How to Tell If Your Air Conditioner Needs to Be Replaced
Unlike a split system, which has separate indoor and outdoor components, a packaged air conditioner has all the essential parts in one unit, usually located on the roof or wall of your building.
Air conditioning works by transferring heat from indoor air to the outdoors via a cooling agent, or refrigerant.
Installation
An air conditioning system should be installed by a professional. A pro will ensure that all the piping and wires are properly connected and sealed, and they may recommend the installation of new ductwork or vents to keep cooling systems efficient throughout the home. They will also evaluate the cooling needs of each room to determine what size air conditioner is needed for the space.
If a window unit is being installed, the installer will measure the space to make sure the AC fits correctly in the window frame. It is important to use the proper sized unit for your home to prevent air leaks and inefficient operation. The installer will also check the air conditioner’s seasonal energy efficiency rating (SEER), which rates how much Btu an AC removes for every watt of electricity it consumes. A higher SEER rating is more expensive upfront, but it can save you money on energy bills over time.
Once the installer has completed the piping and wiring connections, they will prepare to install the AC unit in your window. They will carefully raise the window sash, and with an assistant’s help, set the AC unit on top of the sash, directly in front of the metal flange that runs across the top of the unit. If provided, they will attach the L-brackets to the bottom of the sliding windowpane’s lower edge and the side of the window frame, preventing the sash from being raised or the AC unit from falling out of the window.
Operation
An air conditioning system controls the atmospheric conditions for comfort in the summer. It works by drawing air to the evaporator and then distributing cool air over the room using a duct system. Depending on the type of air conditioner, there are four fundamental aspects it can control: air temperature, movement, humidity and quality.
Regardless of whether it is a split-system or a packaged unit, the process starts with the compressor pumping low-pressure liquid refrigerant into the indoor evaporator coils. This vapor absorbs the heat from the warm air in your home, cooling it down. The refrigerant then moves to the outdoor unit, which houses the condenser coil. The fan blows hot air across the coil, releasing the heated refrigerant into the atmosphere.
The cooled refrigerant now in the form of a liquid moves to the compressor, which increases its pressure until it is at the same temperature Air conditioner as the outside air. It then passes through the condenser coil and transfers this heat to the air around it. As the cooled refrigerant returns to the evaporator coil, it changes back into a liquid. This cycle continues until the thermostat determines that the interior air is at a comfortable temperature. Once this happens, the air conditioner will shut off until the thermostat senses that the room temperature has risen again.
Maintenance
Just like your car, air conditioners need regular maintenance to keep them running smoothly. Regular HVAC maintenance by a professional prevents small problems from becoming major, costly repairs and gives you peace of mind that your system is working correctly.
Start by ensuring that power is not flowing to the unit – you can do this by removing the breaker or by moving the switch into the off position. It is a good idea to shut off power at the exterior shut-off box near the unit, too.
Next, examine the fan blades for cracks and chips, and make sure that the wires are not scorched or frayed. You can usually do this by examining the top of the unit and looking around the perimeter. You should also clean the area around the unit by sweeping away leaves and debris and minimizing plant growth within a two-foot radius of the condenser coil.
You should also remove the front cover of the air conditioning unit (depending on the model, this may be fastened with tabs or knobs). Using a brush and some slightly soapy water, remove any dirt that is stuck inside. Make sure that the aluminum fins are not bent – this can block air flow and decrease efficiency, so check that they are straightened. If necessary, you can use a tool from an air conditioning wholesaler to comb them back into their original condition.
Replacement
If you have been dealing with expensive repairs and your home’s temperature has been inconsistent, you may want to replace your air conditioner. Several signs of a need for replacement include:
The age of your unit: Older units are less efficient and will increase energy costs. You also need to consider the life expectancy of new units as well as the cost of repair. An industry rule of thumb is that if the repair costs exceed $5,000, it is time to replace your AC.
Energy efficiency: The higher the SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating, the more efficient your system is. The SEER is calculated over a cooling season at various temperatures rather than at one point, which makes Air conditioner it more accurate than the EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio) ratings used by some lower-quality models.
A matched system: Air conditioning systems are usually made up of two matching components — an indoor furnace/air handler and an outdoor air conditioning unit. Replacing either the indoor or outdoor unit without replacing the other will reduce your system’s overall efficiency and can lead to additional failures.
Advanced technology: The HVAC industry has seen some significant advances in recent years. You can now find units with a higher level of efficiency, indoor air quality innovations, smart thermostats and zoning technology that allows you to control the temperature of different areas of your home.