Tag: replacement

When Is It Time for AC Replacement?

Signs That AC Replacement May Be Necessary Before Summertime

Summer and hot weather are coming, and that means the air conditioner has a busy season coming up. Air conditioners must work hard for months to beat the heat and humidity and keep homes comfortable. Unfortunately, after many summers of work, air conditioners may no longer be up to keeping the home cool through the summer. 

As air conditioners age, they show signs that they are nearing the end of their lifespan. Noticing these signs and calling a professional can be the difference between losing air conditioning in the summer heat and installing a new AC to keep cool all summer. Here are some common signs that an air conditioner may need to be replaced before the summer rolls around. 

Old AC Unit 

oldAir conditioning units have an average lifespan of 10-20 years, depending on factors such as the brand, model, maintenance, and climate. An old system can be a sign that it has reached the end of its life and may require replacement or more frequent repairs, which could be costly and inconvenient, making replacement more cost-effective. An old air conditioner is also more likely inefficient, resulting in higher energy bills. 

One of the primary reasons why it is essential to replace an old AC unit before it breaks down in hot weather is safety. Extreme heat can be dangerous for vulnerable individuals such as children, older adults, and those with underlying health conditions. An air conditioning failure during a heatwave can quickly turn hazardous, with an increased risk of heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and other heat-related illnesses. A new AC unit with modern features and energy-saving technologies can create a comfortable and healthy indoor environment while reducing energy consumption and costs.

High Energy Bills and Loss of Energy Efficiency 

When it comes to air conditioning, many issues can adversely affect energy efficiency and lead to high utility bills. These issues may require repairing or replacing certain components or the entire AC unit. Technicians can determine the cause of inefficiency and suggest the best solution.

AC issues that can lead to lost energy efficiency and higher cooling costs include a malfunctioning compressor, a clogged air filter, a refrigerant leak, an outdated or poorly maintained AC system, etc. When experiencing any of these issues, addressing them as soon as possible is essential to avoid further damage, getting stuck without AC, energy waste, and high energy bills.

Inadequate Cooling Power 

hotIf homeowners are struggling to keep their houses cool, it's a sign that their AC may need replacing. Cooling issues could include a home not reaching the right temperature, inconsistent temperatures throughout the home, or warm air being circulated instead of cooled air. Several things could be responsible for a house not getting cool enough, some requiring replacement while some require repair or maintenance.

Immediately after noticing signs of AC problems, professionals should be called to determine if replacement is needed. Updating the system to a newer, more energy-efficient model can improve home comfort and save homeowners money in the long run by reducing energy bills and avoiding costly repairs associated with an aging unit. And AC installation before the summer ensures no loss of service or comfort. 

About Stuart Pro Heating & Air

Stuart Pro Heating & Air is a family-owned and operated business serving Buford, GA, and the surrounding communities. They provide flat rate pricing, on-time arrivals, and reliable customer service. Call them today for AC installation and replacement services in Buford, GA. 

Distribution Links +

Signs You May Need Air Duct Repair or Replacement

How to Tell When the Home’s Air Ducts Need Service

In any home with central heating or air conditioning, the air ducts are what allow air to be distributed to every room in the house. So if something goes wrong with the home’s ductwork, it can affect every aspect of the home’s HVAC system, from efficiency and performance to comfort and indoor air quality. And unfortunately, air duct problems are more common than most people think. 

Like any other part of a home, ducts can get dirty, damaged, and worn over time for a variety of reasons. When this happens, it’s best to repair them as soon as possible - or replace them if they’re in bad enough shape. But the signs of a broken or aging air duct aren’t exactly common knowledge, so this article will share how to identify possible air duct issues, how pros can fix them, and the benefits of replacing them altogether.

Common Signs of Damaged Air Ductssmell

A home’s air ducts are typically difficult to access and tucked away out of sight, but homeowners can still detect problems with their ducts by looking out for the symptoms. Here are the most common signs of faulty ductwork:

  • Higher energy bills - Leaky, clogged, or poorly insulated ductwork can cause a loss of pressure and temperature, which hinders the system’s energy efficiency and causes the utility bills to spike.
  • Uneven heating or cooling - If some parts of the home (especially those closest to the blower unit) reach the desired temperature while others remain too cold or too warm, the ducts are likely to blame.
  • Poor airflow - Similarly, if some rooms seem stuffy or have weak airflow coming from the registers, the home’s ducts may be damaged or simply undersized.
  • Strange odors - A musty smell may indicate the presence of mold in the ducts, which can occur in humid regions if the ducts get dirty due to a leak or lack of maintenance. In some cases, it may be necessary to replace mold-infested ducts.
  • Strange noises - Whistling, howling, rattling, or banging noises coming from the ducts may indicate that sections of the ductwork are split, crushed, or loose.
  • Old age - If the ductwork is more than 15 years old, it may be time to replace it. Not only can older air ducts become worn or damaged over time, but they may also lack the proper insulation that newer ducts have, making them less efficient.

When homeowners notice these signs, they should contact their trusted local HVAC company to inspect the ducts and pinpoint the cause of the issue.

Key Benefits of Air Duct Replacement

saveUpon inspection, a professional may determine that some or all of the home’s air ducts need to be replaced, whether because the damage is too extensive, the ducts are outdated, or mold has contaminated them to the point of no return. While this can be a costly project, it does have some significant and long-lasting benefits.

For one thing, installing new ductwork can lower energy bills by improving airflow, eliminating leaks, and reducing temperature loss, all of which make the system run more efficiently. Air duct replacement can also help improve indoor air quality since dust and other contaminants won’t be able to infiltrate the ducts through gaps, and mold won’t be able to take hold in new, clean ducts. The system can also run quieter with newer ducts, provided they’re properly installed.

How Professionals Repair Air Ducts

In many cases, air duct problems are small enough that they can be repaired without having to replace massive runs of ductwork. If a section of ductwork has become disconnected at a joint or connection, a technician can often rejoin it and seal the connection with a special foil tape or mastic sealant. They may also mount the duct more securely to a joist or beam to prevent it from coming loose in the future.

If the ducts are poorly insulated, or the insulation has become damaged by rodents or old age, technicians may simply replace it with new, more effective insulation. Likewise, they may replace individual sections of ductwork that are damaged or outdated. In many cases, if the ducts have become dirty due to leaks or infestation, the technicians may perform a duct cleaning as part of the repair process - so homeowners can enjoy cleaner air, lower energy bills, and a more comfortable home!

About Stuart Pro Heating & Air

Stuart Pro Heating & Air is a family-owned and operated business serving Buford, GA, and the surrounding areas for over 20 years. They provide flat rate pricing, on-time arrival, and a membership plan. Call them today for AC or heating services in Buford, GA.

Distribution Links +