Homeowners have plenty of issues to worry about without even considering air conditioning, but a faulty AC unit can be a time (and money) consuming issue. And if you’re in an older home? AC units can give you a world of trouble, especially when you need them most.
Don’t melt in your living room this summer, get your AC prepped for the prime summer months. As per the expertise of AC technicians, there are a few things to look for that might grind older AC units to a halt.
Wear and Tear
Just like any machine, your AC unit will wear down with frequent use. Unfortunately, this kind of degradation is inevitable, but you can slow down the process with a little maintenance. Clean away any dead grass or weeds that may have grown around the outdoor unit and make sure no critters have made homes.
Regular maintenance is important to keeping a watchful eye on older units. As the wear and tear of use can start to affect mechanical components, regular tune-ups can spot faulty components and fix them before they turn into a bigger problem.
Reduced Efficiency
Have you noticed an increase in your electric bill recently? Or maybe you’re running at full blast and the house is still a bit warmer than it was last year? An aging AC unit will slowly lose efficiency over time, using up more and more energy to hold the same temperatures.
A problem like this can sometimes be solved with thorough maintenance, but you might want to consider a system replacement if your energy bills are swelling. Newer units are much more energy efficient and can help save money in the long run.
Refrigerant Leaks
Leaking fluids aren’t just a household problem, it’s an issue with environmental regulation. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has determined that R22, a common refrigerant used in old air conditioning systems, must be phased out by 2020. That means the cost to maintain your unit will increase. If your air conditioning system was built before 2010, you may be using R22.
Improperly Working Fans
The fan in your AC unit is what makes hot air flow out and cool air flow in. It’s really a work of science. But in short, the fan is a critical component to your AC unit. If your fan moves too slowly or not at all, your air conditioning system won’t work properly. A fan problem could be caused by debris in the unit or something much more complex.
Electrical Problems
Your AC unit is a complex system made up of a number of electrical parts. Wiring snakes all throughout the system connecting circuit boards to the fans, compressor, and coils. With so many electrical components, frayed wiring or a busted capacitor is something to prepare for.
When You Should Purchase a New AC Unit
You should consider replacing your air conditioner and purchasing a new unit if yours is more than 10 years old. Air conditioners have short life expectancies because they are often outdoors and exposed to extreme temperatures throughout the year. Modern air conditioners, however, can last between 15 to 20 years, while older air conditioners last around 10 to 12 years.
The health and efficiency of your A/C depends on a number of factors, including whether or not you properly maintained the unit throughout its lifetime and if you had a technician come annually for a tune-up. How long your AC lasts can also be affected by how often you use the unit and whether or not you got the right size unit for your home.
Get Your Air Conditioner Inspected, Call Ambient Edge Today
Annual maintenance will keep your air conditioner running in ideal fashion. Does your system need a tuneup or replacement? An expert technician from Ambient Edge can come to inspect and service your unit to advise you of what may be wrong.
Contact our technicians today and we’ll find a perfect solution to your older AC unit. You can reach us by filling out the contact form on our website or by giving us a call. Don’t let your old air conditioner stress you out. Call Ambient Edge today, and enjoy the benefits that come from a brand new, freshly installed air conditioning unit!
