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Unfortunately, your existing air conditioning system won’t last forever. The average lifespan for a central air conditioning system is between 15 to 20 years. If the air conditioning system in your home has reached its maximum lifespan, you may want to consider a new air conditioner installation. If you aren’t sure if your air conditioner is ready to be replaced, there are a few telltale signs that will let you know that it is time.
#1 You Aren’t Getting Enough Cold Air
If you turn on your air conditioner and your home isn’t getting as cold as it once did, you should call a professional. If your system hasn’t reached its maximum lifespan, a simple repair could be all that the system needs. However, if your unit is old and the air isn’t getting cold enough, it could be time for a new air conditioner installation. When your air conditioning system reaches its maximum lifespan, frequent repairs just aren’t worth it. You would be better off investing in a new system.
#2 The Air Flow Is Poor
If the airflow coming from the vents is low, it can make it difficult for the air conditioning system to keep your home cool. If your system is relatively new and hasn’t reached its maximum lifespan, the problem could be something simple like a faulty compressor or blocked or damaged vents. These are issues that can be repaired by a licensed HVAC professional.
If your system is close to its maximum lifespan, you may want to consider a new air conditioner installation. This type of repair can be expensive, and for an old system, it won’t be worth the cost. You would be much better off having a new air conditioner When installed.
#3 Moisture and Leakage Around the Unit
You should never see any moisture or leaking around your air conditioning unit. If you notice moisture, you could have a significant problem on your hands. The water could be coming from the unit due to a broken or clogged hose. If this problem is left untreated, it can cause mold and mildew to grow in the area. The leakage could also be the refrigerant. This is a very serious problem. Refrigerants can pose a health risk to you and your family, and should never be ignored.
If leaking refrigerant is your problem, and your system is old, you may want to consider new air conditioner installation. Older air conditioning systems use a refrigerant called R-22 refrigerant. This type of refrigerant has been deemed toxic and harmful to the environment by the United States government. Because this refrigerant is dangerous, the government has decided to phase out the R-22. This means that it is no longer being produced. If your existing system uses R-22, and it is leaking refrigerant, the HVAC tech might not be able to find R-22 to refill the system. If they are able to find this type of refrigerant, it is going to be very costly because it is so hard to find. In this case, you would be better off calling for a new air conditioner installation in your Mansfield, TX home. An HVAC tech can install a new air conditioning system that uses a modern refrigerant that is widely available.
#4 Strange Sounds Coming From the Unit
When your air conditioner is running correctly, it should be relatively silent. If your unit is suddenly making strange sounds, you should call an HVAC tech for help. The problem could be something like a loose belt or that your system is due for a tune-up. However, if your system has reached its maximum lifespan, these sounds could be telling you that it is time for a new air conditioner installation in your home. If the internal parts are worn out due to years of wear and tear, it can be less expensive to have your system replaced rather than having it repaired frequently.
#5 You Are Calling For Frequent Repairs
If you find that you are calling for repairs often, and your HVAC tech is one of your most frequent guests, it may be time to consider a new air conditioner installation. Recurring issues are your air conditioner’s way of telling you that it is worn out and needs to be replaced. Over time, it can cost less to replace the system than to call for repairs every few weeks.
#6 High Energy Bills
If you notice that your energy bills are higher this cooling season than it has ever been, your air conditioning system could be to blame. As your system gets older, it will start to run less efficiently. When your air conditioner isn’t running as efficiently as it should, it will need to work harder to keep your house cool. This will cause a dramatic spike in your electric bill. If you are dealing with higher than average energy bills, it might be time to consider a new air conditioner installation. More modern systems are more energy-efficient than older models, and you should notice a change in your bills as soon as the new system has been installed.
If you think that it might be time for a new air conditioner installation, you should contact Minuteman Heating & Air. We have been serving customers in Arlington, Fort Worth, Mansfield, TX, and the surrounding areas for many years. When you call us to have a new air conditioner installed, we will send an HVAC tech to your home to take measurements. This will help us to figure out the best size air conditioner for your home. During this visit, we will also discuss all of your options with you. To schedule an appointment with one of our highly-trained and licensed HVAC techs, give us a call today.