Air conditioners are essential in Dallas. It would be difficult to survive the summer without an AC system. Normally, those air conditioning units provide sweet relief, but that's not always the case. Sometimes a unit refuses to work or causes extra problems during Dallas heat waves. It's those problems that usually make people start to think about a potential Dallas AC system update.
There are some reasons to keep an older AC system, especially if it's served you well and continues to do so. However, even in the best-case scenario for older cooling equipment, AC replacement usually comes with many more appealing benefits. When it comes to cooling buildings in Dallas, newer air conditioning systems are always superior to units from the past.
Is your current air conditioning unit causing problems? Wondering if it might be time to say goodbye? The Dallas HVAC service professionals at Aire Serv of Dallas are here to help you reach a decision. We've got the information you need about the warning signs that indicate your air conditioning equipment is failing—and several reasons why people choose an AC system update.
5 Warning Signs It’s Time for an AC System Update
1. Constant Repairs
Does your HVAC service professional visit your home more than your friends and relatives? While we're always happy to maintain a friendly relationship with folks in Dallas, we also think you should know that those recurring appointments for air conditioning repair are a serious warning sign.
It's normal to request professional air conditioner repair service for sudden issues. At the very least, many HVAC experts recommend an annual preventive air conditioner maintenance service to keep your AC system running well. Frequent repair visits are a different story, though. If you're making frequent appointments for repair service, you might be happier with choosing to update your AC system.
The 50% Rule
In the HVAC industry, experts use the 50% rule to determine whether it's time to replace a failing AC system. If your unit breaks down so regularly or catastrophically that the cost of repairs exceeds 50 percent of its original value, then replacement is a better option. The same rule can be applied to both heating and cooling; if you find that your HVAC system constantly needs repairs, you will want to get a new unit.
2. Old Age
Some machines in Dallas age gracefully as their years bring prestige and admiration, while others slowly break down, causing more and more problems for their owners. Unfortunately, AC systems tend to fall into that latter group. If you have an older AC unit that hasn't failed, consider yourself warned; those costly repairs might be just around the corner. Replacing that older temperature technology with something shiny and new will bring more comfort and more peace of mind.
How Old is Too Old?
When it comes to an AC system, 10 years is generally considered the turning point for effective service. Some units last as long as 15 years or more with preventive maintenance, but that's a rare anomaly in Dallas. Ten years is the replacement benchmark recommended by the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Energy Star program.
3. Performance Changes
Does your outdoor unit seem to be getting louder? Does it seem to be running for much longer periods of time? You're not imagining it. Older systems do tend to get louder and run for longer. Eventually, those changes in your unit's AC service will affect the cool comfort levels in your home, among other areas of your life.
Performance changes don't necessarily mean it's time for unit replacement, but you should still schedule service with a local HVAC company if you notice issues. Those problems will only get worse over time. Fixing loud noise or long cycles might only involve simple repairs like condenser coil replacement, but sometimes air conditioning replacement is recommended over repairs. In the worst situations, unaddressed issues cause catastrophic failures that force people to get replacement units.
4. Rising Utility Bills
Seasonal fluctuations in energy bills are normal in Dallas, but steadily rising bills are something that you should investigate. Age and wear have a direct impact on the efficiency of HVAC equipment. If you notice that your energy costs are steadily increasing as your AC system runs, then it might be time to think about air conditioner replacement. You will need an AC repair or replacement if you continue to see a spike in your bills.
5. Your System Uses R-22 “Freon” Refrigerant
It's no longer legal to produce or import R-22 refrigerant—also known as Freon—in the USA, according to the EPA. The reason for this ban is the negative effect that R-22 leaks have on the Earth's protective ozone layer. While it's still legal to service older AC systems that rely on Freon, maintaining the refrigerant levels of those systems will depend on recovered, recycled, or reclaimed Freon.
What Does the R-22 Ban Mean for People in Dallas?
As R-22 supplies run out, it will become more expensive to supply older units with Freon. The EPA also makes it clear that regulations surrounding R-22 could become stricter in the future, meaning that servicing Freon-dependent AC systems could become quite costly.
The gradual phasing out of Freon has been an ongoing process since 2010. Its progression stages are meant to help those with older systems transition away from Freon. As the ban reaches its final stages, it's becoming more important than ever to update AC systems that still use Freon.
What are the Benefits of Getting a New AC System?
Increased Efficiency
When it comes to any kind of HVAC equipment, efficiency is supreme. If you've been thinking about replacement, it's probably because your home or business isn't being cooled as effectively as it once was. Whether you have a split air conditioning system or a commercial central air conditioner, efficiency matters. The base performance of a newer unit will exceed the peak capabilities that your older unit is struggling to reach.
Reduced Carbon Footprint
As the R-22 ban shows, the environmental impact of cooling technology is a key consideration for many people. If you're concerned about energy conservation, then you should consider updating your older cooling equipment.
Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating (SEER) is the standard for measuring AC efficiency. Many older units have SEER scores as low as 6, far below the modern minimum of 13. Many new AC systems even exceed that current minimum SEER score, bringing even greater efficiency—and even greater reductions for your energy use.
Custom Control
Did you know it's possible to install zoned systems that create specific temperature pockets in different areas of your house? Does someone in your home prefer warmer or cooler temperatures than you do? Rather than fighting over the central thermostat, consider installing something more convenient for custom temperature control.
With mini-split air conditioning, it's easy to control the individual temperatures of specific rooms. Many modern systems also have specific schedule settings and even remote monitoring options for greater control over temperature settings in your home.
Full Upgrade Options
Is your current unit the correct size for your home? Are you using nothing more than a portable unit to cool yourself? An AC update isn't just a service that involves upgrading your current equipment with something of the same style. It's also an opportunity to consider if your cooling needs are being met with the type of unit you're using. If your current cooling technology is insufficient—or poorly matched to your home—you'll be happier with an upgrade that meets all your needs.
Energy Savings
Air conditioning costs are often a regular expense in Dallas, but it's possible to reduce those bills if you've got an older AC system ripe for replacement. Newer, energy-efficient air conditioning systems use less energy to provide more effective temperature control. That increased efficiency means your cool comfort will come at a reduced cost.
What to Look For When You Need a New Air Conditioner
Getting a new air conditioner because yours is on the way out is not something you have to fear, especially when you have Aire Serv of Dallas to provide you with service. When it's time to replace your HVAC system or your air conditioner, you will want to consider a few important factors.
Cooling Capacity
Cool air is the only reason why you want an AC unit to begin with, and making sure you don't have to struggle during a Dallas heat wave is something that is at the top of your list. BTU is a term you're going to want to be best friends with. Something to consider before you jump right into getting a new AC unit that has a ton of BTUs is the size of the room you're trying to cool. If you are living in a smaller apartment or townhouse, you won't need a unit that can heat a 3,000 sq. ft. home.
Energy Efficiency
You already know that a new AC can be a big upgrade for the environment and even lower your electricity bill when you replace your old unit with a higher SEER rating. What is a SEER rating? It's the measure of how energy-efficient a cooling system is. Anything from 14 - 25 on the SEER rating is a good thing and is the most common. There are higher ratings out there depending on your budget. Our HVAC professionals will be happy to review this with you and give you recommendations so that you are getting a system that works for you and has the values that you desire, not only for airflow but for the impact on the environment.
Noise Levels
Your old heating and air conditioning system might have been loud, and maybe that was something that bothered you. With a new system, you can reduce your noise, and it is something that you don't want to discount as something that isn't important to you when thinking about your air conditioner needs and wants. Your new unit is something that will be in your home for a very long time, at least for over ten years. Not only is not having to deal with warm air coming from the unit a priority, but so is having to deal with loud sounds when it turns on.
Make sure that you ask this question to ensure that you aren't stuck with a system that wakes you up in the middle of the night when it turns on.
Smart Features
Technology can either be a good thing or a bad thing, but in this case, we think it's a good thing! Your old HVAC or AC unit may have been a one-trick pony, but not a new system. When you need to replace your AC and install a new one, you will find that they have received quite the technology update in the last few years. Some air conditioners can run off Wi-Fi, which will allow you to set the temperature or turn it on with the click of a button. This can give you more freedom, especially if you are someone who likes to head out of town and go on vacation. The convenience of setting the temperature while you're away from home is very appealing to a lot of people and can even save them money when they don't need the house to be as cool.
Cost and Budget
We know this item will be high on your checklist because everyone has a budget, and cost is an important factor in what type of AC unit is right for you. The higher BTUs, SEERs, and special features like a timer are all things that can impact the price of your air conditioner purchase. Consider what is truly the most important thing to you when your air conditioner needs to be replaced. While having a wifi AC seems super cool at the moment, is it something that pushes you over the budget? If you don't have a large home, you also won't need a system with a lot of BTUs. A good rule of thumb is that roughly 1,500 BTUs will cool 150 sq. ft. As for the SEER rating, anything between 14 and 25 is a good rating. Unless it is one of the most important things to you, you can choose an AC unit with the average rating as opposed to one with the highest rating.
Say Goodbye to Your Old AC System—and Hello to Cool Comfort in Dallas
Are you an expert on the signs that your air conditioner needs to be replaced? We knew you would be after reading through all of our pointers and tips. Aire Serv of Dallas is your number one choice when you need help with your AC and other heating and cooling services.
If you're already thinking about replacement, chances are it's time to update your AC system. Aire Serv of Dallas is here to make the process painless. We'll help you determine if HVAC repairs might still be enough to help, and we'll take care of your entire update. All you have to worry about is which temperature setting to choose. If you live in the surrounding areas of Addison, Allen, Carrollton, Coppell, Farmers Branch, Garland, and more, put your trust in us and we will ensure that you get the replacement services that you need.
We always put our best foot forward and value each and every one of our customers. Give us a call today to get started!
