The 5 Important Signs You Need to Update Your AC System

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? Aire Serv of Dallas is 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 AC System Update Signs

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 annual preventative 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 something called the fifty-percent rule to figure out if it's time to replace a failing AC system. If your unit breaks down so regularly—or so catastrophically—that the cost of repairs exceeds fifty percent of its original value, then replacement is a better option.

2. Old Age

Some machines in Dallas age gracefully as their years bring prestige and admiration, while others tend to 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, ten 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 Environment Protection Agency's (EPA) Energy Star program.

3. Performance Changes

Does your outdoor unit seem to be getting louder? Does it seem like it's running for much longer periods of time? You're not imagining it. Older systems do tend to get louder and run for longer. Those changes in your unit's AC service will eventually have an effect on the cool comfort levels in your home—among other areas of your life.

Performance changes don't necessarily mean that 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.

5. Your System Uses R-22 “Freon” Refrigerant

It's no longer legal to produce or import R-22 refrigerant—a.k.a. Freon—in the U.S. 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 the supplies of R-22 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 progressing 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, then 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 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 definitely 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, which is 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 costly 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 will use less energy to provide more effective temperature control. That increased efficiency means your cool comfort will come at a reduced cost.

Say Goodbye to Your Old AC System—and Hello to Cool Comfort in Dallas

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 need an AC upgrade, HVAC repairs, or any other services provided by a Dallas HVAC company, call us. We proudly serve many cities near Dallas, such as Mesquite, Garland, and Richardson.