How To Know When To Replace Your Air Conditioning?

There’s nothing worse than being stuck feeling too hot or too cold, and many of us rely on air conditioning to feel comfortable in our homes. But how do you know when it’s time to replace your appliance?

Regular air con servicing is the best way to prolong your unit’s lifespan and avoid costly repairs.

How does air conditioning work?

Air conditioners are complicated pieces of machinery, and there are a lot of misconceptions about how they work. 

The most common air con myth is that they cool air by removing humidity. In reality, they transfer heat from the air inside your home to the air outside. 

In order to do this, air conditioners rely on a refrigerant, which evaporates at a low temperature and condenses at a high temperature. As the refrigerant evaporates, it absorbs heat from the air inside your home. The cooled air then circulates back into your home.

Can my air conditioning work all year round?

Whilst air conditioning is used primarily to cool your home during the hot summer months, many modern air conditioners have a heat setting too.

For air con units with a heat setting, warm air is generated via a ‘heat pump’. To generate warmth, the heat pump (or reversing valve) flips the cooling cycle and allows heating into the space. 

It’s important to bear in mind that air conditioning uses a fair amount of energy, and it may be more cost-effective to invest in a thermostat for your home rather than rely on the air con’s heat setting. These heat units are also more prone to more problems as they are used more often.

Tell-tale signs it’s time for air con replacement

If you live in a hot climate, air conditioning is essential to make sure that your home is a comfortable temperature. Even in chillier areas, air con can be a beneficial addition to your home.

If your air conditioning unit is over 10 years old, it may be wise to think about getting a replacement. While regular air con servicing can help to extend the lifespan of your AC, there will eventually come a time when it becomes more cost-effective to replace the unit rather than continuing to repair it. 

Here are a few signs that it might be time for an air conditioning upgrade: 

• Your energy bills have been rising steadily, even though you haven’t changed your usage habits. 
• Your AC unit is making strange noises or seems to be working harder than usual to cool your home. 
• You’ve had multiple repairs done on your AC unit in the past year or two. 
• Your air conditioner is no longer cooling your home as effectively as it used to.
• The air con unit is giving off strange smells. This could be because of a dirty filter. However, if you notice a burning smell, stop using your air conditioning immediately and get a professional to take a look. 

If you’re starting to notice any of these issues, it’s time to talk to a professional about getting a new air con unit installed.

Air con servicing with JMJ

Air conditioning has many components, which means that they do need regular maintenance in order to run efficiently. To get the most out of your air con, make sure you get your appliance serviced frequently.

At JMJ Air Conditioning and Refrigeration, we want you to get the most out of your air conditioning unit. We offer a range of services from installation, maintenance, and repairs. Contact us today to find out how we can help with all your air conditioning needs.