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Air Conditioning: Do you know when to replace the unit? [VIDEOS]

The summer heat is proving too much to handle, so you head indoors. But your air conditioning unit is acting up. You’ve done regular maintenance – the filters have been changed, an air conditioning expert inspected it last year. What’s the problem? It could be time to replace the unit. Here are some signs that could indicate a repair is not enough.

Frequent air conditioner repairs

Do you find yourself calling an air conditioning professional regularly to inspect your A/C unit? This is the first – and obvious – sign that your air conditioner should be replaced. The problem with consistently repairing the unit is there’s potential for each repair to get more and more expensive. Instead of spending more time and money to have the unit repaired, it’s more economical to replace the unit. Plus, do you really want to be stranded in the dead heat this summer? We didn’t think so!

Does the repairman know how you take your coffee and where you went to school? They've been doing too many repairs on your A/C unit then!

Does the repairman know how you take your coffee and where you went to school? They’ve been doing too many repairs on your A/C unit then!

The temperature is inconsistent

Do you find that you’re turning on the air conditioning unit, but the temperature never seems to regulate? When you walk into different rooms in your home, do you find that one is cooler than the other? These inconsistencies are a sign that the A/C unit is malfunctioning. To prevent inconsistencies and to keep your home’s temperature more balanced, it may be time to replace the unit.

Relying on a portable fan to cool off in your own home? Inconsistent temperatures are a result of a faulty A/C unit.

Relying on a portable fan to cool off in your own home? Inconsistent temperatures are a result of a faulty A/C unit.

The SEER rating is low

Every air conditioner has a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rating. This number measures how efficient the unit is. The higher the number, the more efficient the unit is, the less money you spend on energy.

When an air conditioning unit has a low SEER rating, it means the unit has to work twice as hard to pump cool air into your home. Low-energy units don’t have the capacity to cool your home. Not only that, but you may find your energy costs rising as a result of an inefficient unit.

Check out this chart for a guide on the relationship between SEER and energy costs:

Source: HomeAirConditioner.ca.

Source: HomeAirConditioner.ca.

Ready to save some money? An air conditioning expert listed on our database can retrofit your home with a new unit, one that’s efficient, will cool your home and help you save money every month!

The unit is old

How long have you had your air conditioning unit? If you can’t remember,that’s not a good sign! It’s quite possible that your air conditioning unit is no longer working because it’s old! Air conditioners typically last 10 years. Once it reaches that age, it’s time for you as a homeowner to think about what’s best for your house. Replacing an old and aging unit with a new one has many benefits:

  • New units have a higher SEER. The higher the number, the more efficient the unit.
  • New units don’t have to work as hard as older units, which automatically results in cost savings.
  • New units can aid in improving indoor air quality.

This video examines other signs to watch out for:

Buying a new air conditioning unit doesn’t have to be a difficult task. Before you look at our database of air conditioning professionals servicing your neighbourhood, be sure to check out this video on what you need to know before you buy a new one!

What’s the lesson to be learned? Do NOT take your air conditioner for granted! An air conditioner can break down at anytime, but repairs can only go so far before the unit itself is no longer viable. Speak to a professional air conditioning expert about giving your home what it needs: a new unit.

More in Air Conditioning

Air Conditioning: how to save money on this summer necessity

Is your air conditioning unit efficient? This expert tells us


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