You will eventually have to replace your aging central air conditioner. A system approaching the end of its life is susceptible to failure and may offer inadequate comfort. When should you replace your AC, and which one should you choose? Here is all the information you need to know about new AC installation.
When Is it Time for An AC Replacement?
One of the primary reasons for replacing your air conditioner is to boost efficiency. The higher the cooling system’s efficiency, the more energy savings you can accrue. Consider replacing your system if you notice a decrease in performance.
An aging system is likely to break down in the hot, dry summer in Marion County. When the AC is working, it will keep running to maintain indoor temperatures. If you don’t plan for repairs promptly, components will deteriorate, and the AC may fail entirely.
Cooling capacity is also crucial for maintaining your home’s indoor air quality. An efficient AC can regulate humidity through the evaporator coils. A cooling system approaching the end of its life can increase bacteria and microbial hazards.
Therefore, switching to a new AC system can save money and protect your family’s health. You can also take advantage of advanced features from the most recent models of AC. Woodward Heating Air Plumbing staff can guide you when choosing a suitable AC for your Salem home.
Best Season To Install a New AC
You can replace your AC at any time of the year. But the season will influence factors such as the cost of equipment and labor expenses.
You will want to avoid the busiest months in winter and summer. That is when most HVAC professionals are responding to clients who have HVAC emergencies. Instead, choose an off-season period, such as during spring, for AC installation.
In spring, you can negotiate better deals and take advantage of discounts. In a milder season, more service professionals are available to respond to your call.
By installing your AC in spring, you’ll be ready for the warmer season ahead. You have the time to research the different cooling systems suitable for your needs and preferences. Additionally, the weather in spring is closer to the conditions in summer. That makes testing the AC more effective in spring than in winter. A technician can quickly detect an issue and correct it before it triggers other faults.
How Weather Can Impact An AC Installation Process
Regardless of the season or weather, an AC installation team will prepare for any eventualities. The design of your AC’s outdoor unit can protect your equipment from harsh weather. However, moisture can affect electrical connections during installation and pose an electrocution risk.
A professional installation team will arrive with the equipment to fix and protect your unit. It may include an umbrella to cover the outdoor unit when troubleshooting internal components. Their tools can also be affected by the weather.
Additionally, an installation technician should ensure that no dust and debris get into the system. Grime on the refrigerant line can influence the performance of your AC. Your system will overwork trying to meet the cooling load.
What You Need to Know Before Installing a New AC
Another reason that you should plan for the AC replacement in spring is to set aside enough time to prepare. If you start shopping for an air conditioner in summer, you may be forced to rush your decision.
Therefore, you can start planning in spring by researching different options for central AC installation. The two primary categories of AC systems are packaged units and split systems.
A packaged unit includes the evaporator, condenser, and compressor in one enclosure. The equipment is placed outside and may house the cooling and heating components in the same system.
Split systems have an indoor air handler and an outdoor unit. Mini-split systems are ductless, meaning they don’t require ductwork that is often bulky and wastes energy. The air handler utilizes a 3-inch conduit to pass the refrigerant from the outdoor to the indoor unit.
The principal advantages of a mini-split system are ease of installation and flexibility. You can connect the air handler to an outdoor unit up to 100 feet away.
A mini-split system is an ideal solution for zoning. Its separate indoor air handlers can regulate temperatures independently. It is suitable for cooling unused rooms to reduce energy consumption. You can talk to the Woodward Heating Air Plumbing team in Salem for ductless mini-split installation services.
The Department of Energy recommends lowering your thermostat settings by 1 degree for eight hours. Making those adjustments can reduce your utility bills by 10% while minimizing incidences that require repairs.
On the other hand, overworking your system can raise your energy consumption and impact comfort. A programmable device will regulate temperatures accurately, which can reduce your utility bills.
You can integrate a smart thermostat into your home’s automation system. Its features allow you to configure the device to raise temperatures when you step into your home at the end of the day. It is convenient, easy to use, and can save your family hundreds of dollars annually.
Can You Install a New AC in Winter?
Even a new central air conditioning model can become inefficient if the installation is substandard. The ideal time is spring, but you can replace your AC at any time, including winter.
While snow is not a significant challenge, winter weather can raise the risk of slip-and-fall accidents. Without the proper protective gear, the process will be fraught with delays. You may have to cancel the installation if the weather gets worse.
Another issue with winter is the risk of water damage to equipment components. The AC is placed on a mat to avoid damage from flooding after the installation. But if your home experiences flooding over 5 inches, the control board or compressor will fail.
The control board and motor are among the critical components that are often expensive to replace. Unfortunately, manufacturers do not include water damage in their warranties. You may have to foot the bill to find a replacement.
Another problem with winter installations is the testing process. Typically, a professional will review the performance of your cooling system after the installation. Readings for refrigerant levels may be incorrect because of the weather conditions in winter.
Nonetheless, certified electricians will follow the best practices for installing the system in winter. After all, winter is an off-season period that has several advantages. You can get discounts on parts and labor when acquiring a new AC system. As long as the installation is done by a certified professional, your AC should be working efficiently for many seasons to come.
For reliable heating and cooling installations, Woodward Heating Air Plumbing is your go-to service in Salem. We have been in business for more than three decades, serving residents of Marion County. Our NATE-certified team has vast experience in duct cleaning, new construction, and fireplace repair and maintenance. We also offer heat pumps, gas piping, and indoor air quality solutions. Call Woodward Heating Air Plumbing today for outstanding craftsmanship and comprehensive comfort services in Salem.
