When To Call a Professional for New AC Installation
Air conditioners are necessary pieces of equipment for home comfort. While the typical air conditioner can last around 25 years, most homeowners will need to replace one at least once in their lifetime. Seeing the estimates for AC installation can make homeowners want to do their due diligence and make sure they are making the right decision. Instead of paying high AC installation bills unnecessarily, most people want to ensure they get every last ounce of performance from their air conditioner.
Professionals can provide advice to help homeowners get the most from their cooling equipment. Here are a few signs that an air conditioner is failing, and AC installation may be the best choice.
The House Is Warm After a Cooling Cycle
Most people notice the first sign that an air conditioner is failing: the home is still warm and muggy even when the air conditioner is running. This can be evident by simply perceiving that the home is uncomfortable or by measuring the air temperature from the vents. Something is wrong if the air coming from the vents is not 15-20 degrees below ambient.
Long cooling cycles and warm, muggy homes can sometimes be fixed with good AC maintenance or a tune-up. However, if a homeowner has been diligent with maintenance over the years, this probably isn’t the case. Generally, the unit is simply too old and has lost too much efficiency. Air conditioner installation can restore lost performance and comfort and make the home livable again.
Energy Bills Are Noticeably Higher
The monthly power bill is another thing to check if the home feels warmer and more humid than usual. Air conditioners use a huge percentage of the home’s monthly bills, so if the power bills start to creep up, the air conditioner is likely the culprit. Sometimes, this can be hard to spot because it can happen over several years. In that period, energy prices will likely have increased to the point they disguise the problem. However, checking and tracking energy consumption yearly can help paint a better picture of the air conditioner’s performance.
Generally, air conditioners lose one percent of their efficiency every year after their fifth year in service. If an air conditioner has been in service for 20 years, homeowners can expect bills to be 15% higher than a decade ago. This rule can help homeowners predict the most profitable time for air conditioning installation.
Unusual Sounds or Smells
New sounds and smells are always a sign that AC repairs are needed, but they can also serve as markers for air conditioner installation. When lots of new smells and sounds are noticed in a short time period, it is a clear sign that systemic failures are occurring within the air conditioner. Often, the most cost-effective solution is replacing the system instead of fixing multiple problems at once and hoping it takes care of them.
About Barker Heating & Cooling
Barker Heating & Cooling helps residential and commercial customers with AC replacement. They also offer same-day service for most AC repairs, so owners don’t have to suffer through the summer. Call today for AC service in Livermore, CA & the Tri-Valley.
