It is never a good feeling to realize your air conditioner needs replacement. The cost and the hassle of air conditioning replacement can certainly be a pain in the neck. The effects of continuing to use your old unit may be even worse though.
There are a few rules and standards you can use to tell whether your air conditioner needs replacement, but in St. Louis, you can also just ask one of the heating & air conditioning professionals at Galmiche & Sons to take a look at your HVAC system and determine whether air conditioner replacement is the right choice for you.
5 Questions on Air Conditioner Replacement
In the meantime, here are five questions you can ask yourself to help determine if it is time to replace your air conditioner:
- How old is your system? One of the easiest ways to tell that it is time to think about air conditioner replacement is when your HVAC system reaches 15 years old. The average system lasts 10-15 years. By the end of that time, your system is pretty worn out.
- What is the cost of repair versus replacement? If your air conditioner is less than 15 years old, there is still a fairly easy way to determine if you need an air conditioner replacement. Simply multiply the cost of repairs you typically need in one year by the age of the air conditioner. If this is more costly than replacement, it is time to get a new AC unit. Once costs get that high, you are not only going to be paying more for repairs all the time, the lost efficiency will increase your energy bills.
- Does your air conditioner use R22 refrigerant? For air conditioners made before 2010, R22 refrigerant — better known by the brand name Freon — might be used. This refrigerant is being phased out by the EPA, and will not be available for much longer.
- Is your home cooling unevenly? If none of these other scenarios apply, but you still think it might be time for an air conditioner replacement, how well balanced your current system is can be a good indicator that you are right. An unbalanced HVAC system can mean your AC unit is too small or too large for your house.
- Are you noticing problems like noise and dust? Similarly, if dust or noise suddenly become a problem, you might have a worn out HVAC system to blame. These issues can be bad for your health, annoying, and their sudden appearance can mean your air conditioner needs to be replaced.
Things to Consider When Replacing Your Unit
If one or more of these issues apply to your HVAC unit, it is time to think about air conditioner replacement. Once you have made the decision to replace, there are a few things you will want to consider. First, think about whether changing the size of the air conditioner you use is a good idea. Replacements are a great opportunity to fix mistakes like improper air conditioner sizing.
You can also look out for rebates and other special programs that reward homeowners for choosing eco-friendly and energy efficient air conditioners. In the greater St. Louis area, the team of heating & air conditioning experts at Galmiche & Sons can help you find rebates and other deals to make air conditioner replacement much easier and more affordable than it would otherwise be.
