No one wants to worry about heat exhaustion in the middle of July. But if you don’t make sure your HVAC system is working properly, that is exactly what you’ll end up doing.
Whole-house air and heating systems are a key way to keep your family happy and healthy. They allow you to keep the house at a steady temperature. The filter system also protects family members with asthma or other breathing problems.
An added bonus is HVAC systems allow you to keep your home closed up, making it harder for bugs and parasites to get inside to cause problems.
If your system doesn’t work properly, it may be time for a HVAC replacement. Here are a few signs that it’s time to replace your system.
Noisy System
As HVAC systems age, they naturally create more noise. Here are a few warning signs you need to watch out for that will determine if your HVAC’s time has come.
- The blower gets louder with every season
- A rattling or other noise when the air conditioner starts
- Groaning and thumping from the furnace
- The outside unit makes weird sounds
These noises could mean you need to call in a pro for a serious repair for things like a broken motor bearing or a slipped fan belt. At some point during the process, you may have to make the hard decision to skip the repair and just replace the whole thing, so be ready.
Leaks Around Your HVAC
These systems naturally create condensation when the air conditioner is running. What you need to look out for is excess water around your unit.
Sometimes the moisture you see isn’t actually water. If coolant is leaking from your AC, that’s a serious issue that needs to be addressed ASAP. Exposure to Freon, used in old units, can cause lung and organ damage.
While leaking water doesn’t seem like too big a deal, it also needs to be taken care of immediately. Water damage around the unit will eventually find its way into your home.
If your HVAC is in a basement or attic crawlspace, this could lead to flooring damage. On top of that, excess water means the potential for mold production.
No Air or Low Air Flow
No air flow generally means there’s something wrong with the compressor or that the coolant levels are low. Low coolant levels should be fixed ASAP because this could mean you have a leak. Low air flow could mean there’s any number of problems throughout your HVAC system ranging from a dying compressor to a punctured or blocked vent.
Either way, you’re looking at a lot of work just to check out the problem. If you have an older system, it might be wise to consider replacing the whole HVAC system.
One Room is Hot, Another is Freezing
Sometimes the wrong system gets put on a building before you move into it.
An HVAC unit that is too big will cool off the house too quickly. While this might seem like something good that will save energy, it only causes more problems.
Without the fresh air circulation, the system isn’t removing enough humidity. That humidity gathers in certain rooms, leaving them feeling hot and stuffy. Humidity also encourages mold growth in places like the laundry room, kitchen, and bathroom.
Your HVAC Runs Too Long
On the flipside, HVAC units that are too small for a home will cause it to run all the time. These systems just don’t have the power to keep a house under 79 degrees. It will end up costing you more in the long run to keep using a small unit than it would be to replace it.
Other problems that could increase the running time include a failing blower motor and bad coils. You should have a professional check for these problems, first. However, if this is a recurring problem, your best bet is to replace the entire HVAC unit with something you can trust.
Old and Unreliable
HVAC units have an average lifespan of 10 to 15 years. You might be able to stretch one or two more years beyond that if you do yearly maintenance on your entire system.
Clinging to old technology isn’t wise, though. As they age, HVAC units tend to require more frequent repair jobs. You wouldn’t want to be surprised with a busted system on the hottest day of the year.
Heat-related deaths totaled over 9,000 people over a 35-year span. Access to AC is the most reliable way to prevent heatstroke and shock from extreme dehydration.
Updating your HVAC system means access to better coolants, as well. Old Freon units can’t be adapted to new coolants which are more efficient at keeping the unit cool.
It is also a chance to make sure everything for your system is properly installed. Sometimes prior installers take shortcuts without keeping the best interests of the homeowner in mind.
Rising Energy Costs
Summertime energy bills are things of nightmares. Add in the additional cost of running an inefficient air conditioner and it’s enough to make you yank out your hair.
Your unit will naturally lose efficiency over time, up to 10%. This means it runs longer to get the job done. No matter how well you take care of your HVAC system by replacing filters, cleaning the ducts, and bringing in a professional to check it, it will eventually suffer corrosion and dirt build-up.
Ready For an HVAC Replacement?
Weather can cause severe damages to air conditioning systems. These situations bring about the need to hire reliable AC repair professionals in the greater CSRA. If you did an AC installation on your own, finding a credible and experienced AC technician may be challenging. In order to identify the right AC repair Aiken SC, one needs criteria for evaluation. Armed with the proper knowledge, you’ll avoid getting conned and get value for money.
1. Repair vs. Upgrading costs
If you’re dealing with severe AC damages, one thing that’s probably unavoidable is high repair costs. It’s costly to replace dehumidifiers and thermostats, especially in commercial buildings. In addition to replacing faulty components, one also needs a plumber to replace the pipes after the AC repair.
Nowadays, various electronic manufacturers are steadily releasing low-energy consumption air conditioning systems priced competitively. Rather than spend thousands of dollars on repairing an AC that’s on its last leg, you’ll save much more by replacing it with a new one.
2. Condition of the AC unit
There are two major advantages to purchasing a brand new AC unit. Unlike a second-hand buyer, you receive a warranty that assures you of free repairs as provided by the manufacturer’s terms and conditions. In addition to the warranty, the buyer is confident that they can use the new AC system for at least a decade.
On the other hand, purchasing a second-hand AC unit comes with a share of uncertainties. If the AC system is more than five years old, you’ll spend a significant sum of money replacing aged components. Your AC repair Aiken SC may recommend purchasing a new AC if your system belongs to the past decade.
3. The HVAC Company’s Reputation
As a rational customer, you must perform due diligence before hiring AC repair Aiken SC. You can check out the business’ reputation by running the website through ScamAdvisor.
Here, you can view reviews posted by previous customers. In addition, you can type the company’s name, followed by the word “reviews.”.
After obtaining the company’s telephone number, make a phone call, and book an appointment. Visiting the premises will give you an up-close feel of the staff’s attitude and whether they’re adequately equipped to handle your AC repairs.
4. AC Technician’s availability
It’s advisable to look for AC repair Aiken SC, that’s available on weekends and public holidays. The unpredictable nature of AC breakdowns calls for reliable and swift technical support. A good technician shows up on time because he or she understands the inconvenience clients go through due to AC system breakdowns.
Conclusion
Using the tips described above will enable you to get value for money. Feel free to use Google or your local phone directory to get in touch with the local AC repair experts near you.
Here at Aiken HVAC, we are ready to hear your responses and answer any questions on AC repair in the city of Aiken SC.
We know it’s hard to commit to a full HVAC replacement. In the end, it’s important to keep your family’s health and safety in mind. A poor HVAC system can put them in danger from mold, parasites, smoke, coolant exposure, and more.
Take baby steps toward replacing your HVAC unit. Bring in a professional to assess your current system. They’ll be able to tell you if you can buy more time with a few minor repairs or if you need to get a new unit.
Aiken HVAC technicians will carefully walk you through every step of the replacement process so you’re never lost or confused.
Feel free to contact us today to ask about the services we provide.
