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Many homeowners across San Antonio wrestle with deciding the right time to replace their heating & cooling system. Here are 10 indicators that point to the fact that your HVAC system is ready for an overhaul.
In most cases, you will find investing in a new, energy-efficient system, will save you money in the end. With a new heating & cooling system, you should not have unexpected repair bills or increased utility costs.
If your heating and cooling system is older than ten years of age, then chances are, it utilizes freon (or R-22) coolant. Owing to its harm to the environment, the manufacturing of R-22 has been retired across the globe. There are options to convert the coolant chemical to a safer agent. However, you should weigh the costs of this repair in addition to others on the horizon of an aging system. If your HVAC system is 10 years or older, you may be saying, “it’s time.”
When the temperatures warm up in San Antonio, homeowners will be clicking on their air conditioners. Your heating and cooling system has one purpose in life – to keep your home comfortable – cool in the hot summer months and warm in the cold winter months. If you run your air conditioner and find that warm air or no cool air is blowing out, then you know you have a problem.
If you turn your system’s air conditioner on for the first time this spring and notice that the airflow from the AC return vents are barely pushing out cool air, then your system may have a problem. The issue could be as small as a clogged air filter (air filters require regular replacements). Lack of airflow could be an indicator of a broken motor, blower fan, or an even more serious problem.
It is normal for a heating and cooling unit to make low-level sounds as it starts up and shuts down. However, if you are hearing uncommon noises – loud bangs and thuds, grinding, grating, and whistling – then your HVAC system is not well. If your system makes a buzzing or rattling sound, your heating and cooling system may have a loose part.
An air conditioning system should be equipped to keep moisture levels under control. If you notice that the inside of your home is just as humid as the weather outdoors, then your system needs a recalibration. HVAC systems should naturally be pulling humidity out of your home. If they are not doing this job, then other issues could be on the horizon.
If you notice foul smells coming from your HVAC system not only is it annoying, it could be an indicator of a greater problem with your unit. Musty smells from your air conditioner vents, could be an indicator of mold or mildew growing in the ventilation ductwork. A professional duct-cleaning could remove the microbials causing the odor.
While minor condensation around your cooling system is expected, heavy drainage or leaks are signals of an issue with your HVAC. A drainage tube is the element of your HVAC that draws condensation away from your cooling system and outside of your home. If the condensation drain is clogged, then your system’s condensation drip pan may overflow causing water damage to ceilings or walls (depending on the placement of your AC system).
Short-cycling is when your HVAC turns off before a cycle is completed. While one cause of short-cycling could be that your HVAC is too large for your home, another cause will lead you down the road of repairs. Short cycling is an indicator that your system is running harder than it should because of an issue.
If your utility bill for your HVAC suddenly spikes and is not in line with the temperatures outside, it could be an indicator that your system is working harder than it should. A heating and cooling system that is overworked means it is not running efficiently.
If you are frequently sinking money repairing an aged HVAC unit, then a new more energy-efficient system could be your best bet. If it’s time for a new unit for your home’s HVAC, contact us to evaluate your out-of-date system and guide you in the most efficient heating and cooling system for your home.
Reach out to the Airtegrity team today for all your comfort needs!
