Having a functioning air conditioner makes enduring the hot Phoenix summers more pleasant. Regular air conditioning maintenance and repair are crucial to keeping your unit functioning for a long time. However, you will eventually need to replace an HVAC system.
The Benefits of Replacing Your HVAC Unit During Off-Season
The best time to replace your HVAC system is during the off-season, typically between the end of September and the middle of November and again from the start of March to the middle of May. Choosing to replace your HVAC system during the high season for HVAC technicians could mean that you pay a little bit more for replacement costs. You may experience a slower turnaround and increased inconvenience.
Before replacing your HVAC system, talk to the experienced technicians at Christian Brothers Air Conditioning Plumbing Electrical. If your unit is less than 10 years old, it does not have chronic problems, and you are not seeing an increase in your electric bills, it may be beneficial to repair whatever is wrong with your system instead of replacing it. When you can replace the unit, you may consider purchasing an energy-efficient modern HVAC system.
Reasons the Off-Season Is Best for Replacing Your HVAC System
During the summer, HVAC contractors replace and maintain units that are broken down during the heat. You could wait several weeks before an HVAC tech can work on your home. Manufacturers price the HVAC systems they sell differently based on the time of the year. The key to purchasing a new HVAC unit is doing it opposite the market. Many home and business owners buy the HVAC system during the off-season to get a better price, even if they are not ready to install it immediately.
When the market is down, HVAC firms are eager to find work to keep their crew busy. If they have several teams looking for work, they will promptly reply during the off-season and install your system quickly.
Other Factors That Indicate It Is Time to Replace Your HVAC Unit
In addition to determining the best time of the year to replace your HVAC system, it’s good to look at some conditions that indicate the best time to replace your unit. The HVAC technicians at Christian Brothers Air Conditioning Plumbing Electrical encourage you to consider the following factors.
1. Climbing Utility Bills
It is normal to see an increase in your utility bills during the hottest part of the year in Phoenix when you are cooling your home. However, during the summer months, you should not see a significant increase from month to month in your utility bills. Drastic, unexplained spikes in your utility bills could be a sign that your unit is due for a replacement.
The most efficient HVAC system loses efficiency over time because of normal wear and tear. As corrosion and dust build up inside the unit, it struggles to work, requiring more energy. You should expect your HVAC system to lose between five and ten percent of its efficiency once it reaches its half-life. However, if you see a massive spike in energy bills, you will want our HVAC technicians to look at your system and see if something is wrong. If extensive repairs are required, it is often more cost-effective in the long run to have a complete replacement.
2. Uneven Home Temperatures
The living room is freezing, but the upstairs bedroom is a hot box. The problem is that your HVAC system struggles to maintain a consistent temperature throughout your home. The issue could be that the unit installed in your home is too large and is short cycling. This happens when the temperature reading on the thermostat is reached too quickly, causing the system to turn off.
During the hot Phoenix summers, the air conditioner will not run enough to remove the humidity from the air. So it will feel warmer and sticky in some parts of your home. Replacing an oversized unit with a modern air conditioning system can help eliminate hot and cold air swings. While you have technicians replacing your HVAC system, it’s good to have them check out your ductwork to ensure that it is clean and appropriately sized to handle the airflow needed.
3. Your HVAC System Won’t Stop Running
During the dog days of a Phoenix summer, your air conditioner may kick into overdrive to combat the sweltering heat. However, if your air conditioner does not turn off on a regular day, it could indicate a problem. A constantly running air conditioner could indicate that the unit lacks the capacity it used to have. It could be impacted with debris, require a thorough cleaning, or need to be rebuilt entirely. The worst-case scenario is that the compressor isn’t functioning as it should. Because of the expense of replacing the air conditioner’s pressure system, replacing it with a new one could make cooling your home much more efficient.
4. Your System Has Reached the End of Its Life Cycle
Our technicians at Christian Brothers Air Conditioning Plumbing Electrical are often asked how long an HVAC system should last. There is no hard and fast rule, as the lifespan of an HVAC system depends on various factors. Traditionally, an HVAC system is expected to last around 15 years. However, if your outdoor AC unit is near landscaping, it may accumulate debris, which can shorten its lifespan. Additionally, factors such as living in a humid climate, allowing continuous operation of your HVAC system, and poor initial installation can all contribute to the need for an earlier replacement.
The lack of maintenance is usually the factor that compels people to replace their HVAC systems sooner. To extend the life of your HVAC system, professionals should perform routine maintenance. This includes conducting an annual tune-up to inspect your system, replace filters, and help you identify any necessary repairs.
5. Your Air Conditioner Uses R-22 Refrigerant
Since the EPA banned the creation of new air conditioners that run R-22, the price of the old freon has increased. Adding R-22 to your old AC may become more expensive over time. It may be more cost-effective for you to get a new AC that uses the future-proof R-410A refrigerant if you need to replace your AC or furnace for some reason. When your air conditioner and furnace are the same age, replacing both simultaneously is usually more cost-effective.
Enjoying the Best of Plumbing and Electrical in the Phoenix Area
At Christian Brothers Air Conditioning Plumbing Electrical, we have served the Phoenix area since 1976. This has made us one of our area’s most trusted names in home comfort. We are proud to have an A+ Better Business Bureau rating, employ NATE-certified technicians, and are Home Advisor screened and approved.
Our services include HVAC repair installation and maintenance. We install and repair mini splits and air handlers and address refrigerant leaks. Our electrical services include general electrical repair, EV charging stations, surge protection and wiring. In the plumbing field, we install water heaters, water softeners, emergency plumbing, and kitchen plumbing. Contact Christian Brothers Air Conditioning Plumbing Electrical today to work with a team that ensures first-class service and is willing to work around your schedule.
