According to research, the lifespan of an AC unit is about 15 years. If your unit is nearing the end of its life or if it needs frequent repairs, it might be time for a new one. But before you purchase a new AC unit, there are a few things you should keep in mind. This short guide will list things to consider before upgrading AC.
What Do I Need To Know Before Upgrading My AC?
There are many things to consider before upgrading your AC unit. Below are a few key things to keep in mind:
What Is the Cost of the New Unit?
The cost of a new AC unit is not cheap. In fact, it can be quite expensive depending on the make and model that you choose. You will also need to factor in the cost of installation, which can range from a few hundred dollars to over a thousand. If you are considering upgrading your AC unit, be sure to research and factor in all the costs before making a final decision.
What Is the Size of the Unit?
The size of your AC unit is critical to consider because it needs to be able to properly cool your home. If you have a large home, you will need a larger unit. Conversely, you will not need such a large unit if you have a smaller home. Be sure to get the proper sizing for your home before making a purchase.
What Is the Efficiency Rating?
The efficiency rating of an AC unit is vital because it will determine how much money you save on your energy bill each month. The higher the rating, the more efficient the unit and the more money you will save. Be sure to compare the efficiency ratings of different units before making a purchase.
The Warranty?
You’ll want to know what you’re getting for your money before signing on the dotted line. Most new AC units will come with a warranty, but ask how long it lasts and what is covered. You don’t want to be caught unaware when something goes wrong and discover that your warranty doesn’t cover the issue.
Some companies will also offer extended warranties for an additional cost. If you’re worried about potential repairs, this may be worth considering, but do your research before signing up for anything. You don’t want to end up paying for something you don’t need.
Energy Efficiency
When it comes to AC units, energy efficiency is always a major concern. After all, no one wants to see their energy bills skyrocket during summer. Fortunately, there are a few things that you can do to make sure that your new AC unit is as energy-efficient as possible.
What Type of Unit Should I Get?
There are a few different types of AC units on the market, and each has its own set of pros and cons. Do your research to figure out which type of unit would be best for your home or office.
Conclusion
Purchasing a new AC unit is a big decision that should not be taken lightly. Be sure to consider all the factors listed above before making your final purchase. By doing your research, you can be sure that you’re getting the best possible unit for your needs. If you need AC installation services, get in touch with Ashley Brothers Heating & Cooling today.
Summers can bring sweltering weather that ravages your entire HVAC system if you let it. However, you can get on top of it now by implementing a few practices to minimize the strain. These are five tips for keeping your unit stable and productive for summer air conditioning:
1. Keep up with your air conditioning maintenance.
Many AC units meet their demise because the owner fails to schedule regular maintenance. Processes such as filter replacement, coil cleaning, and moveable part lubrication are crucial to extending the life of your unit. You can get a couple more seasons or years out of your AC system by giving it some extra TLC today.
2. Keep the cool air inside your home.
You can also remove some of the burdens from your AC unit by doing your best to keep the chilled air inside your home. These are a few tips for doing that:
Keep doors and windows shut.
Most people let the cold air out by leaving windows cracked and opening doors unnecessarily. You can preserve a tremendous amount of cool air by being mindful of those components.
Close the blinds.
Closing your blinds can help block the sunlight, which will prevent additional heat from seeping into your cold environment.
Consider using blackout blinds.
Think about investing in blinds that completely block the sunlight. You’ll most likely gain a few cool degrees by doing so.
Ensure that your home is well-insulated.
Have someone inspect your home for insulation breaches before the summer months start. That way, you won’t lose any comfort or money during peak season.
Microwave foods instead of oven-cooking them.
Oven usage will annihilate the cold air quickly, but you can use an alternative cooking method to preserve it. Microwaving and outside grill cooking are two effective alternatives.
Have a chilled beverage.
Indulge in a delicious smoothie or a gigantic glass of water. This tip won’t help you trap any cool air inside, but it will frost your body and make you feel fantastic.
3. Alternate AC time and fan usage.
Using fans can help you minimize the strain on your AC system. You may want to consider giving your air conditioner a break every few hours and substituting it with ceiling and floor fans. You’ll enjoy the breeze you get from those fans if you’ve trapped the cool air inside your home successfully.
Old-school hand-operated fans can be a good substitute if you’re concerned about cutting your electricity costs. You can find them online or in a few department stores and from traditional churches.
4. Consider using smart technology.
Smart thermometers and mobile phone apps can help you control how much work your air conditioner does. You can use them to turn off your AC unit when you do not use it. For example, you can program it to turn your system off when you’re at work or out running errands. The latest systems also offer convenient ways to turn the unit back on before you arrive home again.
Use the tips above to keep yourself and your family chilled without breaking your HVAC system. Your summers will be happier that way.
Your air conditioner is one of those devices you have to watch so it doesn’t die or fail when you need it most. These are some of the most common signs that you might need air conditioning repair:
Your Home Never Cools Off Enough
You might need an air conditioner repair or replacement if you notice that your home never cools off enough. A number of issues could be going on with your AC unit. Dirty filters can restrict airflow, or a clog could also exist in the condenser. Low coolant is another reason AC units stop cooling, but they usually indicate an underlying problem. Another issue likely to cause cooling problems is that your home has insufficient insulation. That has nothing to do with the air conditioner itself, but you should have someone inspect and resolve it to get maximum results after your AC repair.
You Have a Large Electric Bill
Another sign that your AC unit needs to be serviced or maintained is when you receive high electricity bills. A rise in the electricity bill might mean that your air conditioner is trying too hard to operate. That could be a minor issue like dirt or something more extensive like an issue with the condenser coils. It’s best to have an AC tech look at it and help you get it back in top shape.
You Notice Water on the Floor
Water leaks indicate that something is wrong with the drain pan area. The condensation pan may have eroded, which is common in older units. Leaks can also occur when the coils freeze. That issue often occurs when the coolant is low.
Sometimes, a bad installation can cause an AC unit to leak as well. In that situation, an AC expert might solve the problem by doing a re-install for you. In the worst scenario, you might need to have something replaced, but the technician can save your unit.
The most crucial step is to clean the water so that it doesn’t cause water damage, degradation, or mildew on your floors or carpets. Try to find something to catch or absorb the water while waiting for the technician to arrive.
The Unit Goes in and Out of Operation
You might notice that your air conditioner turns off randomly, or worse yet, it turns off and on. The latter issue is called short-cycling, and it happens because of air filter problems, coolant leaks, and faulty thermostats. Thus, it’s best to get in touch with a reliable AC repair company quickly so that someone can investigate it.
An air conditioner that cuts off and doesn’t cut back on is likely to have an electrical issue. The power supply may be going out, or something else has gone awry. You’ll need to check your outlets and breakers before you contact a repair person to ensure the problem isn’t on your side.
Those are a few signs you might need a little help with your air conditioner. However, there’s no need to stress over an air conditioning not working. You can contact a reputable repair company to get help with it today.
It’s hot and muggy outside—so it’s just about the worst time for your air conditioner to break down. Why is this happening? It was working fine yesterday. Is your AC really broken, or do you just need to replace your filter?
Air conditioners require regular maintenance, including a filter change every 30 to 90 days. If you’ve been slacking off on your filter changes, that might be the reason your AC isn’t performing appropriately. Here are some things to troubleshoot before you call your local HVAC company for help:
Check the filter: First, check to see if your AC filter is particularly filthy—which can happen if you’ve forgotten to switch it out regularly, or you’ve been experiencing particularly bad air quality. Dirty, clogged filters will block the flow of cool, clean air completely. Your AC unit might be working fine otherwise. Change or wash the filter, then see if the air conditioner starts pushing out cold air again.
Make sure the unit is plugged in: If the unit doesn’t seem to be coming on at all, there may be a problem with the power supply. First, check to make sure it’s plugged in all the way. If it is, check the main electrical panel to see if the air conditioner has tripped a breaker. Reset the breaker and try again. If the breaker continues to trip, you may need to call an electrician for assistance.
Check the outdoor condenser: If the air conditioner is running, but it doesn’t seem to be pushing out enough cold air, take a look at the outdoor condenser. Is anything blocking the air intake? Weeds, debris, grass, toys, lawn furniture and more could be preventing airflow into the machine. Clean the outside and move anything that’s blocking the air. Then allow your air conditioner to run for a few hours. If you notice a difference, that means the problem is likely solved.
Look at the thermostat: Finally, check the thermostat. Is it on and set to “cool”? If not, you might just need to change the batteries. Turn the temperature down a few degrees and see if the air conditioner kicks on.
Why do I need to replace my AC air filter?
Once you’ve troubleshooted your air conditioner problems, you might forget to change your filter again—but that would be a big mistake. When you fail to replace your filter regularly, it can cause problems. Poor air quality, inefficiency (and the resulting high electricity bills), uneven cooling and malfunctions are all possible.
Your air conditioner might also start “short cycling,” which is when it kicks on and off repeatedly throughout the day. This is supposed to happen—at least on a limited basis—but when your filter is dirty, it can happen every few minutes. Change the filter and see if the problem is solved. If not, call your HVAC contractor for assistance.
When you need AC help, reach out to Ashley Brothers Heating & Cooling. We’d be glad to take a look at your AC and make sure it’s doing its job correctly!
Doing some spring cleaning around the house? Many homeowners find that giving their home a complete physical inside and out is the best way to prepare for the summer months ahead. Air conditioning maintenance is just one task all St. Louis, MO homeowners should complete. Here are the top three reasons why performing AC maintenance before the summer can improve the efficiency of your unit and ensure your home stays comfortable throughout the warm-weather months.
You’ll have peace of mind the very first time you turn on your unit
One of the key reasons why you should complete AC maintenance before the summer is that the weather in St. Louis, MO can be unpredictable. You could experience very hot temperatures even before the official start of the summer season. Even if your air conditioning system worked perfectly at the end of the warm season last year, there are plenty of things that could affect the system in the winter. If you want your unit to start up at the very first sign of hot and humid temperatures, you should have an experienced technician take a look at the unit in the springtime and perform any necessary repairs.
You’ll avoid costly repairs
Air conditioning systems can last a very long time if they’re properly maintained, but replacing the system entirely can be a huge expense that you’ll want to avoid. When you schedule annual inspections in the spring, your technician can spot minor issues that could turn into something bigger down the road. Not only will you avoid the costs of replacing your air conditioner and all of its components, but you’ll also avoid the need for emergency repair service. As you can imagine, air conditioning technicians are busiest during the warm summer months. Instead of paying a premium for emergency services in the summer—and being without a working air conditioner in hot weather—be smart and schedule a spring inspection.
You’ll increase the efficiency of your system
Staying comfortable during the summer doesn’t always come cheap. Running an air conditioning system can be costly if your unit isn’t working at maximum efficiency. When you schedule AC maintenance before the summer, your technician will clean the unit and make sure all of its components are in good functioning condition. It will be much easier for you to keep your home cool even in the hottest of temperatures, and your unit won’t have to work as hard to keep your home comfortable. Maintaining your system is the best way to lower your monthly utility bills—it’s a small investment that saves you money.
When the weather gets hot in St. Louis, MO, a working air conditioning system is something you really can’t live without. By scheduling yearly AC maintenance before the summer, you reduce your chance of needing costly repairs or replacement, and you’ll be sure your system is ready to kick on as soon as you need it. Contact Ashley Brothers Heating & Cooling today to schedule routine maintenance service and keep your air conditioning system in excellent condition.
