Why Fall is the Best Season to Replace Your Air Conditioners

Air conditioners are an expensive but necessary tool to keep us cool in the hotter seasons but when summer is finally over, there’s the collective sigh of relief as homeowners can finally put their air conditioner to rest in prep for the colder seasons. Just because there is a lack of heat, however, doesn’t mean you should completely ignore your air conditioner until the next spring. Over time heat and use can break down your air conditioner, and leaving it unattended for the next six months can result in expensive repairs or worse, a busted ac unit in need of replacement. Replacing your air conditioner before the summer season is not only the best way to avoid some dangerous and expensive safety hazards, but it guarantees you can enjoy your spring and summer comfortably.

Why You Should Replace Your Air Conditioners Ahead of Time

Homeowners rely on a lot of appliances for comfort, and your air conditioner is on the top of that list. Nobody wants to turn their air conditioner on a hot summer day just to discover it isn’t working. Replacing your air conditioner in the fall not only guarantees a cool house, come summer, but it saves you the extra money and trouble of a damaged and overworking air conditioner. Here’s how replacing your air conditioner early can help you.

• You save money. The older your air conditioner, the more prone it is to break down. An outdated air conditioner has to work harder and run longer just to keep your house cool, and that means higher utility bills. Replacing your air conditioner in the fall saves you the unnecessary utility bill expenses and buys you time to find the best deals and contractors.
• You get what you want. Air conditioners typically last 15-20 years. The technology and capabilities have improved, which gives you more options to choose from when it’s time to replace your air conditioner. This can be particularly good if you need something better or already have major home renovations planned, as you can take your time to pick the air conditioner that best suits your needs.
• You get a better air conditioner. On top of newer technology, replacing your old air conditioner gives you the chance to replace it with something that’s energy efficient. If you rely heavily on your air conditioner in the summer, you’ll want to consider an energy efficient air conditioner. The more energy efficient your new air conditioner is, the more it can keep up with cooling your house and cutting down on your utility bills. Replacing your air conditioner early with a more efficient air conditioner also gives you time to experiment and discover the best ways to conserve energy.

When It’s Time to Replace Your Air Conditioners

Damaged air conditioners left untreated can result in some nasty safety hazards such as mold, leaking refrigerants, and even electrical fires. A damaged air conditioner can also cost hundreds of dollars to repair, and replacing a damaged air conditioner can cost thousands. Waiting last minute when it’s already hot and humid out, however, puts a strain on choosing your next air conditioner wisely. Air conditioning shouldn’t be a luxury to take for granted, as a summer without a functioning ac unit can be miserable. The fall season is the best season to replace your air conditioner, but if it’s time to replace your ac unit, you shouldn’t wait. Here are a few warning signs to look out for.

• No cool air. A lack of cool air or warmer air coming out of your air conditioner can be a sign of an urgent repair. If you notice your ac unit just isn’t circulating cool air like it should be, it could be a sign that the compressor has failed or that your unit has low Freon levels. Either problem, however, usually means it’s time to replace your air conditioner.
• Poor air flow. Weak or little air flow coming from your air conditioner can be another sign of a failed compressor. Air that flows in some rooms but not others can a warning that there’s something wrong with your air ducts and should be repaired immediately. Over time dust and debris are collected inside your air conditioner which can eventually obstruct the air flow and cause health problems.
• Strange sounds. It’s common for an ac unit to make some noises, but unpleasant, unusual sounds such as grating, squealing, or grinding noise can be a problem. If you hear a squealing sound, there could be a metal component that needs lubrication or a belt has slipped out of place. A grinding sound might mean your motor’s bearings are broken.
• Foul odors. You should never smell anything coming out of your ac unit, but if you smell something musty, there could be mold inside and that should be treated immediately. A foul, electrical smell, however, means the wiring insulation has burned out and that can leave you at risk of an electrical fire.
• Moisture where it shouldn’t be. Your air conditioner shouldn’t leak either, but if it is, you should have it replaced immediately, as it could be leaking toxic refrigerants.

Don’t Wait for Summer

Your health and comfort should never be at risk, especially if you can avoid it. Replacing your air conditioner in the fall can spare you the stress of frantically finding a new ac unit in the sweltering heat. If it’s time to replace your air conditioner, don’t hesitate to contact a HVAC contractor today.

Call Jones Services today for more information on air conditioners!