Last summer, did your air conditioner work to keep your home cool and comfortable or did it struggle? Humid indoor air, hot and cold spots around your home, and frequent repairs are all signs of a failing air conditioner. Like any appliance, an air conditioner also has a limited performance life. If your air conditioner couldn’t cool your home as effectively as it should have, it’s better to invest in a new air conditioner before the summer starts rather than wait for it to die.
Atomatic Mechanical Services INC. provides premiere air conditioner installation in Des Plaines, IL. We are a Carrier Factory Authorized Dealer that puts quality customer service at the forefront of our services. As a Carrier Factory Authorized Dealer, we must meet the high standards of service, performance, and business practices set by Carrier. If you need a new air conditioner, trust Atomatic for a quality installation.
Factors to Keep in Mind When Shopping For A New Air Conditioner
Every home needs a unique cooling system to meet the needs of the occupants. An AC unit can vary based on the size of the dwelling, the number of occupants, and the ideal level of efficiency. If you’re looking to get the best price for an air conditioner, the key is not to get the cheapest model available because it might not meet the proper specifications for your home. To get the best price on an air conditioner, the key is to purchase it in the off-season. In the summer, when demand for air conditioners is high, you’ll find that prices are higher. In the fall and spring, prices will be lower. You may even find offers where you can upgrade your furnace and air conditioner at the same time. The time of year can make the biggest difference in your wallet.
Besides having a budget in mind, here are some other important things to consider when looking to upgrade your home’s cooling system.
SEER Rating
The SEER rating measures the unit’s efficiency. The U.S. Dept of Energy requires all air conditioners to have a SEER rating of at least 13. SEER ratings can be as high as 21, and the more efficient the unit is, the more money it may help you save on your utility bills.
Hiring a Professional HVAC Contractor
When you’re considering adding a big appliance to your home, it’s a smart idea to get a few estimates from reputable HVAC companies. Not only will estimates help you find the best pricing but it gives you an opportunity to experience the level of service each one provides. If the price is comfortable, but the service isn’t, then keep looking for a company you can trust, like Atomatic.
Proper AC Sizing
An experienced HVAC technician can perform a load calculation to determine the properly sized air conditioner for your home. A system that is too big will waste energy cooling your home, while a system too small will run constantly. Trust a professional HVAC technician to determine the best-sized unit for your Des Plaines home.
Noise Levels
Each system has its own rating for noise. A noisy system may be cheaper, but if it’s located outside your bedroom window, it might keep you up at night. Make sure to consider the location of your new AC unit when thinking about noise levels.
Indoor Air Quality Add Ons
If indoor air quality is something you’re concerned about, you might want to make sure that your new air conditioning unit can support indoor air quality accessories. These accessories can always be purchased after the fact.
How Long Does an Air Conditioner Last?
Air conditioners tend to last 10-15 years old. If your system is younger than 10 years old but isn’t working properly, most likely, a simple repair will fix your problem. 10 years is when most manufacturer’s warranties run out and repairs begin to be more expensive. Cooling systems that have been properly maintained can last longer than 10-15 years, but once they start experiencing issues frequently, then it’s time to consider replacing them.
Some of the most common issues with air conditioners experience at the end of their lifespan include:
Rising Energy Use
If you notice that your energy bills are rising, this is a sign that your unit is not as efficient as it used to be. A new air conditioner will be much more efficient than one from 10 years ago, so the money you spend on a new air conditioner will be returned to you with energy savings.
Uneven Cooling and High Humidity
A home that is uncomfortable is a sign that your air conditioner is struggling. This can mean inconsistently cooled rooms, low air flow from your vents, or high indoor humidity. A new air conditioner will be able to properly cool your home much more effectively.
Water or Refrigerant Leaks
If you ever notice puddles of liquid around the base of your central air conditioner unit, call an HVAC company like Atomatic. Water leaks usually occur with a full or blocked condensation pan, but refrigerant leaks can be dangerous. Your system shouldn’t be leaking either way and frequent leaks could lead to big problems if they are ignored for too long.
Frequent Repairs
Finally, if you feel like your air conditioner requires constant repairs, it is critical for you to get a new air conditioner. You do not want to continue sinking money into an air conditioner that keeps breaking. Instead, put that money into a new air conditioner that will not break as often.
Trust Atomatic for All Your Air Conditioning Services
Once you have your new air conditioner installed, you can continue to count on Atomatic for services throughout the life of your new cooling system. A new HVAC system is a big investment and proper care ensures that your system lasts as long as possible so you can get the most out of it.
Air Conditioning Repair
Whenever your system isn’t cooling properly, call Atomatic for repairs. We offer 24/7 service in Des Plaines, IL. You can count on us to respond promptly and restore comfort to your home quickly.
Air Conditioning Maintenance
Every year, your air conditioning system should go through a cleaning and inspection appointment through a qualified HVAC company. Not only does this keep your manufacturer’s warranty intact, but it also keeps your system working efficiently so you don’t experience huge energy usage spikes throughout the summer. Talk to Atomatic to schedule your annual service appointment.
Schedule an Appointment with Atomatic in Des Plaines, IL
If you think a new air conditioner could be in your near future, it’s a good idea to talk to Atomatic Mechanical Services INC. to provide you with a comprehensive estimate on the installation of a new AC unit. Experience the quality of service Atomatic provides all of its customers in the Chicagoland area. Schedule an appointment with us today.