The Georgia heat can be brutal, but our team of experts at Georgia Air Cooling & Heating is here to help. We are Richmond Hill’s air conditioning replacement and installation experts, and we are just a call away.
Considering upgrading your AC unit or needing reliable repairs? Call our Georgia Air Cooling & Heating team today at 912-513-3741 to schedule reliable service in Richmond Hill.
As air conditioning experts and fellow Georgia residents, we understand the importance of having a fully functional cooling system. Whether your current unit is approaching the end of its working life or you want something more energy-efficient, you may be considering upgrading your AC unit. Before picking the least expensive or shinest option, you must consider several different factors to ensure you pick the perfect system.
Below, our team of AC experts outlines everything you need to know about upgrading your AC unit.
Signs You Should Upgrade Your AC Unit
Many signs indicate that it is time to upgrade your AC unit or at least get it checked by a team of professionals. These signs include:
Weak Airflow
Even when your air conditioning system runs, it doesn’t mean that it runs well. If your air conditioner is on, but there is insufficient airflow coming out of your vents, you could be experiencing one of the following problems:
- Blockage of your outside unit’s fans
- Dirty air filters
- Dirty blower fan
You may be able to address these problems on your own, like changing out dirty air filters. However, it’s always best to let a professional take a look and determine the cause of the problem.
Warm Airflow
Warm airflow can result from many different things, with some being as simple as a faulty thermostat or a thermostat set to an undesired setting. If you are frequently dealing with warm air coming from your air conditioner, it may be time to consider an upgrade. You should also consider upgrading to a programmable thermostat for maximum indoor temperature control and efficiency.
However, warm airflow can also indicate more serious issues, such as the following:
- Coils that need to be cleaned
- Refrigerant leaks
Both condenser and evaporator coils play a key role in how your air conditioner functions, as they convert your heat to cool air. Condenser coils typically fail due to dirt and filth, while evaporator coils typically fail due to leaking refrigerant or inadequate airflow.
Refrigerant transfers the heat from inside your home to the great outdoors. A refrigerant leak can thus hamper your air conditioning unit’s ability to do its job. Common causes of refrigerant leaks include corrosion, errors in the installation process or repair process, malfunctioning equipment, and regular wear and tear.
Water Damage Near Your Unit
Your AC unit has drain lines to accommodate the condensation that it accumulates. If these lines are blocked, your AC unit loses its effectiveness, and you could end up with water damage in your home. If you spot water damage near your air conditioner, it is time to investigate and call an HVAC professional.
Weird Smells, Sights, or Sounds
An air handler is part of your air conditioning unit that handles the air. It blows the air throughout your ductwork, connecting your air conditioner to the rest of the house.
A broken air handler, also known as a blower, could result in any of the following issues indicating a problem:
- Electrical burning smell
- Electrical burning marks in your ductwork
- Grinding or banging sounds
If you notice any of these issues with your air conditioner, call a technician as soon as possible to prevent the problem from worsening and creating a more expensive repair project.
Your AC Is Short Cycling
Professionals use the term short cycling to refer to when your air conditioner turns off quicker than the average unit. In this case, it is possible that your system runs more efficiently than other units, but it is also possible that this is happening due to airflow problems or components that are overheating. If your air conditioner is short cycling and your home is not reaching the desired temperature, HVAC professionals can help.
Your AC Fails to Turn On
When your unit fails to turn on, the most obvious place to look for answers is in the power system. Items to check include fuses, breakers, batteries, wiring, and motors. It is also possible that a clogged drain line or a more serious problem is affecting your air conditioning unit.
To get to the bottom of things, let experienced HVAC technicians inspect your unit and diagnose the problem.
Excessive Energy Bills
If your energy bill skyrockets during the summer more than you would expect it to, consider the possibility that your air conditioner is not working properly. Even a small problem with your air conditioner can cause inefficiency in the system, causing your SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating to drop.
Upgrading Your AC Unit: What to Consider
Knowing the signs of a faulty air conditioner can help you decide whether upgrading your AC unit is necessary. Once you decide it’s time for an upgrade, you must consider various factors to ensure you get the right unit for your home.
Size of AC Unit
When upgrading AC units, professionals always start with sizing the unit. To properly size an air conditioner, technicians calculate the required cooling load for your home using the Air Conditioning Contractors of America’s Manual J software.
This calculation includes factors such as the layout of your home, heat-generating appliances, window placement, landscaping, and overall energy efficiency. Using this method, AC technicians can determine which unit size will work best for you and your family.
Finding the proper size when making HVAC upgrades is smart in the long run, as overuse or underuse of your AC unit leads to harmful wear and tear and higher energy costs.
Many homeowners believe that they can’t get a unit too large for their home. However, having an air conditioner that’s too big can cause several issues, such as inefficiency and a shorter system lifespan. Similarly, a unit that is too small for your property will struggle to achieve the set indoor temperatures.
By properly sizing your air conditioner, you can get the perfect-sized unit and enjoy maximum efficiency and performance.
Corresponding Indoor & Outdoor Components
Split-system air conditioner units have two components, aptly named the indoor and outdoor components. When it comes time to upgrade your AC unit, it is best to upgrade both components at the same time. The reason for this is that each half was built for the other, so mixing and matching parts of your air conditioner can lead to your system running less efficiently. Mixing and matching can also require system modifications, which can be quite costly.
Lastly, if one part of your unit needs to be replaced, chances are the other half of the unit is close to experiencing problems as well, and it is cheaper to replace your air conditioning system in one fell swoop than in two separate stages.
SEER Rating
Your air conditioner’s SEER rating of your air conditioner represents how efficient your cooling system is. Older models score as low as 10, with newer models bottoming out at 13 and going all the way up to 20.
Although air conditioners with higher SEER ratings have higher initial costs, they pay for themselves over time by reducing energy consumption. As a result, they can help lower your monthly utility bills, all while you enjoy greater cooling and a more comfortable home.
Energy Star Certification
The Energy Star certification is an easy indicator that your unit meets high-efficiency standards. Along with the SEER rating, this should give you a good idea of the efficiency of the unit you are considering.
Energy-efficient air conditioners can save you money in more ways than one. Along with reducing your monthly energy bills, highly efficient systems are also more reliable than older, inefficient units. As a result, you can save money by avoiding the need for frequent repair services.
Proper Installation
Without proper installation, an upgraded air conditioner cannot deliver as many benefits, like improved efficiency and reliability. Before installing the new AC system, technicians should check the ductwork and thermostat. Ideally, the thermostat should be a safe distance away from any heat source to ensure proper indoor temperature readings.
Additionally, upgrading to a programmable thermostat can give you even more indoor temperature control and greater energy efficiency.
Georgia Air Cooling & Heating
Georgia Air Cooling and Heating is the trusted HVAC company with the skills and experience needed to keep you comfortable. We handle all types of air conditioning replacement, installation, repair, and maintenance in the Richmond Hill area.
Contact our team of experienced HVAC experts at Georgia Air Cooling & Heating today for all of your air conditioning needs. If you need help with your heating system, we do that too. So whether you are upgrading your AC unit or need an emergency repair, call (912) 513-3741.