El Cajon enjoys beautiful weather year-round — being so close to the beach is definitely a perk, and the Southern California weather allows you to enjoy it even in the colder months. Since the weather is comfortable throughout all seasons, it’s easy for your AC unit to go by unnoticed. It’s there when you need it to make your home a little cooler or a little warmer than it is outside, but it’s easy to forget the unit that is doing all that work for you until it’s time for a replacement. So how do you know if your AC unit needs a replacement in El Cajon?
When summer heat strikes, the best way to relax is to turn on your air conditioner. Air conditioning keeps you cool over the summer, and with usual maintenance, your air conditioner ought to perform efficiently even during the hottest months. But sometimes our air conditioners are not working up to par. Although a new air conditioner can be a big investment, the costs of continuous repair quickly add up when you’re operating an old, inefficient unit. Energy Star recommends upgrading to an energy-efficient unit if your current central air conditioner is 10 or more years old, while many HVAC technicians say they typically recommend replacing units if they are 15 years or older.
Your air conditioner is one of the most important parts of your home, so it is very important to keep track of how efficient and effective your A/C is working as time rolls on so that you know when it’s time to repair or replace it. The costs of recurring maintenance can become strenuous and it might end up costing more than just replacing your air conditioner altogether. An outdated air conditioner can cost more than just money, as it also can pollute the air that your family is breathing, as well as substantially increase your electric bill. These tips will help you determine when it might be time to buy a new cooling system.
When it’s time, it’s time
If your air conditioner is 10 years or younger and has had routine maintenance over the years, then you should have nothing to worry. If your air conditioner is a little older than that, you might have seen some warning signs that it might be time to replace it.
Warning Signs
As a homeowner, it is crucial to be aware of the warning signs that your appliances might be running on their last leg. Using old, outdated appliances can be costly and dangerous.
Tell All Signs:
- Your Air Conditioner is over 15 years old
- You are not getting cool air
- No air flow
- New unusual sounds coming from your unit
- Some rooms no longer receive air
- Need frequent repairs
Age
The average lifespan for an air conditioning unit is around 15 years. It is crucial to have your unit inspected regularly to keep it up and running efficiently, as this will ensure a long lifespan. If your air conditioner is nearing this age or is already at this age, it may be time to start looking for your next one. The new technology that air conditioning units now come with will shock you. Your power bill will be improved tremendously and you will also see an improvement in air quality.
Lack of Airflow
Have you noticed a decrease in airflow from your air conditioner? This could mean any number of things, including issues with your AC’s compressor, or blocked/damaged vents.
Energy Bill Cost
Have you begun seeing an increase in your electric bill and didn’t know why? This could be because of your old air conditioner. Its ability to create cool air is greatly diminished over the years of use. Even if the home isn’t properly cooled, your AC may be running up your monthly energy bills to a noticeable extent. Upgrade to new equipment, and you can reduce your bills for years to come. A HUGE warning sign for your unit’s effectiveness and efficiency is an increase in your power bill cost & this is usually the biggest factor that pushes people over the edge.
House Temperature
Are you struggling to keep cool in the summer? Your air conditioning will spend hours trying to get the house cool but will never reach the desired temperatures for the different rooms in the house? Maybe it’s obvious, but when you’re not getting any cool air, there’s probably something wrong with your AC.
From low Freon levels to a broken compressor, any number of issues could be a factor affecting this change. This also could be a sign that your air conditioner may be outdated and not have enough power to cool the entire house. Summer is for relaxing, not battling the heat, and it may be time to upgrade. Your local experts at West Coast Heating, Air Conditioning & Solar PV have all the best solutions for your air conditioning problems.
Sometimes certain rooms stop receiving air from the air conditioning unit, this could be a sign of an outdated unit or it could also mean that your unit is too small for your home. This happens when air conditioning businesses incorrectly size a house and its needs, and you may need to find someone new to properly size your home. This also could be a sign that your air conditioner may be outdated and not have enough power to cool the entire house.
Occasionally, the final straw pushing a homeowner over the edge is the high cost of a big repair that may be needed. When this does happen it is best to weigh the advantages of moving to a new air conditioning unit versus paying for a repair. Sometimes it may be smarter to move on!
Newer units are packed with brand new technology to allow them to be most effective. A new unit purchase will prove to be a great investment over time because of a decreased power bill, no hassle when it comes to getting your home at the perfect temperature, and the improvement in your home’s air quality!
