Air conditioner systems are one of the Aviston, IL home appliances that you rarely think about until they require attention. If your system malfunctions during the summer season, you will face some miserable hot days at home. This is because HVAC technicians will be at their busiest.
Fortunately, there are several signs that homeowners should identify before their AC system breaks down entirely. If you are experiencing any of the following signs, you better get your air conditioning unit replaced sooner rather than later.
Your Air Conditioner is More Than 10 Years Old
Air conditioners wear out over time just like any other household appliance. According to the National Association of Home Builders, a properly maintained system will last you around 10 to 15 years.
If your system has not properly been maintained over its life span, this will not last the predicted life span. Manufacturers recommend tune-ups by professional technicians in order to keep the system working in good order. The technician can inspect the unit and its components, fix any issues, and clean the outdoor and indoor coils.
Your Electricity Bills Are Increased
Before blaming the hot summer weather on your rising electricity costs, consider whether or not your high bill is the result of an inefficient air conditioner. If your unit is working inefficiently, it will run more frequently and will use up more electricity while still not being able to properly cool your home.
Many utility companies can provide you with a comparison chart to see how your bill has changed over the months, and even from year to year. They can also provide you with an average daily temperature for each month. This information can help you identify whether the utility bill costs are associated with the outdoor temperature or a faulty system.
Newer systems are made more energy-efficient, able to cool better, and can run quieter than the older systems. By investing in an energy-efficient air conditioning system you are able to lower your utility bill. While being able to still still provide you with more comfort.
If Your Air Conditioner Uses Ozone-Depleting Refrigerant (R22)
The manufacturing of ozone-depleting refrigerant (R22) was discontinued on January 1, 2020. R22 was used as a coolant for air conditioners starting in the 1950s. This refrigerant has been discovered by researchers to be contributing to the thinning of the planet’s ozone layer.
Homeowners can have an HVAC technician inspect their system in order to determine what type of refrigerant is used. Most recently produced units utilized ozone-friendly refrigerants including 410A. Units that were installed before 2010, most likely use R22. If your air conditioner does use R22 and it needs repairs, the cost of adding repairs or adding refrigerant can become cost-prohibitive.
If you are identifying some of these warning signs on your home’s air conditioner, make sure to call our team at Baer Heating & Cooling today in order to get your system replaced before the hot summer weather arrives.
