During a scorching-hot Canadian summer, users probably don’t think twice about the comfort the air conditioner brings to the home — until something goes wrong. And when that happens, the question becomes: can the AC be repaired, or does it need to be completely replaced? This brief guide looks at why AC units typically fail and what to look for when buying a new air conditioner so users can bring that cooling comfort back into their home.
Most AC units last for a decade or more if users keep up regular maintenance. But nothing lasts forever — and when it comes to air conditioners, here are five main reasons why they might need to be replaced.
Keep up regular maintenance
While the average AC unit has a life expectancy of about 15 years, many factors will affect how long users can expect their air conditioner to last. They include the climate, how often users run the system and how frequently it is maintained, and the AC make and model. Over time, parts will wear out regardless of usage and must be replaced.
Over time, parts will wear out regardless of usage and must be replaced
As warm air circulates through the AC unit, the interior coils cool the air before it re-enters the home. But if dirt and other types of debris clog the filters and ducts of the unit, or if the fans inside the AC aren’t working properly, the warm air might not be able to move freely across the coils. This causes the temperature to drop, potentially leading to frozen coils with a build-up of ice visible on their outer surface.
Overworked Capacitors and Contactors
Capacitors and contactors are the parts of the AC unit that keep the fan and blower motors running:
- Capacitors provide the initial jolt of energy to kick start the motors. A significant amount of electricity runs through them, so they tend to get overheated and will wear down over time. Prolonged usage of the AC speeds up this process.
- Contactors control the flow of electricity within the AC unit. They may get dirty and lose their connection, preventing the system from starting properly. If they notice a clicking sound when starting the AC, the contractor may be telling the users that it needs replacement.
Causing multiple problems
The thermostat monitors the temperature and tells the AC unit whether any adjustments need to be made
Air conditioners are electrical systems made up of various components — fans, compressors, motor — connected by wiring. The quality of the wiring in the unit can decrease over time and affect the circuit breaker. Wiring can also fail later if it isn’t set up correctly during the installation. If users are unsure about the state of the wiring, call a licensed electrician to inspect the AC unit or to make a repair.
The thermostat monitors the temperature and tells the AC unit whether any adjustments need to be made. If the thermostat is not working properly, it may give false information to the AC unit, causing it to run when it shouldn’t or fail to switch on when it should. Even small malfunctions in the thermostat can cause multiple problems throughout the entire system.
Air conditioning system
If the air conditioner is experiencing any of the issues above and can’t be repaired, it may be time to replace the AC. If users are looking to buy a new AC unit, here are some important points to keep in mind:
If users have an air conditioning system in their house that is older than 10 years, they may be surprised to learn how energy inefficient it is compared to today’s models. Even if the older model is still functional, a replacement may be worth the investment because newer models can use up to 30–50% less energy than older models.
Energy efficiency ratio
Air conditioner efficiency is assessed by its seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER), which is calculated by dividing the system’s cooling output over one year by the energy it uses to achieve that output.
In the past, most AC units were rated SEER 10, but now the minimum is 13 and can reach as high as 25. The higher the SEER rating, the lower the electrical consumption will be for the same cooling output. If users are in a sweltering climate, it’s recommended that they choose the highest SEER that they can afford.
To keep the space properly climatized and comfortable, users want to be sure that they choose the right AC unit size for their home. If the unit is too large, it will not adequately remove humidity from the air. If it is too small, it will not be able to reach or maintain a comfortable temperature on the hottest days.
Making significant changes
Regarding the size of the AC, users should think about more than just the square footage of the living space
Regarding the size of the AC, users should think about more than just the square footage of the living space. The number of occupants, room layout, building material of the home, and the family’s personal temperature preferences should also factor in deciding the size of the AC unit they want to purchase.
If users already have a system but plan on renovating or making significant changes to their home, a different-sized system may be more suitable. For example, if they built an addition to their home or added more insulation, the amount of cooling they need could be much different than when they first bought the AC unit. A contractor can provide a proper load analysis to measure the space accurately and estimate what size air conditioner they need.
Energy-Efficient unit
Air conditioners are a big investment, but rebates can help offset their bill. Depending on the type of unit they install, government and utility rebates may be available to help users save money on a new installation. At Enercare, they offer installation options that may include third party rebates so they can save money while taking advantage of a new and more energy-efficient unit.
If they’re considering replacing the current AC unit or need a new air conditioner, they can rely on Enercare. The technicians will evaluate the current system and assess whether a different one can serve them better. They’ll go over all the options available to them, including rebates so that they can decide based on their cooling requirements and the budget. Users will also provide a range of payment and financing options without hidden charges.
Plus, their team of fully licensed and insured technicians is ready to answer all of the AC questions. They also offer air conditioner maintenance plans that will help ensure the unit runs safely and efficiently, providing cool comfort in the home for years to come.