Any home in Tallahassee Florida should have an efficient air conditioning system at all times. If you’re not comfortable with your cooling equipment and you don’t have a reasonable energy bill, it’s probably time to upgrade your air conditioner.
Here are some good indications that it may be time for a new air conditioner for your home:
The House Isn’t Being Sufficiently Cooled
If you find that you’re uncomfortable in your home due to a lack of cooling, it would be best to call a professional HVAC contractor who will be able to diagnose and make recommendations. Sometimes the air conditioning system is poorly maintained or is clogged with debris, requiring more immediate attention.
Homeowners should have their air conditioners serviced at least once every year for the best performance. Failing to keep up with the proper maintenance schedule can result in a system that has accumulated dirt and dust. This could result in other issues such as a lack of proper lubrication or parts coming loose. Scheduling expert maintenance can help resolve this problem without the need to purchase a new system.
If the problem still exists, it is possible that the air conditioner isn’t sized properly for the home. A unit too small for its required square footage won’t make the area cool enough no matter how well-maintained it is. Deciding to upgrade your air conditioner to the proper size can make a huge difference in terms of comfort.
The AC System Requires Frequent Repairs
An AC professional is needed for regular maintenance and repairs every now and then. But if the air conditioning system requires constant repairs, it may be time to upgrade your air conditioner.
At Cooper’s Plumbing & Air, we recommend homeowners take into account the age of the existing ac unit, the cost of the repair, and the energy savings that come with a new, high efficiency air conditioning unit. Depending on your situation, you may find that a brand new air conditioning system can actually help save you money.
If you’re looking for “AC Repair near me FREE Estimate” call Cooper’s Today and we will gladly get you on our schedule.
You Want to Lower Your Carbon Footprint
Based on a report by the US Department of Energy, most homes consume more than 2,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity each year. This results in 3,500 pounds of carbon dioxide as well as 31 pounds of sulfur dioxide being released into the air. New AC Systems that operate efficiently contribute less to these emissions.
The seasonal energy efficiency ratio rating, or SEER, is an indication of how much energy a system uses to achieve a specific cooling output. Outdated systems have a low SEER rating, going as low as 6 or even less. The minimum allowed for newer systems is at least 13. The higher the SEER rating, the more eco-friendly an air conditioner is.
Utility Bills Are On The Rise
As time goes by, the efficiency of an air conditioner is going to decline. You’ll also notice that the modern units nowadays consume far less energy than their older counterparts. The top air conditioners available consume 30% to 50% less electricity than those that were manufactured in the 1970s.
By replacing an air conditioning system that’s ten years or older, homeowners in Tallahassee can reduce their energy expenditures by as much as 40%.
Using the Same Air Conditioner for More Than a Decade
When you reach the ten-year mark with your cooling system, you should start considering when you should upgrade your air conditioner. Central air conditioners normally last between 15 to 20 years, but making plans ahead of time can help you save up for when it’s time to make an investment in a new energy-efficient air conditioner.
Air conditioners that are a decade old are already significantly outdated with regards to energy efficiency and technology. Soon enough, you’ll see the signs of your AC compressor going bad.
You Are Noticing Abnormal Moisture Buildup
Although AC units naturally generate moisture, systems that are functioning optimally should be able to handle this without issue. Excess moisture could be a sign of leakage around the air conditioner, which could be related to a refrigerant problem.
Such leakage does not cause the AC to underperform, but it could be a health risk to you and your loved ones. Even if it is just water build-up, letting this problem persist can lead to an undesirable breeding ground for mold and mildew.
Hearing Strange Sounds
Are you noticing that your air conditioning unit is noisier than it was before? Experiencing any strange sounds such as chattering, squeaking, or grinding is not normal and should not be considered a sign of aging.
Many AC units are designed to operate at a noise level that can hardly be heard. A cooling system that is drawing such attention may be a sign that it’s time to upgrade your air conditioner.
Your Unit Is Emitting Foul Smells
In the same way strange noises are typically an indication of a problem in a cooling system, so are foul smells. The AC unit should have an output of neutral-smelling air, but this is not always the case when there is an existing problem.
An even more serious problem is an air conditioner that emits a burning smell, which requires immediate attention.
A Note on Air Conditioner Efficiency
Being efficient is one of the main reasons why you’d want to get a new AC replacement. Highly efficient air conditioners are great at producing the right temperature levels while remaining affordable. Meanwhile, low-efficiency units are not using all of the energy that powers them, effectively leading to waste.
As mentioned earlier, the efficiency of an AC unit is assessed by its SEER rating. This is a ratio of how much a unit is capable of cooling in a year divided by how much energy it requires to provide that ability. The higher this SEER rating, the more efficient a unit is.
The federal government and EPA have their own mandated minimums concerning SEER ratings. The federal minimum needs to be met by manufacturers. Although the EPA minimums are not required, qualifying machinery are given an Energy Star certification, which means that it is 25% more efficient than the existing federal minimum.
Upgrade Your Air Conditioner Today & Start Saving!
If you’re looking to upgrade your air conditioner to one that has a higher SEER rating, give us a call today!
We can schedule appointments for consultation and installation around your schedule and strive for 100% customer satisfaction. Give our team at Cooper’s Plumbing & Air a call today at 866-464-7132 for all of your HVAC replacements!