Research shows the Top 3 most commonly asked questions asked about air conditioning.
From "How" to "Why" to "Should", the experts here at The AIR Company of GA have the answers you are looking for.
How do I know if I should I Replace or Repair My Air Conditioner?
It is recommended to replace your A/C unit every 10 to 15 years. If your system is about eight years or older, it may not be worth the cost to repair it unless the repair is an easy fix. There is a rule of thumb in the HVAC world, if your repair costs are more than 50% of the cost of your system, then you should replace your A/C unit.
Replacing your air conditioner could benefit more than a repair if:
- You Are Experiencing Foul Smells: Foul smells could mean mold, which can severely affect your health in the long run. The same goes for other abnormal smells like a burning scent. Weird smells coming from your system require immediate attention.
- The Breakdown Frequency is High: Over time, multiple repairs repair can add up, that means repeatedly performing them on an older unit just doesn't make sense. Investing in a newer unit can save you the headache and some money.
- You Use R-22 Freon: If your A/C unit uses Freon, eventually you will need to replace it to make the switch to the new R410A refrigerant. If your unit is breaking down or has problems associated with needing more Freon, it's a perfect time to replace your system with the more updated version.
Do Air Conditioners Bring in Fresh Air from Outside?
In short, no. Your A/C unit is not bringing in any air from the outside. Your air conditioning unit is made up of two components, the inside and outside component. These two components are connected through copper lines that are filled with a refrigerant. That refrigerant is the one thing that is passing between the two units.
What does all that mean? Well it means, that your inside air is the only thing your A/C unit is passing through. The inside air in your unit, doesn't mix with the outside air at all and vice versa. What happens to the outdoor air then? Your outdoor A/C unit uses a fan to draw the air in, cools it down and passes through the unit. It doesn't stick around for long.
How Do I Know if My Air Conditioner Needs Servicing?
We always encourage people to make sure they are getting annual maintenance on their A/C systems. However, there are also some tell-tale signs your A/C unit will tell you when you're in need of a repair.
- The Air Blowing Out is Not Cold: If the air being blown out isn't as cold as it usually is, your unit needs to be serviced. This means your unit is working twice as hard as it usually does to try to keep the temperature of the air down. This issue could be caused from low refrigerant, or a possible duct leak.
- Water and Moisture is Building Up in Weird Places: If water and/or moisture is building up your unit definitely needs service. Your unit is built to remain dry all the time. If it continues to get wet and hold moisture, it can lead to a buildup of mold and mildew. Call our office to get it checked out!
- Your Unit is Making Some Weird Noises: In general, A/C units usually run quietly. If you start to hear screeching, grinding, or banging noises coming from your machine give us a call ASAP to avoid further unit damage. Your unit could have broken components, debris stuck in the system or loose belts.
The HVAC world can seem like a hard world to understand sometimes. At The AIR Company of GA we understand that you have questions and concerns when it comes to your A/C units. That's why our experts are here to help, give us a call and we'll be happy to help!
