Last Updated on November 17, 2023 by Kimberly Crawford
Upgrading your HVAC system can save money on energy costs, reduce environmental impacts and enhance comfort for both homes and businesses. Plus, upgrading can even increase property values!
Signs of an Aging Air Conditioner
Air conditioners don’t last forever. If your current unit is over 10 years old and not receiving regular maintenance checks, it may be time to search for a new cooling system. With proper care, it may still function for some time before its replacement becomes inevitable.
An obvious indicator is a noticeable reduction in cooling efficiency for your home. An older air conditioner needs to work harder than newer models to provide similar levels of cooling; whether due to age or poor design, an inefficient AC system can be an energy drain and cause higher cooling bills than expected.
An early indicator of an aging air conditioning unit is an unexpected increase in your monthly power bill. If this seems more significant than usual, it could indicate the unit is failing or experiencing issues, especially if power costs spike when you use your AC.
An older air conditioning system that has not been regularly serviced is an incubator of dangerous bacteria. Filters and ductwork that have not been regularly maintained may become infested with mold, bacteria, and other pathogens which then contaminate your house’s air supply – leading to respiratory and cardiovascular health issues for you and your family.
When your circuit breaker keeps tripping when turning on your air conditioner, this could be a clear indicator that there are serious electrical issues with it. Consulting a professional will allow them to help determine whether repairs can be made or it might be best to start shopping around for a replacement unit.
An older air conditioner can also pose a potential fire risk, especially if its refrigerant lines or coils develop leaks that allow heat to build up within it and pose a danger for both you and your family. These leaks could potentially create leakage that causes heat build-up that poses a fire hazard risk.
As summer begins, this article posits that it’s essential that you remain vigilant for signs that your air conditioning unit is no longer performing optimally. Early warnings could warn of impending replacement needs before its failure completely, saving money on costly repairs while making sure you and your family remains comfortable throughout this hot season.
Your AC unit hasn’t kicked on when you press its thermostat button; that may indicate something’s wrong with its cooling unit or even that its electrical circuit breaker has switched off, either of which are signs that its compressor could be going out.
If you hear loud squealing, scraping, or grinding noises coming from your air conditioner, it may be time for repair service. Such noises could indicate loose parts that require lubrication; left unaddressed these issues can become more serious and expensive to address.
Your AC’s drainage line can become clogged with dirt and debris over time, leading to water leakage which in turn causes mold growth and further harm to the HVAC system in your home. A professional diagnosis and cleaning is sometimes needed, but regular maintenance can prevent this situation altogether.
Fenton residents need an efficient cooling system in the heat of summer to stay comfortable. If your current unit requires upgrading, reach out to us to explore our energy-efficient solutions – we will help find you an air conditioner to suit both your budget and home!
Energy-Efficient Replacement Options
Replacement air conditioning systems offer more benefits than just energy savings; modern systems are smaller, quieter, and smarter allowing users to control them from any mobile device whether at home or away from the house.
Modern AC units utilize two-stage compressors for increased energy efficiency and longer lifespans, as well as to eliminate loud rattling or vibrating noises commonly heard from older units.
Leaks or inefficiencies in your ductwork can have a devastating impact on how much energy your system uses, driving up energy bills and impacting home savings. A professional aircon installation Brisbane company can inspect your ductwork to identify upgrades suitable for your home. On top of that, they can help bring you into the future with a new system!
An air conditioner upgrade with greater energy efficiency can significantly lower energy costs, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Upgrading to an energy-efficient AC can save up to $200 annually on energy costs while helping the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Plus, those savings help offset the cost of purchasing new HVAC equipment – making an upgrade an affordable option and helping ensure family comfort without breaking your budget! To find out how an energy-efficient upgrade could work for your family contact us today for more details!
When upgrading your air conditioning, the goal should be a system with both a high Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (https://www.climatecontrolnews.com.au/heating/how-energy-ratings-work) and Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF). But there are other ways you can save energy, lowering cooling costs while improving home comfort.
Your air conditioning’s filter helps protect it against dust, dirt, and other contaminants that could clog its system. Regularly replacing this filter will increase the airflow and efficiency of your AC. Installing programmable thermostats can also help reduce energy use. Simply setting your thermostat higher when nobody is home can save up to 10% off of your energy bill!
Close curtains and windows during the hottest parts of the day to reduce solar heat gain in your home and make air conditioning run more effectively. If you have a sunny window where your cat loves basking, consider adding UV-blocking curtains in this spot for added protection from direct sunlight.
Air leaks are another key source of wasted energy in home HVAC systems. If there are holes or leaks around your AC ducts, warm outside air may seep in and cause the system to work harder than necessary. Therefore, regularly inspect ductwork and seal any leaks as necessary.
Speaking to your utility provider about special discounts and budget billing arrangements that can help prevent large spikes in energy costs is also beneficial in keeping costs manageable during summer peak demand periods. Many utility providers provide these programs in order to encourage their customers to use less energy during these high demand times.
