Every situation is unique but generally if you answer yes to any of the following questions your system should be replaced –
Is your system over 10 years old?
Are you interested in lowering your utility bills?
Does your system use R-22 refrigerant?
Does your system require frequent service or repair?
Is your system too noisy?
R-22 was a popular refrigerant that will no longer be manufactured. Older AC systems will become more and more expensive to maintain as R-22 refrigerant becomes more scarce.
The average lifespan of a properly maintained AC system is around 10 years. Even air conditioners that are still running should be replaced after 10 years. Why? Modern systems use considerably less energy than older systems and offer a substantial return on investment.
According to Energy Star, you should service your system twice a year to keep it running as efficiently as possible. House Pro recommends servicing your cooling system before Summer and heating system before Winter. However, servicing your system late is better than not at all.
Manual J, “Residential Load Calculation,” published by the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA), is the recommended method for sizing cooling system in the United States. It takes into account local climate, size, shape and orientation of the house, window area, type and location, air infiltration, the number and ages of occupants, comfort preferences, and the size and amount of lighting (because they generate heat).
According to the EPA, your indoor exposure to pollutants could be anywhere from 2 to 100 times as high as the air outdoors. House Pro offers media filters, humidity control products, Germicidal Ultraviolet lights, and more for those interested in improving IAQ.
The air handler helps your system to circulate, filter, and control humidity levels of your conditioned air.
Central air conditioners remove heat and dehumidify, or take away moisture from the air. They have air filters for removing dust and other particles. Warm indoor air passes over a very cold coil that removes the heat and moisture. Lowering the humidity level makes the air temperature more comfortable. Moisture removed from the air collects in a pan underneath the indoor coil, and is sent to a house drain. The unit’s blower circulates the air, while refrigerant inside the coil cools it, and the outdoor compressor transfers heat from inside the home to the outside.
North American Technician Excellence (NATE) is the nation’s largest non-profit certification organization for heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration technicians. Headquartered in Arlington, VA, NATE is the certification organization governed, owned, operated, developed and supported by the entire HVAC industry.
