Warning Signs You Need Air Conditioner Installation | Irving, TX
The air conditioning isn’t working again. Your home is hot, and with the temperature expected to reach even higher digits in the coming days, you are worried about being able to stand it. When this happens, it may be time to call in a repair technician to pinpoint what’s occurring and make repairs. However, air conditioner installation could be a better decision in the long run. To know if you should replace the system or repair it, there are a few key things to keep in mind.
Repair Is the First Step
Often, air conditioner installation is the second step after you ensure that the system is repaired. In other words, if you have not called in a technician yet, do that as the first thing. Most of the time, a system can be repaired instead of replaced, which keeps it going for longer, lowers your overall costs, and helps to keep the system out of the landfill for at least a bit longer.
Also, your technician can provide you with some great insight into what’s occurring. For example, it could be that the air filter was so clogged that debris got into the system, requiring a more extensive clean-out to get it back into good working condition again. Other times, they may tell you that the problem is much bigger, requiring a large investment to get the motor running or having to replace the entire outdoor unit.
Also, your technician can give you insight into your air conditioner’s overall condition and age. That means that they can give you an estimate of how long you may have left with that system before you have to replace it with something new.
If you have not done so yet, call a technician out to determine if your home’s system can be repaired and updated to get it back into good working condition.
Signs You Need Replacement Instead of Repair
There are some signs that you may need to invest in air conditioner installation. Though your technician can offer more insight into what’s happening in your home, there are some concerns that are quite common.
Your Air Conditioner Is Old
It is true that you should not toss out a fully functional air conditioner just because it is older. However, if you find yourself with a system that is more than 10 years old, that could mean it is no longer as efficient as it should be. Air conditioners can last beyond 10 years, and when they do without any signs of trouble or frequent repair bills, you do not have to replace them just because they reach a certain age.
Most often, these systems will need more careful consideration once they reach about 15 years of age or older. That is the average lifespan for most appliances like this, and though some may be longer, they tend to start to become harder to manage at this age. If you start to have problems with it and it’s older, you can likely count on new problems developing over the coming months and years, making having a new air conditioner installation now the better decision.
The Repair Is Costly
Air conditioner installation could be the better decision when the repair is going to cost a lot more than you expected. As noted, some repairs are easy enough to complete, such as adjusting a loose wire or filling the system with coolant. Other times, you may have to have the entire system rewired or have to spend a significant amount of money to get the coolant leak repaired.
When the cost of the repair gets too high, then it may not be worth having a new air conditioner installation done. What is too high, though?
To find out, consider a few tips. First, if the cost of the repair is more than $2,500, you will want to consider the cost of replacement. Ask the technician to provide you with a quote for replacing the entire system. This should include the cost of a new air conditioner but also the cost of labor and removal of the old one. You want the full picture.
Next, ask the technician how likely it is that this repair will fix the problem for good, and you will not have to worry about repeated concerns. If the technician tells you that this is a temporary fix, know that you are going to have to spend that money more than once to get your system working again in the future. It may be wise to have a new air conditioner installation done now instead and avoid the added repair costs.
You Are Getting Repairs Often
It could be one thing after another, causing your system to stop working properly. At first, it may have been the motor. Then it was the condenser that stopped working properly. Now, you are not sure what is wrong. If you are experiencing ongoing repairs, it may be time to consider air conditioner installation instead of just continuing the process over and over again.
If you are repairing your system more than one time per year, it is often cost-effective to consider replacement instead. That depends on what’s occurring as well.
- Did the technician who completed the repair the first time do a good job?
- Are the problems with the air conditioner related to a bigger concern, like the electrical or ductwork in the home?
- Are the breakdowns occurring due to constantly not keeping the filters clean or because the system was not used properly?
Air conditioner repair for a system that continues to need repairs can make good sense. It can help you to save money in the long term, especially if you find that you have to call for emergency repairs on a frequent basis (which tends to cost more than routine service calls).
The System Uses Refrigerant
There are some air conditioners that use a refrigerant commonly known as R-22. This is what helps to keep the system cool. Newer models do not often offer this. If you have a system that uses refrigerant like this and it is working just fine, there’s nothing to do.
If your air conditioner is not working properly and it uses refrigerant, it could be time to consider an air conditioner installation of a new model. Refrigerant leaks are dangerous to the environment and can be costly to repair. If that is what is occurring with your system – or your AC is working inefficiently or has other types of concerns – it may be time to install a new model instead. It could help you to save time and money.
The System Is Not Efficient
Many people are finding the ever-increasing cost of electricity is a big reason for having the air conditioner replaced with a more modern one. If your current model is 10 years or younger, chances are good it is one of the more efficient models on the market. The need for air conditioning on a hot summer day is quite important. Yet, the rising cost of energy bills can make it really difficult to manage ongoing use.
If your system is not working as well as it used to and the air conditioner installation options are on the table, make the decision. Air conditioners are a big drain on your budget, especially when you need to run them all the time. If your current model has other repair needs, especially those related to the mechanical components, or it is older, consider the value of replacing the current model with a new one instead of doing repairs.
The Price Is Right
Air conditioner installation could make better sense than making repairs if the technician or air conditioning company can offer you a great price right now. For example, having your AC repaired during the summer months is likely to cost you a significant amount more than doing it in the cooler months because of the demand on technicians. However, if you know the system needs to be repaired and have the work done during the off-season, you may be able to get a good deal on air conditioner installation.
If the technician informs you that you should consider replacing the system, find out if there are any discounts or promotional offers available. New air conditioner installation could help you to save a significant amount of money in the long term if there are promotions now to lower your overall cost.
You Need a New Heater, Too
Your home may have a need to replace the furnace right now. It may be time to think about air conditioner installation. You may be able to save some money by having both systems installed together rather than paying for one to be done now and the other down the road. There is no requirement to do this, though, if your current system is in good condition.
It doesn’t hurt to ask the technician that is repairing your furnace or heating system to take a look at your AC to find out if you should consider air conditioner installation right now as well. Then, find out if there are any discounts out there. This is a great way to keep up with your home’s needs.
You’re Doing a Lot of Remodeling
Another time when air conditioner installation could be a worthy decision is when you are doing a significant amount of remodeling. If you have a split system now or you have areas of your home that do not get good quality access to the cooled air during the summer, consider the value of upgrading and modernizing your AC system.
This is very important when you are removing walls and ceilings or when you are adding on a home addition. Having a new system installed now could end up being worthwhile because you will not have to do the hard work later. As you get to work on your plans for a new remodel, consider the value of investing in a new air conditioner installation now as well.
More Factors to Keep in Mind
The investment in air conditioner installation is a valuable one for your home. If you plan to sell your home in the coming years, most people buying a home in the state expect to find a viable, good-quality air conditioner working to keep the Texas heat at bay. If it is not working or is not efficient, that is going to impact the value of your home.
It can also impact the overall safety and sanitary conditions of your home. If humidity levels in your home get too high, the air conditioner can work to lower them, bringing them back to a leave that is more acceptable. That can help to protect your home:
- It makes it more comfortable to live in your home.
- It helps to minimize the risk of mold and mildew growth within the home.
- You may find that lower moisture in the home can help you to better manage the upkeep of your home, too.
If your existing system is not working or just does not do a good job, it is wise not to put off these prayers. Putting them off not only ends up costing you more money in higher energy costs, but it also makes it harder for you to get the new installation taken care of affordably because more components may need work or replacement, including your ductwork.
Don’t Wait to Call a Professional for Help
Do not put off getting your air conditioner serviced. If you think you may need repairs or you suspect it may be time for air conditioner installation, contact our team for help. At One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating of Dallas, we know just how important it is for your home to be comfortable.
See our most recent blog on this topic here.