Cleaning Your HVAC System

Posted on: 25 June 2015

You probably don't want to purchase a new air conditioning unit before it is absolutely necessary. However, a replacement may be the only way to keep your home comfortable and your operating costs down. Here are seven indications that it is time for a new air conditioner:

1. Your unit is not cooling your home properly. Sometimes, builders may install a unit that is too small to cool the square footage of your home. If your unit has never cooled your home sufficiently, you may simply need a larger air conditioner with greater cooling power.
2. The refrigerant in your air conditioner is being phased out. Old units use Freon. However, the government now has environmental concerns with the use of that refrigerant.  New units use a new approved refrigerant, which is more environmentally friendly and less expensive than traditional Freon.
3. You believe that the cost of running your air conditioner is too high. Your electric bill is a good indicator of your unit's operating cost. The efficiency of an air conditioner is noted by its seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) rating. If a unit has a low SEER rating, it will use more energy. In 2015, new packaged air conditioners are required to have a rating of 13 or 14, depending on the type of AC and where you live. 
4. The cost to repair your current system is too high. If the price quote for repairs seems unreasonable, you should replace your air conditioner.  A new unit is unlikely to require anything more than general upkeep for the first few years. 
5. Your air conditioner frequently trips your circuit breakers. If your unit regularly overloads your circuits, your air conditioner may be overheating. The circuit breaker shuts off the flow of electricity to an air conditioner when the unit's current flow gets too high. Frequent circuit breaker problems when operating your unit could indicate a safety hazard. 
6. If you've had your unit for more than 10 years, a replacement may be due. Efficiency changes in the new unit can save you up to 20 percent in cooling costs. 
7. Your home has moisture problems. An air conditioner helps promote proper moisture levels in your home. If your home is excessively humid when your unit is running and you don't have a problem with leaky duct work, your unit has probably stopped functioning properly.

Replacing your air conditioner can improve the comfort and energy efficiency of your home. If you are having trouble with your current unit, it may be time to purchase a new one. Contact an air conditioner dealer like United Heating Cooling and Plumbing Inc in your area for pricing and proper unit sizing.