St. Paul Air Conditioning Repair
As winter’s cold is replaced with the heat of summer, it’s time to start thinking about your air conditioner. Now that the heat of summer is upon us you’re going to need all the relief you can get. Before you shut your A/C down last fall everything was working the way it should, as far as you can remember. Even so, you’ll want to make sure before it becomes a necessity. So, you adjust the thermostat and wait for the air conditioner to kick in, but it doesn’t seem to be working right. Will it have to be replaced? Here are some ways that you can tell if it’s time for a new air conditioner.
The Air Conditioner Is More Than 15 Years Old
On average, residential air conditioners have an useful life of around 15 years if they’re properly maintained. But, once they’re past 10 years old repairs can become more frequent and more costly. If your A/C unit is more than 10 years old, you may be better off replacing it with a newer, more energy-efficient air conditioning unit.
Your Air Conditioner Isn’t Producing Cool Air
When you reach for your air conditioner’s controls, hoping for a blast of cool air and it doesn’t come, there may be a serious problem with the unit. It could be a compressor problem, clogged filters, or a faulty thermostat that’s the culprit, but it may be more. If AC repairs are extensive, or too expensive, a replacement might be the best bet.
You Hear Strange Noises Coming from the Air Conditioner
When you turn on your air conditioner, you can expect to hear it running as well as the sound of the air rushing through the vents. Any other noises, like clanking, banging, rattling, or squeaking are a sign something’s wrong with the unit. If your unit’s older than 10 years, or has had frequent issues, it’s probably time to consider purchasing a replacement.
There’s an Odd Odor Coming from the Air Conditioner
Much like strange sounds, odors that come from your air conditioner indicate that there’s a problem that needs to be addressed. This is especially the case if you smell smoke or an acrid burning odor, which indicates the unit is overheating and ready to quit working. Immediately turn off the unit and call a professional to check it out.
You Have Issues with High Humidity in Your Home
Air conditioners help to moderate and control the amount of humidity inside a home along with cooling the air. An older A/C unit won’t be able to remove enough humidity to keep the home cool and comfortable in the summer. In the winter, the air can be too dry. A new air conditioner will help eliminate humidity issues year-round.
Your Air Conditioner Has a Low SEER Rating
If your current air conditioner has a low SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio), it’s not as energy-efficient as it could be. This is likely the case if your A/C is more than 10 years old. If your unit has a SEER of less than 13, consider installing a new unit with a higher rating. You’ll save money in the long-run on your utility bills and your home will feel cooler and more comfortable.
Your Air Conditioner Needs Frequent Repairs
If your air conditioner is prone to breaking down and you have to get repairs done frequently, it’s a sign you should think about a new unit. How can you tell if repairs are too expensive? A good rule of thumb to go by is that if the cost of repairs would pay for a significant portion of a new system, a replacement is in order.
Your Air Conditioner Still Uses R-22 Freon
The federal government is restricting the use of R-22 Freon in an effort to conserve energy and reduce ozone depletion, and its cost is on the rise. If your air conditioner still uses Freon, and it’s in need of extensive repairs, it’s a good idea to consider a new unit that uses the environmentally friendly refrigerant, R410A.
Leaking Water and Frozen Air Conditioner Coils
When your air conditioner is working properly, there shouldn’t be any sign of water puddling around the unit and the coils should remain free of frost. If either of these conditions is affecting your A/C, it’s a good idea to have a qualified technician check the unit. If the problems persist, a replacement is generally recommended.
Replacing Your Air Conditioner Is Easy With Metro Heating & Cooling
If your Twin Cities air conditioner is experiencing any of the problems listed here, don’t hesitate to contact us at Metro Heating & Cooling. We’ll send out one of our highly trained, qualified HVAC technicians to inspect your unit. If repairs will suffice, we won’t pressure you to buy a new air conditioner, we’ll make the repairs right away. If, however, your unit needs to be replaced, we’ll help you choose the best unit for your home, making sure that it’s appropriately sized. We’ll also make sure it fits within your budget with our convenient financing options. After installation, we’ll be there to help you maintain your new air conditioner so that it provides comfort to you and your family for years to come.
