How long do you think the average central air conditioning system lasts? We’ve found it to be around 15 years, but most manufacturers’ warranties only last 10 years. At a certain point, your central A/C will face reliability and efficiency issues, and it can be better to replace your equipment instead of paying for another repair.
Tom Fricker’s expert HVAC teams handle countless A/C installations in Bristol, Middlesex and Norfolk counties. We can help you look out for the warning signs of a struggling cooling system.
An A/C system that doesn’t generate strong airflow isn’t doing much good for anyone. There might be a simple DIY fix: checking and changing your air filter. But if that doesn’t work, you could have a struggling or failing compressor or possibly leaky ducts. The best idea is to schedule a visit from an HVAC technician, especially if you haven’t had a tune-up recently.
Warm air coming out of your vents might be a problem you can solve yourself. Ensure that your thermostat is set to “air conditioning” or “cool.” Also, confirm that your thermostat is set five degrees below the indoor temperature. If this doesn’t fix the problem, you may have a mechanical or refrigerant problem and should call us.
Air conditioning equipment generates moisture, but it shouldn’t leak into your living space. If it does, there could be a broken or blocked condensate drain line. We can generally resolve this problem quickly. It could also be leaking refrigerant, which is a more significant issue.
If your system is older and uses R-22 refrigerant, it’s almost always a better idea to replace it instead of repairing it. R-22 (also called Freon) has been discontinued. Both R-22 and parts for A/C equipment that use it are prohibitively expensive.
These days, we all hold our breath when we open our electric bills. But it can be even worse when an inefficient A/C makes your bills balloon. Check the number of kilowatt hours (kWh) you used this summer compared to last summer. If you’re using more electricity to stay cool, it might be time to install new, high-efficiency equipment.
And it’s a wonderful time to upgrade your cooling system. TF Complete Heating & Cooling can help you identify efficient products that may qualify for Inflation Reduction Act tax credits, as well as generous rebates through Mass Save.
Be sure to listen for loud noises like grinding, popping, squealing and scraping coming from your cooling equipment. These might indicate a mechanical or electrical problem. Similarly, unpleasant smells from your vents or condenser might mean you have mold or mildew in your equipment. This will negatively impact its service life and lower your indoor air quality.
The Tom Fricker A/C repair team is always available if your unit needs service. But if you’re experiencing multiple breakdowns in a season, it’s likely time to look for an A/C replacement instead. Similarly, if the cost to repair your equipment is more than 50 percent of the price of new equipment, you should replace your system.
If you think it might be time to upgrade your home’s cooling system, contact TF Complete Heating & Cooling for a free estimate.
Contact us today to schedule a routine maintenance visit. If you need an emergency repair, please call our office right away at 508-507-6702, and we will get to your home as soon as we can.