It’s officially summer, and you know what that means: it’s hot! If you’re finding yourself constantly cranking up the AC but not finding any relief from the high temperatures, it may be time for a new air conditioner. This blog will cover the signs you may need a new air conditioner, the types of AC systems you can choose from, and the installation process.
Signs It’s Time for a New AC
On average, an air conditioner will last for about 10–20 years, depending on the make and model, how often you use it, and the types of repairs and maintenance that have been done on it.
If you’ve noticed that the air coming out of your AC isn’t as cold as it used to be, your AC frequently breaks down, your energy bills have consistently increased, regular tune-ups aren’t helping, or your AC system is approaching the end of the average lifespan, it may be time to get a new air conditioner.
Types of AC Systems
There are many different types of AC systems, and modern air conditioners have many benefits that older systems don’t. Older systems use Freon as a refrigerant, which has since been banned by the Environmental Protection Agency because it damages the atmosphere’s ozone layer. Instead, modern AC systems use Puron or R140A refrigerant, which is more environmentally friendly. It is also more efficient and will save you money on your energy bill.
Central Air Conditioning
If you decide to replace your central air conditioner, the HVAC company will likely install a similar system to the one you already have, with added modern technological benefits like the ability to be programmed for use with a smart thermostat.
Central air conditioners utilize both outdoor and indoor units. The outdoor unit includes a compressor, which raises the pressure of the refrigerant gas, and a condenser, which takes the gas and distributes it through the coils. The blower motor, which is shared with the furnace, then pushes the cool air throughout the home.
Central AC systems can be expensive, with the national average just under $6,000. Your local HVAC company can give you a specific estimate for your home so you know how much you can expect to spend. Despite their high cost, homeowners find replacing their central AC to save money in the long run due to increased energy efficiency.
Because central AC cools the entire home at once, it may not be the best choice for homeowners who don’t use all the rooms in their house. If you’d like more control over which areas of your home are cooled and when, you may want to consider installing a ductless AC system instead.
Ductless Mini-Split
If you’d like to do away with the ductwork in your home or only want to cool a few rooms, a ductless mini-split system may be a good fit for you. Each room gets a small unit installed on the wall that provides AC to the area. These systems are more energy efficient than central AC since you have greater control over which rooms in your house are cooled and when. In fact, you can control it from your smartphone!
Like central AC systems, the cost of ductless mini-split units varies depending on the size of your home, but the average homeowner can expect to spend around $3,000.
Installation Process
Before the installation process can begin, the HVAC company will perform an evaluation of your existing system and determine your needs. After that, they can give you an estimate of how much it will cost to get you all set up with your new air conditioner.
If you’re replacing your central AC, the old system will need to be removed first. The installers know how to safely handle the old refrigerant, disconnect the old equipment, and remove it.
Once the old AC has been removed, the new system can be installed. This is a complicated process that can take several hours depending on the size of your home.
Installation of ductless mini-split systems is far less complicated, so it may take less time; however, it’s still important to have professionals do it since they can properly handle the more dangerous components.
New Air Conditioners From R&D Heating and Air
Whether you need a new air conditioner or just a tune-up and repairs, call R&D Heating and Air for all your HVAC needs! In addition to air conditioning, we service furnaces, indoor gas fireplaces, refrigerators, and other appliances. We can even clean out the air ducts in your home, removing dust and debris to improve your HVAC system’s functionality. We are proud to offer specials and deals to help save you money. Contact us today to get a quote or request service. We look forward to serving you soon!
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