AC Installation

Signs You Need a New Air Conditioner

Deciding to repair or replace your AC system isn’t always easy. Budgetary constraints make it tempting to hobble an old system along while efficiency upgrades sometimes tip the scales in favor of a new system. But the following signs are indicators that it’s time to toss out the Band-Aid solutions and go for a full AC replacement:

• System Age: In and around New Lenox, few air conditioners make it past their 20th birthday. So, if yours fails at year 18 or 19, it’s usually a good idea to just replace it.
• Inefficiency: If you feel like your system never turns off, or you notice a drastic increase in your utility bills, it might be time to install something new. Technology has come a long way in recent years and the efficiency savings can typically offset much of the installation costs.
• Odd Noises: When a system becomes annoyingly loud, it might be time to replace it. Too much noise is a leading sign of ductwork incompatibility and can signal failure of major system opponents. Before jumping right to AC replacement, however, reach out to see if the issue can be repaired.
• Increased Dust Levels: Do you feel like you’re breaking out that feather duster more and more? Is everything coated in a thin coat of dust? If so, it can be a sign that your ductwork is leaking or your AC unit is starting to fail and needs to be replaced.
• Excess Humidity: A home with a properly working AC unit shouldn’t feel like a swamp. If yours struggles to reduce humidity levels, it’s a good sign its undersized. And, the best way to fix this issue is to have a new system installed.
• Constant Breakdowns: If your AC unit breaks down regularly, it may be more economical to replace it. Even minor repairs quickly add up.

If you notice any of these issues, call Update Heating and Cooling Services

How Sizing an AC Unit Works

Though it seems simple on the service—adjust the thermostat and the system comes on—air conditioning is actually a multi-stage process. To lower the air temperature, the unit filters, pressurizes, and circulates the air while at the same time dehumidifying it to get rid of the “sticky” feeling that makes you uncomfortable.

There are many factors involved in determining the right size and type of air conditioning for your home. These include:

• AFUE and SEER ratings
• The level of acceptable noise
• Desired level of control
• The square footage to be cooled
• Room configuration
• Brand or manufacturer desired

Update Heating and Cooling Services carries a number of brand name, energy efficient AC systems including Amana and Goodman. If you need your current system fixed, however, we’re equipped to tackle that, too.

Your AC unit’s ability to cool is measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs). A single BTU is equal to the amount of energy needed to raise the temperature of a pound of water by one degree. Using this number and the square footage of your home, our HVAC experts can calculate the size of the unit that needs to be installed.

The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating (SEER) is a representation of an AC system’s efficiency. It’s determined by measuring the unit’s annual output in relation to its energy input. As the number grows higher, so does the energy efficiency of the air conditioning system.

Contact Update Heating and Cooling Services for AC Installation in the New Lenox Area

The rating and size of your air conditioner are key to making the right AC replacement decision. Our experienced HVAC professionals will help determine exactly what you need and make the recommendations that best fit your needs. Rest easy knowing we only deal in trusted brands like Amana and Goodman.

Contact us for a free estimate on AC replacement or installation. Our flexible hours allow us to accommodate almost any schedule.