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The choice of whether to replace your air cooling unit or fix your current a/c unit is a major one that can affect your safety, comfort and financial wellbeing. Whatever the case, one thing is for certain: Adelaide homeowners want to be sure that their air conditioners are in good shape for a hot, long summer of hard work.
If you’re trying to manage repair work and parts that are broken or simply looking to cut costs on your electric bill, now is the best time to evaluate the benefits and costs for making the right decision. It might not be what you thought. There are other factors to consider but these 10 subjects should be at the top of your list.
1. HVAC Equipment Age
HVAC equipment manufacturers state that central air conditioners will last between 15 and 20 years however don’t be relying on this when you live in Adelaide. The AC units in Adelaide work harder and last longer than those in the midwestern and northern climates. You should expect 8 to 15 years of service if the equipment is installed properly and maintained. The quality of the original equipment, its capacity and performance in the operation of an air conditioner is key elements.
Wear and tear is a part of any mechanical item, however regular maintenance can help to ensure that you get the best from your money, with regards to efficient operation and durability.
The refrigerant used is one of the major factors when it comes to the age of equipment for air conditioning. The majority of AC units built before January 2010 used an R-22 refrigerant (Freon) however, since that time there is no new equipment that is available that uses the R-22 refrigerant. The more environmentally-friendly R-410A (also known as Puron) now is the standard.
In accordance with international treaties as well as US law, the manufacturing of R-22 has been progressively reduced since 2010, and will stop completely by 2020. In the future only recycled R-22 refrigerant will be readily available. Because R-22 refrigerant production is fallen, the prices have reached $100 per pound, as well as more and will continue to rise.
When your AC suffers from an issue with refrigerant and needs more Freon it is possible that to pay by thousands or thousand dollars just for refrigerant.
2. Frequency of Repairs
While there is no reason not to require the home air conditioning repair services in Adelaide at least once every few years but constant repairs can quickly add to the cost for homeowners and can be warning signs of larger issues to be expected in the future. Many homeowners neglect their HVAC equipment for as long as it’s working and do not invest in regular maintenance.
Consider regular maintenance, or regular AC tune-ups as physical examinations for your air conditioning. AC technicians can detect small problems and address them before they turn into major issues. For instance, a damaged AC capacitor can be fixed quickly and cheap repair. If it is not dealt with an issue with the capacitor, it can cause compressor failure, which is a more costly repair that could take thousands of dollars to fix.
The best equipment, properly maintained and installed will not require a significant investment in repairs during the first five to ten years. If you’re spending excessively in order to maintain your AC unit in operation or having trouble keeping up with regular failures, it might be cheaper in the long run to upgrade your AC cooling system instead of repairing it constantly. it.
Are you unsure of how to select the right central air conditioning unit? Take a look at our article on the right way to pick the right central air conditioning system for your house.
3. Long-term Vs. Short-term Costs to Replace an Air Conditioner
Sometimes, the cost of fixing something is more expensive than the expense of replacing it. For instance replacing a compressor within Central Air System would cost between $1,500 and $3,000 installed, based on the its size.
When you’re faced with expensive repairs, it’s crucial to weigh the cost of repairs in the short term (say the cost of an entirely replacement compressor) with the long-term durability for the AC unit. A cooling system that is older (8-15 years) which is deteriorating generally isn’t worth it in the event of a large repair expense.
Newer AC units that are in good shape aren’t required to be replaced and might still have warranty coverage from the factory. If the cost of repair will be between 25 and 50 percent of the total cost to replace the cooling system, the advantages and lower long-term costs will likely outweigh the short-term savings.
4. Your Energy Bills Keep Increasing
There are a variety of reasons you could be paying more for costs for energy, such as rising energy costs and increased consumption. However, if your electricity provider has not increased your rate and you’re paying more, check that your AC is running properly.
Every use of electricity will keep the meter running however, the central HVAC system in your home can be a significant energy hog. EnergyStar.gov declares that that in the average Adelaide home, heating and cooling make up 42% of the total energy costs. In the scorching Adelaide climate, air cooling accounts for a more than the average national.
Air conditioners are less efficient as time passes due to wear and wear and tear. Repairing damaged components can assist in keeping them operating however an inefficient system will consume a lot of energy and will cost a lot of money.
The rating of energy efficiency for the season (SEER) will be the guide to efficiency. the higher the score, the more efficient your air cooling system is. This simple SEER calculator will show the amount of savings between dollars. When your AC unit is between 5 and 10 years old or older, it likely to not functioning at the SEER rating it was originally assigned.
5. Air Conditioner Runs Constantly or Shuts Off Too Soon
On hot Adelaide days air conditioner do not get much sleep however they shouldn’t be running all the time. There are many causes for this to be the case, and all need immediate attention.
A filthy or frozen evaporator coil can hinder cooling. For instance, a smaller air conditioner may struggle to keep running. Continuous running decreases the pressure inside the evaporator (cooling) coil until it thaws. If you notice warm air flowing from registers and you notice that the air conditioning is on stop it and have the help of an AC technician to assist you.
Air filters that are blocked or restricted which don’t permit adequate airflow can cause a decrease in cooling because they don’t allow sufficient air flow to the coils. A low refrigerant level or a malfunctioning thermostat could also be the cause of the cause, as could an unreliable blower or fan motor.
6. Your House Is Excessively Dusty
Dust that is a lot to be found appear on furniture and in the air can be the result of poorly sealed HVAC ducts that circulate air throughout the home. A leak in the duct can allow dusty air from the attic enter the HVAC system, and then move away from your attic into living spaces.
It’s a frequent issue which can be addressed by an AC technician. This is a plus: sealing air ducts that aren’t properly sealed can boost your HVAC’s effectiveness by as much as 30 percent.
The presence of excessive dust could also indicate an insufficient air filtering. One option is to replace your filters, but be aware not to overdo it by using a filter that’s not specifically designed for your specific system. This could cause the inability to circulate air. Check out the number 9 below.
7. Strange Noises or Loud Operation
Older, 10 SEER single-speed units can be very noisy during normal use, particularly the compressor fans, which could be like a tiny helicopter operating in normal operation. Newer, higher-efficiency air conditioners run much quieter. You’ll know if you hear noises that you shouldn’t be hearing.
A rattling or clicking sound typically is electronic, for example, an electronic switch or a control. The motor mounts of compressors that are loose cause the sound of a rattle. The loud banging sounds usually signify broken parts that is not functioning properly, like the crankshaft, piston or rod.
The sound that is buzzing could be a result of the compressor unit that is being carried through by the blower or it could be a loose fan motor or blade. The sound of squealing could be an issue with a blower motor or a fan motor that is failing. Sounds that pop are likely to come from the ducts and be a sign of a leaky seal.
The most important thing is that a scream whistling, hissing or whirling sound could indicate a leak in refrigerant. Find a professional to take note of any of these noises.
8. Air Conditioner Runs Too Hot or Too Cold
As we’ve discussed, if your central air conditioner isn’t creating the temperature you have set it, you could be experiencing an issue with the air flow, sizing or the ductwork. The issue could also be within the electronic circuitry, or be the result of a malfunctioning part, however don’t forget the obvious: your thermostat.
A thermostat that isn’t responding to heating or cooling inputs, or commands, could be a fixable issue. An AC tech can examine the thermostat. If it’s functioning correctly, it could be in a poor location. Thermostats that are placed close to kitchens, air vents and doors, windows or even in direct sunlight will likely result in poor results.
The ideal place to put the thermostat is inside a wall that is not in the other places mentioned. It should be located in an area in which people are spending time. This implies that a hallway isn’t the ideal place for the thermostat unless you are spending the majority of your time there.
A thermostat upgrade could help as well. WiFi thermostats are programmable thermostats one step higher and allow you to control and monitor your heating and air conditioning at any time via internet connection. They also track your usage to let you see how much energy you’re making use of.
9. Indoor Air Quality
We’ve addressed the indoor air quality somewhat earlier the topic, but it should be explored further. For those with asthma, allergies, and respiratory ailments, or aren’t a fan of taking in all the sludge they breathe in when the sun shines this is a significant aspect to take into.
The most commonly used indoor air contaminants are:
- Dust
- Pet Dander
- Smoke
- Chemicals
- Mildew and mold
- Dust Mites
- Lint
- Fungus
- Cooking oil
- Bacteria
Each of them poses a risk to your family’s health in the short and longer-term health. This can be mitigated or eliminated by using high-quality HVAC equipment. Before you invest, check whether the HVAC equipment is installed in conjunction with your existing central heating and air conditioning system, in addition to all the repair and replacement factors mentioned in the previous paragraphs.
The most basic air filter for central HVAC systems is a one-inch filter. The next stage of protection is a four-inch box filter, which captures smaller particles However, it needs the right pressure to push air to pass through without impede the flow of air. If you are changing your filters yourself, this page will explain the difference between the MERV, FPR and MPR filters.
The most efficient method to improve indoor air quality is to install a whole-house air cleaner that is able to trap airborne particles that are as small as .1 micron. The majority of indoor airborne pollutants measure .3 millimeters and less. Therefore, the systems can remove the equivalent of 99.98 percent of all airborne pollutants. Many who use these systems say that they no longer need to clean their furniture.
If you are replacing your HVAC system, you ought to think about the possibility of an electronic air cleaner for the whole house to go beyond just cooling and ensure that your family breathes clean and healthy.
10. How Long You Plan to Stay in Your Home
Are you looking to relocate or to retire? These are crucial considerations to make whether you decide to repair your air conditioner as well as install a new one. The obvious logic behind buying a low-cost AC system when you are aware that you’re moving might not be the best choice. The idea of not buying the top model is sensible but don’t make the mistake of going too low.
The thought of retiring and staying at home is an even more convincing argument for a brand new energy efficient heating and cooling system. You’ll enjoy lower costs for energy and enjoy the security and security of a new system.
Conclusion
The choice to replace or repair your air conditioner can be a personal health, comfort and financial choice. Be sure to take into consideration these 10 aspects when you make your decision.
- Equipment age
- Repair frequency
- Long-term vs. short-term costs
- Costs of electric power are rising.
- The air conditioner is running continuously or stops working too quickly.
- House is extremely dirty
- Unusual sounds or noisy operation
- Too hot or cold
- Mildew and mold
- How long do you plan to be staying in your home
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