10 Signs It May Be Time For A New Air Conditioner Installation | Dallas, TX
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Summers in Dallas, TX, get very hot. The temperature on an average summer day can reach 96 degrees. Unfortunately, you won’t get much relief at night because the average nighttime temperature can reach 77 degrees. When you factor in the humidity, it can feel a lot hotter than it actually is.
Many people spend more time in their air-conditioned homes to escape the heat. If your air conditioner isn’t functioning properly, it won’t keep your home cool, and you will have no escape.
The best way to prevent a complete air conditioner breakdown during the hottest time of the year is to recognize the early signs of an issue with your air conditioner.
In a perfect world, the air conditioner in your home would last forever. Unfortunately, we don’t live in a perfect world, and the average lifespan for an air conditioning system is between 15 and 20 years. If you don’t take proper care of your air conditioner, it won’t reach the average lifespan.
If you want to stay cool all summer long, you should be able to recognize the signs that it is time for a new air conditioner installation. If you can detect the warning signs early, you can start saving for the new air conditioner before it breaks down completely.
If your air conditioner is experiencing any of the following issues, you should call your local HVAC company to discuss a new air conditioner installation.
#1 The Air Isn’t Cold
One of the most obvious signs that it may be time for a new air conditioner installation is if the air coming from the vents in your home is warm. Before you call an HVAC company to discuss a repair or a new AC installation, you should check the settings on the thermostat. First, make sure the thermostat is set to the cooling mode. If it isn’t, your air conditioner won’t produce cold air. Next, check the temperature setting. If it is cooler in the house than the setting on the thermostat, the air conditioner won’t produce old air.
If everything with the thermostat checks out, you should schedule an appointment with an HVAC company. A tech will inspect your air conditioner to determine the cause of the problem. There are a few issues that could be causing the issue, such as a faulty compressor, a thermostat issue, or the system could be low on refrigerant. The problem could also be that your air conditioner has reached its maximum lifespan, and it is time for a new air conditioner installation. If this is the case, the HVAC tech can help your choose the best system for your home, and they will handle the installation from start to finish.
#2 Poor Airflow
If the airflow coming from the vents in your Dallas, TX home is poor, you should call an HVAC company. There are a few issues that could be causing the problem. The most common cause of poor airflow is dirty air ducts. In just one year, up to five pounds of dust, dirt, pet dander, and other debris can build up in the air ducts, obstructing the air coming from the vents. If the issue is dirty air ducts, the debris can circulate through the home when your air conditioner is running, causing members of your household to develop allergy symptoms. This issue will also cause your air conditioner to work harder, which can cause your energy bill to increase. This extra work will also put excess strain on your system, which could cause you to plan for a new air conditioner installation sooner than you should.
If you recently had your air ducts cleaned and you are sure there is no debris in the ducts or damage, you may need to plan for a new air conditioner installation. When your system has reached the end of its lifespan, it won’t work as well, resulting in poor airflow. If this is the case, the sooner you make the call for a new AC installation, the sooner your home will be cool and comfortable again.
#3 Uneven Cooling
If the air conditioning system is working properly, every room in your home should be the same temperature. If you find that some rooms are much cooler than others, you should call an HVAC company.
The problem can be resolved by having the system tuned up or recalibrated. However, this is also a sign that it is time for a new air conditioner installation. When an air conditioner has reached its maximum lifespan, it won’t be able to keep every room in your home at an even, consistent temperature. If an HVAC tech determines that your air conditioner cannot be repaired, they can schedule an AC installation. When the job is complete, your entire home will be cool and comfortable.
#4 A Moldy Smell Coming From the Air Conditioner
If you smell mold in your home when the air conditioner is running, it is a serious cause for concern. Your air ducts are dark, and when it is humid, they can become damp. These two issues are the perfect recipe for mold. If there is mold in the air ducts, you should call an HVAC company immediately. When the air conditioner is running, mold spores can circulate through the air your family breathes, which can be very harmful to their health. Breathing in mold can cause allergy symptoms, respiratory issues, and a weakened immune system. If a member of your household has a chronic lung or respiratory issue, breathing in mold will worsen their condition.
If the HVAC tech cannot find the presence of mold in your air ducts, the mold could be in the air conditioner itself. The best way to resolve the problem is to have your air conditioner replaced. It is best to start planning for a new air conditioner installation right away because the longer you use your existing air conditioner, the more your family’s health will be at risk.
#5 Strange Sounds Coming From the Air Conditioner
If the air conditioner in your home is functioning properly, you shouldn’t hear anything more than a quiet clicking sound when the system kicks on and off. If you hear any other sounds, you should call an HVAC company.
Strange noises signify an issue with one of the system’s internal parts. If the HVAC tech determines that the issue cannot be repaired, or if the repair cost is too much, you may need to consider a new air conditioner installation. If you wait too long to call an HVAC company, the damage will worsen when the air conditioner is running, and you could end up dealing with a complete air conditioner breakdown during the hottest time of the year.
#6 Pooling Liquid Around the Air Conditioner
There should never be moisture or pooling liquid around the air conditioning system in your Dallas, TX home. If there is, you should call an HVAC company right away. There could be a broken or clogged condensate hose, which is a relatively easy fix. However, the issue could be a refrigerant leak, which is more serious, especially if you have an older system. If this is the case, you will need to plan for a new installation.
Older air conditioners run on R-22 refrigerant. The United States government has deemed this type of refrigerant highly toxic and harmful to the environment. A few years ago, the government began slowly phasing out the production of R-22. In 2020, R-22 was banned completely.
If your air conditioner has a refrigerant leak and requires R-22, an HVAC tech may not be able to find any to refill your system. If they can find R-22, it will be extremely expensive, resulting in a very high repair bill.
If your air conditioner needs to be refilled with R-22, it is best to consider a new air conditioner installation. If you replace your existing air conditioner with a new model, you won’t have to worry when it is time to add more refrigerant.
#7 Window Units Can Be a Hassle
If you use window units to keep your Dallas, TX home cool, you should consider central air conditioner installation. Window units are a hassle because they need to be put in the windows when the weather gets warm and then removed when the weather gets cool. This can be a hassle because window units are heavy, and you need to find a place to store them when they are not in use. In addition, if you have a window unit in your bedrooms and living room, it can cause your energy bill to increase significantly. Also, you cannot open the windows to let fresh air in if the weather is unseasonable cool.
A central air conditioner installation will solve all your problems. You won’t need to worry about installing and removing window units, and you can still open the windows. Also, you can have an energy-efficient system installed, which will save money on your energy bills.
#8 Your Energy Bills Have Increased
If you have been living in your Dallas, TX home for at least one summer, you will have an idea of what your energy bills will be during the summer. If you find that your bills are much higher than usual, your air conditioner could be to blame. When your system reaches the end of its lifespan, it won’t run as efficiently as it once did. This issue would require a new air conditioner installation. Even if your system is still keeping your home cool, you are wasting money every month to pay a high energy bill. You can have a new, energy-efficient system installed, which will save you money in the long run.
#9 Your System Needs Frequent Repairs
If you find that you are calling an HVAC company multiple times during the summer for an AC repair, it may be time for a new air conditioner installation. When an air conditioner is 10 years old or older, the internal parts become weak and can start to break down. It is cheaper to pay for a new installation rather than paying for multiple repairs.
#10 Your System Needs An Expensive Repair
If your air conditioner isn’t functioning properly, you should call an HVAC company to have the issue repaired. If your system is close to 10 years old and the tech tells you that it will be very expensive to repair, you should consider a new air conditioner installation. Because your system is so old, it may not have much time left. It isn’t worth spending a fortune on the repair when the system will need to be replaced soon anyway. If the tech tells you that the repair cost will be expensive, a new installation is the more cost-effective option.
Why Choose One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating Of Dallas?
If the air conditioning system in your Dallas, TX home has reached its maximum lifespan and it is time for a new air conditioner installation, contact One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating Of Dallas. We have been serving customers in the area since 1988. Thanks to our excellent service, many of our customers have been loyal customers for as many as 20 years.
We want you to trust the tech you allow into your home, which is why our employees must pass a background check, drug test, and register with the state of Texas before they are hired.
We understand that HVAC technology is constantly evolving, which is why we require our techs to receive ongoing training. If it is time for a new air conditioner installation, our techs will have the knowledge and skill to install the newest models available.
We understand that a new air conditioner installation can be expensive. Our staff can give you information regarding programs to help you save money on your new cooling system. We can also give you information regarding any rebates and tax incentives available if you install an energy-efficient system.
To schedule an appointment for a new air conditioner installation or any other HVAC service, give us at One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating of Dallas a call today.