Do You Need Air Conditioner Repair or Replacement This Year?
Air conditioners do more than keep the air cool and comfortable. A/Cs also filter particulates in the air to keep indoor air clean and free from harmful pollutants. However, air conditioner efficiency will decrease over time, with age, and regular wear-and-tear. Even with proper maintenance, the average air conditioners will last 10-15 years, at most. Sooner or later, your trusty air conditioner will start to show problems that will require either repair or replacement.
Central Air Conditioner Services Litchfield NH: When To Repair Vs. Replace Your AC
Knowing when to repair or replace is essential. This way, if your home requires an air conditioner replacement soon, you can prepare ahead of time and make an informed decision. In this article, we discuss some aspects to consider when deciding whether your air conditioner needs a repair or replacement.
The Age Of Your Cooling System In Your Litchfield Home
Any air conditioning unit that is over 10 years old may require a replacement for several reasons. First, older air conditioners tend to be less efficient operationally. The compressor in an old air conditioner consumes more power. Although it is replaceable, there are other components in the unit that may be incompatible with the new compressor or have already given in to the normal wear-and-tear that goes with age and regular use.
Age also affects the integrity of the components. Some may be worn out or rusted, which means that the unit is running on borrowed time. Some parts may be replaced, of course, and as long as the system runs smoothly, there should be no issues. However, once component replacements become frequent, consider an air conditioner replacement. If you happen to have an older system as well, say a unit that is at least 15 years old, it is time to buy a new air conditioner.
Consider Efficiency When Deciding To Repair Or Replace
Efficiency refers not just to the capacity of the unit to consume lower amounts of electricity. It also refers to its capacity to produce cool, comfortable air. Efficiency equals cost savings, a feature that older AC systems may no longer have. Newer air conditioning systems are designed to consume less energy without sacrificing their function. They are far more energy-efficient since manufacturers have to sell products that meet government mandates that dictate a minimum SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio). This rating will help a household save on the cost of electricity required to run the system. So for systems that are over 10 years old, the verdict is an air conditioner replacement.
What Is The Cost Of Your Air Conditioning Repair?
The cost of repair of an air conditioner should not go over $5,000. If the air conditioner conks out or shows signs of problems, experts recommend calculating the cost of repairs versus the age of the system before considering an air conditioner replacement. For example, let’s say the cost of repairs for a 9-year-old air conditioner comes up to $400. By multiplying the age of the system (9) by the cost of repair (400), we can come up with the figure $3,600. This figure is still within the $5,000 limit and should be acceptable. If the cost is over that figure, consider an air conditioner replacement.
Does Your Current Air Conditioner Use R-22 Coolant?
R-22 (“R” stands for refrigerant) is a colorless chemical compound used in older refrigeration and cooling systems to cool air. It is commonly used in home and commercial air conditioners and some central air conditioning units. It is proven to be useful as a coolant but is considered harmful to the environment. While R-22 itself is non-toxic, odorless, non-corrosive, and non-flammable, the molecules of the compound deplete the ozone layer when they are released into the air.
This negative effect is the reason why the U.S. has begun to phase out the compound, banning its manufacture and import in 2020. In North America, R-22 is no longer being manufactured. The limit in its production is expected to increase its price significantly. With an increase in demand, the cost of maintaining an air conditioner that runs on R-22 will only become prohibitively expensive. If the air conditioner system was manufactured before 2010, it is likely that the coolant it uses is R-22 and will become more costly to use. Verdict? An air conditioner replacement.
Conclusion
When searching for an HVAC company that can perform an AC tune-up, repair, or replacement, contact Townsend Energy.
Our highly-trained, highly-qualified HVAC techs understand what it takes to keep your AC running at peak efficiency. When your AC is running as efficiently as possible, it will save you money on cooling costs. Also, it will prevent unnecessary air conditioner repairs and your AC will have the ability to keep your home nice and comfortable.
All of our HVAC services, including our central air conditioner services, are affordable. We back up our work with a warranty to guarantee your satisfaction. To schedule an appointment, give Townsend Energy a call today.
Some of the areas we service include Litchfield, Londonderry, Merrimack, Nashua and these zip codes 03052, 03053, 03054, 03060 as well as all surrounding areas in Hillsborough County, New Hampshire.
Contact us now at (800) 888-2888 to find out more!