When it comes time to switch on your air conditioning system, can you be confident it’s going to provide an entire summer’s worth of comfort for your family? Now’s the time to assess your AC situation, so you don’t get caught with a defective cooling system during the Dog Days.
Signs That It’s Time to Upgrade Your Air Conditioning System
Getting on in Years
The first thing you might consider when evaluating your current air conditioning unit is how old it is. After all, years of use always eventually lead to wear and tear. A central air conditioning system can typically last 15-20 years if properly maintained and routinely serviced. However, the 10-year mark is when you should give your AC unit a closer look.
Even if your older AC system seems to be working fine, the wear from its age means it must work harder to keep your home cool. That means it consumes more energy and is less effective at cooling, leaving you with a costly electric bill. At that point, it could be worth looking into some of the newer energy conscientious air conditioning models on the market today. Speaking of trying to save money…
Your Utility Bills Make You Cringe
Over time, your air conditioner’s efficiency may gradually decline. You’ll also find that today’s standard units use far less energy than their past counterparts. The best air conditioners on the market use 30% to 50 % less energy than those manufactured in the mid-1970s.
Replacing an air conditioner that’s just 10 years old can reduce your energy costs by 20% to 40%, according to the U.S. Department of Energy
Your AC has been in use for over a decade
Your air conditioner is not built to last an eternity, and if it has been in use for over a decade, you should start planning on getting a new model. Typically, after the 10-year mark, your AC will be less efficient than newer models in the market. Maintaining these units will also be costly as they will soon need to have major components replaced, or they will start breaking down more frequently.
High Humidity
At East Texas Refrigeration, we know firsthand how miserable the humidity can be during the summer months; there’s nothing better than escaping the hot, muggy outdoors to go inside a crisp, cool airconditioned room. That’s why it’s important to make sure your AC system is keeping your home at the appropriate humidity level.
High humidity levels can cause a whole slew of issues inside your home, from mold growth to wood damages. A properly working AC system should maintain a healthy humidity level to keep your home crisp and cool and not hot and muggy.
