Heat and Air Conditioning
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2021-04-16

4 Telltale Signs That Your Air Conditioning Unit Needs to Be Replaced

As a homeowner, one of the toughest decisions you need to make about your air conditioning unit is when it’s time to replace your old system with a new one. No matter how many times you call an HVAC technician, there will come a time that your AC unit will have to be replaced. The only question is, how can you tell if it’s time to shop around for a replacement AC unit?

Older AC System

In this situation, age definitely matters. On average, an AC unit is built to last around 10-15 years. If yours have already reached the 15-year mark, it means you should already start planning ahead for a replacement so you won’t be surprised when your AC finally breaks down. Even if you don’t need a new system for a few years, just knowing your current one is at the end of its service life can help you prepare for it.

Current System Still Uses R-22 Refrigerant

As of January 2020, the production of the R-22 refrigerant has ceased production, which means getting recharges of this for your AC will only get expensive and eventually impossible in time. There have been a couple of new standard refrigerants for residential air conditioning systems since R-22’s production was slowly being banned in 2010. Newer refrigerants like R-410A and R-32 are now being used for most of the AC units in the market today. This type of refrigerant will eventually be phased out as new compounds are being developed that are more cost-effective and environmentally friendly.

Excessive Noise and Dust

Seeing the constant presence of dust in your home even after cleaning is a good indication that there may be problems with your air conditioning unit. This might be caused by leaks in the ductwork, which can compromise your AC system’s efficiency, leading to increased operating costs.

If your AC unit has become excessively noisy, there’s a good possibility that your duct system isn’t large enough for the square footage of your home. Problems like this are more common in old houses that have seen a change in ownership in a couple of years. You can always call HVAC companies to have a look at it just to be sure.

Higher Monthly Electric Bills

The simplest and most subtle indication that you’re AC may need a replacement is your rising electricity bills. If you religiously monitor your utility expenses, then you’ll probably notice your energy consumption continues to rise despite the number of appliances and electronic devices in your home staying the same. If you look at your year-over-year usage and you see an upward trend, there’s a good chance that your AC is working harder to produce the same amount of cooling power. Factoring in the age of your AC system will corroborate this piece of information.

Conclusion

Regular repair and maintenance on your air conditioning can only get you so far, and there will come a time when you have to replace your current unit. It’s all just a matter of seeing the signs. Once you know it’s time for a replacement, you can finally rest assured that your AC unit will be good for the next couple of years.

Soul Mechanical is one of the leading providers of quality HVAC/refrigeration, plumbing, and other mechanical services in Edmonton, AB today. With our residential and commercial services, you can save on your energy bills and make sure your HVAC systems are working properly. Give us a call today to request a quote.

As a homeowner, one of the toughest decisions you need to make about your air conditioning unit is when it’s time to replace your old system with a new one. No matter how many times you call an HVAC technician, there will come a time that your AC unit will have to be replaced. The only question is, how can you tell if it’s time to shop around for a replacement AC unit?

Older AC System

In this situation, age definitely matters. On average, an AC unit is built to last around 10-15 years. If yours have already reached the 15-year mark, it means you should already start planning ahead for a replacement so you won’t be surprised when your AC finally breaks down. Even if you don’t need a new system for a few years, just knowing your current one is at the end of its service life can help you prepare for it.

Current System Still Uses R-22 Refrigerant

As of January 2020, the production of the R-22 refrigerant has ceased production, which means getting recharges of this for your AC will only get expensive and eventually impossible in time. There have been a couple of new standard refrigerants for residential air conditioning systems since R-22’s production was slowly being banned in 2010. Newer refrigerants like R-410A and R-32 are now being used for most of the AC units in the market today. This type of refrigerant will eventually be phased out as new compounds are being developed that are more cost-effective and environmentally friendly.

Excessive Noise and Dust

Seeing the constant presence of dust in your home even after cleaning is a good indication that there may be problems with your air conditioning unit. This might be caused by leaks in the ductwork, which can compromise your AC system’s efficiency, leading to increased operating costs.

If your AC unit has become excessively noisy, there’s a good possibility that your duct system isn’t large enough for the square footage of your home. Problems like this are more common in old houses that have seen a change in ownership in a couple of years. You can always call HVAC companies to have a look at it just to be sure.

Higher Monthly Electric Bills

The simplest and most subtle indication that you’re AC may need a replacement is your rising electricity bills. If you religiously monitor your utility expenses, then you’ll probably notice your energy consumption continues to rise despite the number of appliances and electronic devices in your home staying the same. If you look at your year-over-year usage and you see an upward trend, there’s a good chance that your AC is working harder to produce the same amount of cooling power. Factoring in the age of your AC system will corroborate this piece of information.

Conclusion

Regular repair and maintenance on your air conditioning can only get you so far, and there will come a time when you have to replace your current unit. It’s all just a matter of seeing the signs. Once you know it’s time for a replacement, you can finally rest assured that your AC unit will be good for the next couple of years.

Soul Mechanical is one of the leading providers of quality HVAC/refrigeration, plumbing, and other mechanical services in Edmonton, AB today. With our residential and commercial services, you can save on your energy bills and make sure your HVAC systems are working properly. Give us a call today to request a quote.