should have a SEER rating. This stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. As you shop, look for units with a higher SEER rating. This means they are more efficient, saving you money as soon as you start using it. The lowest rating is 14 and the highest is 22.
Common Mistakes:
Many clients think they can save money on a unit with a lower SEER rating. In as short as a few months, these clients end up paying more in utility bills than they would’ve for a unit with a better rating.
Price
As much as other factors weigh in, price is something to consider when it comes to replacing your air conditioning unit.
Common Mistakes:
While the price of the unit is important, it can be dangerous if overvalued. Long-term deficits in functionality and efficiency begin to outweigh the initial money saved on a cheaper unit. While you might pay less now, you’ll end up paying triple that for repairs, early replacement and high power bills.
A+ Heating & Cooling – Electrical works with residents to find an affordable unit that still ensures long-term benefits and more money saved even in the short term.
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“He went above and beyond to assure that we were informed and fully aware of current system status and future options.” - James S.
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