The heat in New Jersey can be brutal, but our expert team at AC & Heating Experts Princeton is here to help. We are the experts in air conditioning replacement and installation in Princeton and Edison and are here to help.
Are you thinking about upgrading your air conditioning system or do you need reliable repairs? Call our AC & Heating Experts Princeton team today at 912-513-3741 to schedule reliable service in Princeton, NJ.
As air conditioning experts and New Jersey residents, we know how important a fully functioning cooling system is. Whether your current unit is nearing the end of its life or you want a more energy efficient unit, you may be thinking about upgrading your air conditioning unit. Before choosing the cheapest or brightest option, you need to consider various factors to ensure you choose the perfect system.
Below, our team of air conditioning experts will explain everything you need to know about upgrading your air conditioning system.
Signs You Should Upgrade Your AC Unit
There are many signs that it’s time to upgrade your air conditioning system or at least have it checked by a professional team. These characters include:
Weak Airflow
Even if your air conditioner is working, that doesn’t mean it’s working well. If your air conditioner is on but not enough air is coming out of your vents, you may be experiencing one of the following problems:
- Blockage of your outside unit’s fans
- Dirty air filters
- Dirty blower fan
You may be able to fix these problems yourself, such as replacing dirty air filters. However, it is always best to have a professional examine the situation and determine the cause of the problem.
Warm Airflow
Hot airflow can be due to many different causes, such as a faulty thermostat or a thermostat that is set to an undesirable setting. If your air conditioner frequently blows out hot air, it might be time to consider an upgrade. You should also consider upgrading to a programmable thermostat for maximum indoor temperature control and efficiency.
However, warm airflow can also indicate more serious issues, such as the following:
- Coils that need to be cleaned
- Refrigerant leaks
The condenser and evaporator coils play a key role in the operation of your air conditioner as they convert your heat into cool air. Condenser coils typically fail due to dirt and grime, while evaporator coils typically fail due to refrigerant leaks or insufficient airflow.
The refrigerant transfers heat from the inside of your home to the outside. A refrigerant leak can therefore affect the performance of your air conditioning system. Common causes of refrigerant leaks include corrosion, errors in the installation or repair process, equipment malfunctions, and regular wear and tear.
Water Damage Near Your Unit
Your air conditioner has drain lines to collect the condensation that accumulates. If these pipes become clogged, your air conditioner will lose efficiency and your home may experience water damage. If you notice water damage near your air conditioner, it’s time to investigate and call an HVAC professional.
Weird Smells, Sights, or Sounds
An air handler is part of your air conditioning system that manages the air. It blows air through your ducts, connecting your air conditioner to the rest of the house.
A broken air handling device, also known as a fan, can lead to the following problems:
- Electrical burning smell
- Electrical burning marks in your ductwork
- Grinding or banging sounds
If you notice any of these problems with your air conditioner, call a technician as soon as possible to prevent the problem from escalating and resulting in a more expensive repair project.
Your AC Is Short Cycling
Experts use the term “short cycle” when your air conditioner turns off faster than the average unit. In this case, it is possible that your system is working more efficiently than other devices, but it is also possible that the cause is due to problems with air circulation or overheated components. When your air conditioner is running low and your home isn’t getting to the temperature you want, HVAC professionals can help.
Your AC Fails to Turn On
If your device won’t turn on, the power system is the most obvious place to look for answers. Things to check include fuses, circuit breakers, batteries, wiring and motors. It’s also possible that your air conditioner is being compromised by a clogged drain line or a more serious problem.
To get to the bottom of this, have your unit checked by experienced HVAC technicians and diagnosed with the problem.
Excessive Energy Bills
If your electricity bill increases more than expected in the summer, consider that your air conditioner may not be working properly. Even a small problem with your air conditioner can cause the system to become inefficient and your SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating) rating to drop.
Upgrading Your AC Unit: What to Consider
Knowing the signs of a faulty air conditioner can help you decide if your air conditioner needs an upgrade. Once you’ve decided to upgrade, there are several factors you need to consider to ensure you’re getting the right device for your home.
Size of AC Unit
When upgrading air conditioners, professionals always start with sizing the unit. To properly size an air conditioner, technicians use Air Conditioning Contractors software to calculate the required cooling load for your home.
This calculation takes into account factors such as your home’s layout, heat-producing devices, window placement, landscaping, and overall energy performance. Using this method, air conditioning technicians can determine what size unit is best for you and your family.
In the long run, getting the right size when it comes to HVAC upgrades makes sense, as over- or under-using your air conditioner will lead to damaging wear and tear and higher energy bills.
Many homeowners believe that they cannot buy anything that is too big for their home. However, an air conditioner that is too large can lead to several problems, such as Inefficiency and a shorter lifetime of the system. Likewise, a unit that is too small for your property will have a hard time reaching the set indoor temperatures.
Properly sizing your air conditioner will ensure you get the perfect unit and enjoy maximum efficiency and performance.
Corresponding Indoor & Outdoor Components
Split system air conditioners consist of two components, aptly named the indoor and outdoor components. When it comes time to upgrade your air conditioner, it’s best to upgrade both components at the same time. The reason for this is that each half was built for the other, so mixing and matching the parts of your air conditioner can make your system work less efficiently. Mixing and matching may also require system changes that can be very costly.
Eventually, if one part of your unit needs to be replaced, the other half of the unit is likely to have problems as well, and it’s more cost-effective to replace your air conditioner all at once rather than in two separate stages.
SEER Rating
Your air conditioner’s SEER rating indicates the efficiency of your cooling system. Older models reach scores as low as 10, while newer models reach scores as low as 13 and even 20.
Although air conditioners with higher SEER have higher upfront costs, they pay for themselves over time by reducing energy consumption. This allows you to reduce your monthly electricity bills while enjoying better cooling and a more comfortable home.
Energy Star Certification
Energy Star certification is a simple indicator that your device meets high efficiency standards. This, along with the SEER rating, should give you a good idea of the efficiency of the device you are considering.
Energy efficient air conditioning can save you money in a number of ways. Not only do high-efficiency systems lower your monthly energy bills, but they are also more reliable than older, inefficient units. This can save you money by not having to resort to frequent repair services.
Proper Installation
Without proper installation, an upgraded air conditioner cannot offer as many benefits as improved efficiency and reliability. Before installing the new air conditioner, technicians must check the ducts and thermostat. Ideally, the thermostat should be placed a safe distance from any heat source to ensure accurate indoor temperature readings.
In addition, you can achieve even better indoor temperature control and energy efficiency by upgrading to a programmable thermostat.
Princeton, New Jersey Air Cooling & Heating
AC & Heating Experts Princeton is a trusted HVAC company with the skills and experience to ensure your comfort. We handle the replacement, installation, repair, and maintenance of all types of air conditioning systems in the Princeton & Edison area.
Contact our team of experienced HVAC experts at AC & Heating Experts Princeton today for all your air conditioning needs. If you need help with your heating system, we can do that too. Whether you want to upgrade your air conditioning system or need an emergency repair, call (609) 293-4475.