If your air conditioner is more than 10 years old, it may be time to replace it. New advances in heating, ventilation and AC technology have improved energy efficiency, performance and humidity control. There are several indicators that your air conditioner may need to be replaced.
Telltale Signs Indicating It’s Time to Replace an HVAC Unit
Does your air conditioner need frequent repairs? Annual tune-ups examine all elements of a system to keep equipment performing properly, improve energy efficiency and extend the life of the unit. Hot, humid summers and cold winters typical of the Atlantic City-Philadelphia area make HVAC equipment work harder. Even the most well-cared for equipment eventually wears out.
Are your utility bills high? Almost 50 percent of household energy usage goes to heating and cooling. Older equipment is less energy-efficient than newer units. A new unit can save between 20 and 50 percent on heating and cooling costs, depending on the equipment that you choose.
Do you feel hot or cold spots in a room? There are many causes of uneven heating and cooling, including air leaks around doors and windows, not enough insulation in attics, walls and floors and poor equipment performance. Leaking ducts and or an improperly sized or maintained HVAC unit are common causes. New advances in heat pump technology and ductless mini-split units can help maintain consistent room temperatures.
Does your home have humidity problems? Improperly sized air conditioners translate to poor humidity control. An oversized unit will reach the target temperature and cycle off before enough humidity has been removed from the air, making rooms feel clammy. A unit that is not large enough will cycle on and off too frequently, eventually harming the compressor.
Does the unit make a lot of noise? Noise is one indication that the indoor coil may not be functioning properly. A poorly designed or improperly sized duct system may also be the culprit.
New Air Conditioner Installation
If you plan on replacing your heating and AC unit, there are several important things to keep in mind. A professional HVAC contractor will calculate the load for a new system including:
- Amount of direct sunlight and shade on roofs, walls and windows
- Number and orientation of doors and windows
- Amount of insulation in attic and walls
- Number of people occupying rooms
- Placement of kitchen, laundry room and garage
New technology has made air conditioners quieter, more energy-efficient and with better humidity control. Standard compressors turn on, emit a blast of cold air, then turn off when the target temperature is reached. Variable speed compressors respond to the heat load of the house. Most of the time, the compressor operates at lower speeds to maintain temperature and regulate humidity. When temperatures rise, the unit runs at higher speeds. This results in less cycling on and off and more consistent temperature and humidity control.
McAllister Services
McAllister Service Company has served the South Jersey region for more than 100 years. We provide a full range of heating and AC services including:
- New heating and air conditioning installation
- Repair and maintenance on all makes and models of equipment
- 24-hour emergency service
- Licensed, insured and bonded
- 100 percent satisfaction guaranteed
We offer a range of products for heating and air conditioning installation, from geothermal heat pumps to ducted HVAC units. As a Carrier Factory Authorized Dealer, our technicians undergo regular training to stay at the leading edge of the industry and are certified by NATE in core competencies and specialties. We care about your personal comfort and make sure that equipment is properly sized and installed for optimum performance.
To find out more about how new technology in heating and air conditioning can improve your indoor comfort and save money on utility bills, call us today at 800-757-4122 and speak to one of our technicians.
