A central air conditioning unit is a significant investment for any homeowner – but like any mechanical equipment, it won’t last forever.
The truth is that even with regular maintenance by a home cooling expert, a cooling system will only last somewhere between 10 and 15 years – and in the last few of those years, its efficiency might drop to the point where replacing it might be a better financial move than continuing to service it.
How do you know when it’s time to replace your central air conditioning system?
Another factor to consider in the repair/replace discussion is refrigerant: older home cooling systems used Freon (known in the industry as R22), which was deemed illegal in the U.S. after January 1, 2020. Sources of R22 are becoming scarce, and as they do the refrigerant becomes more expensive. New central air conditioning units feature safer, EPA-compliant R410A refrigerant.
Two other signs to look out for are excessive noise and dust. If you’re constantly seeing dust in your home – even after cleaning – there’s a good chance you have leaky ductwork. Those leaks compromise the performance of your air conditioning system, which means your bills will rise; a new A/C installation will address this problem.
If your air conditioner is excessively noisy, there is a chance your duct system isn’t large enough for the square footage of your home, or that you have a problem with the unit’s indoor coil – both reasons to consider an upgrade.
You may have noticed that when it comes to home cooling equipment, there are often significant advantages to replacing an older system. So is repair ever a viable option?
Yes, if:
A central air conditioner is an investment – and like any investment, you need to do your research to find the best way to spend your money. When it comes time to make your choice, be sure to call the pros at Fredericks Fuel & Heating Service.
Be ready – an A/C installation rush is coming! Once COVID-19 restrictions are lifted, we expect a surge in installations that could back us up for weeks. If you are ready to upgrade your home cooling system, lock in an appointment time with a deposit so you’ll be early on the list. Contact Fredericks today for a FREE, no obligation estimate on a cooling system installation in northern NJ.