With the arrival of warmer weather now gracing our presence, it is essential to guarantee that your air conditioner is ready for the sweltering summer days ahead. If your AC is an older cooling unit that has seen its fair share of time, you may have been considering when is appropriate to upgrade your AC. Well, there are a few factors you should also think about if you are teetering on the idea of whether or not now is the right time to upgrade. Deciding to upgrade to a new AC unit can be intimidating, but we have just the information you need in order to empower you so you can make an informed decision. At Kettering-Oakwood Heating & Air, we believe in offering our customers exceptional service as well as dependable AC units so they can remain cool throughout the season.
WHAT’S THE GENERAL LIFESPAN OF AN AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM?
When taking into account the overall lifespan of an air conditioner, most models typically last between 12-17 years. However, this is only a rough estimate and will vary depending on the type of AC you have, in addition to how well it has been maintained over time. Therefore, consider your AC’s age when evaluating its performance. If it looks as though yours may be nearing its end, it may be time to take considering your upgrade options a bit more seriously.
WHAT THINGS SHOULD YOU FACTOR IN WHEN CONSIDERING AN UPGRADE?
1. Energy Costs: Are your utility bills higher than usual? Your air conditioning system could be the culprit. As time goes on, AC units become less effective at cooling your home efficiently, resulting in greater energy consumption and skyrocketing costs. If more than 46% of your total energy consumption is attributed to your cooling system, it might be time for an upgrade!
2. Irregular Temperatures: If you’re consistently feeling a change in temperature throughout your house like the air is fluctuating, it’s likely time to get your air conditioning system checked. Your AC is designed not just to keep the air fresh and cool but also to provide a consistent atmosphere of regulated temperature – so if your home’s air varies frequently, this is yet another factor to consider.
3. Loud Noises, Odors, & Dust: Unusual noises and odors, in addition to dust particles circulating through the air, are usually signs of an AC unit that’s been overused.
- Noises – If your air conditioner has gone from a peaceful hum to an intrusive and loud noise, it could be telling you its days are numbered. It could also be that the AC is too small for your home’s needs. When this happens, it will place extra strain on your system’s components, causing this disruption in sound.
- Odors – Is a foul odor drifting from your air conditioning system? If so, it could be caused by mold or mildew in the ducts and refrigerant escapes. While this issue can be fixed if identified early enough, you should look at all aspects of the problem before deciding whether to repair or replace it.
- Dust – If you can’t manage to keep your house free of dust, it might be because there are cracks or gaps in the ductwork. These gaps will disperse dust all over and make vacuuming futile. You can contact us today so our NATE-certified technicians can analyze the issue promptly and proficiently.
4. Frequent Repairs: It’s essential to recognize that upkeep and maintenance are the driving factors behind how long your air conditioner will last. Adhering to regular service and repair appointments is key in order for your AC unit to remain running at peak performance. If you possess an older model of AC requiring frequent repairs, it may be time to acknowledge that it has reached its life expectancy. If you are looking to save money in the long run, repairing may appear like an affordable option when compared to buying a brand-new unit. Nevertheless, multiple repair costs and significant energy bills can quickly accumulate over time. So, be sure to take this into consideration.
5. R22 Refrigerant: With modern technology, we now have the opportunity to utilize both cost-effective and eco-friendly AC units. If you have an older air conditioner, it likely uses R22 refrigerant – which is now an outdated and unregulated refrigerant due to the regulations enforced by the Environmental Protection Agency. Due to this, when your current AC is in need of a freon refill, finding a compatible and still regulation-compliant refrigerant can be challenging and pricey. By replacing these older systems with energy-efficient ACs that emit low carbon emissions, not only will you save money each month but also ensure a healthier environment for yourself and everyone else! Not only does this improve your well-being, but it helps create an overall better ecosystem as well.
Are you in search of a dependable HVAC company? Look no further than Kettering-Oakwood Heating & Air! Set up an appointment with us for your free estimate and discuss our financing offers with us too! When it comes to something as essential as your HVAC system, quality should be the number one priority – from top-notch equipment, and installation work, all the way down to exceptional customer service.
Partner with Kettering-Oakwood Heating & Air today and get ready to experience five-star excellence like never before! You can reach us at (937) 502-3842 or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
