Like most people throughout the United States, Pennsylvanians don’t think about their air conditioner as long as it’s working properly. However, during the hot summer months, if they turn on the air conditioner and it’s not functioning properly, they start to think about possible issues and ask some questions. If this describes you, read on.
1. When Should an Air Conditioner Be Replaced?
Several factors come into play when determining whether to replace or repair your air conditioner. First, consider the age of the unit. Typically, air conditioners last between 12 and 20 years. If your unit is over 10 years old and experiencing frequent issues, replacement might be more cost-effective than ongoing repairs.
Monitoring your energy bills is a good way to detect an issue. As air conditioners age, they become less efficient, leading to increased energy consumption. A noticeable uptick in energy costs could indicate that your air conditioner is nearing the end of its lifespan.
Consistent problems with leaky refrigerants are another sign that replacement may be necessary. Repairing refrigerant leaks is costly and can eventually lead to compressor failure. Additionally, older units may use outdated refrigerants, exacerbating the problem.
One way to consider repair versus replacement is to evaluate the cost of repairs against the age of your air conditioner using the “Rule of $5,000.” Multiply the age of your unit by the cost of the potential repair. If the total exceeds $5,000, investing in a new air conditioner is often more sensible. For example, if your 11-year-old air conditioner requires a $500 repair, the total cost would be $5,500, indicating that replacement is likely the better option.
2. Why Does the Air Conditioner Keep Freezing Over?
Understandably, parts of your air conditioner will become extremely cold. This is par for the course on how an air conditioner functions. However, if you notice ice building up on the evaporator coil, this indicates a refrigerant leak or an obstruction preventing warm air from flowing freely over the evaporator coil. If you observe your evaporator coils freezing, it’s recommended that you turn off your air conditioner and contact your HVAC technician to have them inspect it.
Another factor that could cause problems is your temperature settings. Setting the thermostat lower than 70 degrees Fahrenheit could cause your air conditioner to freeze, and it probably won’t cool your home any faster. A major reason for a frozen condenser is a clogged air filter. Air that passes over the evaporator coil first goes through the air filter. If the air filter is dirty, less warm air will blow over the evaporator coil, leading to ice buildup.
The issue could also lie with your evaporator coil. If it’s full of debris or dirt, it may lose its ability to transfer heat, resulting in icing. Finally, the blower fan on your air conditioner might be malfunctioning. The fan not only blows cool air through the ductwork in your home but also circulates warm air back to the evaporator coil.
3. Why Is the Air Conditioner Leaking?
One of the ways that your air conditioner cools your home is by pulling humidity from the air. So, you would expect this process to create some condensation. However, your air conditioner is designed to collect and direct this condensation away from your home. If there is a leak, something is preventing the condensation from draining. The problem could be a rusted condensate pan that is dripping or a clogged condensate line. Leakage can also come from a frozen evaporator coil that is melting. Additionally, low refrigerant, installation issues, and a dirty air filter could all create conditions that would cause your air conditioner to leak. The best way to find out what is going on with your air conditioner is to talk to an HVAC technician and let them help you get to the root of the problem.
4. How Often Should Air Conditioning Filters Be Changed?
The frequency of air filter changes depends on factors such as your air conditioning model, usage frequency, and the type of filters you use. Consulting your HVAC technician is recommended to determine the optimal replacement schedule for your filters. They can provide expert advice on the frequency of changes and assist in selecting the right size and type of filter for your system. Furthermore, your HVAC technician can offer guidance on proper filter installation techniques to ensure efficient operation.
Air Conditioning Services in Huntingdon Valley, PA
At AAA Brothers Heating & Air Conditioning, we have more than three decades of experience providing stellar HVAC service for our neighbors. We are a Better Business Bureau-accredited company with an A+ rating. We have won several awards recognizing the quality of the work we do.
Our services include HVAC installation, maintenance, and repair. We install water heaters, home generators, boilers, and heat pumps and perform indoor air quality tests. Contact AAA Brothers Heating & Air Conditioning today and see what it’s like to work with a business that puts you first.
