Thanks to extreme temperatures, summer is the peak season for replacing air conditioning units. Unfortunately, as demand spikes, so do prices.  But don’t worry–your AC might not need replacing just yet. Depending on the situation, it might actually be worth applying a temporary fix in late summer so you can buy a new system during the off season (fall through spring) when AC units are less expensive.  Before you decide if your AC needs replacing, though, here are seven questions you should be asking yourself.  Is your AC old? No matter how consistent you’ve been with HVAC maintenance, the average life expectancy for an AC unit is about 10-15 years. If your unit is within this age-bracket, then it may be time to consider investing in a replacement. Still, if your old AC isn’t giving you any problems, it might be smart to wait until the off season to buy a new system. Conversely, if your air conditioning unit is old and it’s giving you any of the problems listed below, you might need an immediate replacement. Have your monthly energy bills spiked?  One of the first signs of an old or degrading air conditioner is inefficiency. If you’ve noticed that you’re paying much more for your energy bill than you’re used to paying at this time of year, it’s probably a sign that your AC is giving out. In general, older air conditioners have to work much harder to cool your home, meaning they use a lot more energy–and cost a lot more money. Of course, this may also be a sign of poor insulation in your home which could be caused by many different factors. It’s best to schedule an inspection first before you make the leap and buy a new system.  Are temperatures uneven throughout the house?  Have you noticed various hot spots around your home? Not only do aging ACs have to work harder, but they also have issues keeping temperatures even.  It’s important to note that this issue could just be caused by an improperly sized AC unit, or by disintegrating ductwork. However, disintegrating ductwork is another sign of an aging AC, so while you can call a professional to come out and fix the ductwork, you may still need to replace the AC unit eventually.  Is your AC noisier than normal?  It’s common for most AC units to make some kind of noise when they kick on. But other noises can indicate serious issues. If you’re hearing sounds like squealing, grinding, scraping, or frequent loud pops and bangs, then you need to schedule an appointment with a professional as soon as possible. Your HVAC technician will be able to tell you if you need AC repairs or a full replacement.  Have you already made expensive AC repairs in recent years?  If your AC unit is still giving you problems after you’ve already replaced expensive key components, it might be more cost effective to simply replace it. This is especially true if your system is over that 10-year mark. If your AC is still under warranty, though, ask your HVAC specialist about what they can do for you in this situation.  Are you seeing signs of poor air quality in your home?   If you have people living in your home who have had frequent bouts of allergies or asthma, your air quality might be partially to blame. Old and disintegrating AC units often have problems with ventilation, meaning they are more likely to blow dust and pollen throughout your home.  If you’ve noticed that your home is more dusty or humid than usual, your ventilation should be a key suspect. Call a trusted HVAC company and choose from their list of air conditioning...

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When the hottest days of summer hit, the following tips will help your AC run more efficiently, keeping you cooler and your electric bills lower.    Check Your Air Filter Regularly replacing your air filter is one of the easiest and most effective ways to keep your AC unit running efficiently. Get in the habit of checking your air filter once a month and replacing it as needed. Give Your AC Unit Some Shade and Space Creating shade around your AC unit by planting shrubs or trees nearby can also help keep it cool, but be careful not to get them too close. Keep plants and other landscaping at least 2-4 feet away from the unit to ensure adequate airflow and allow access for regular maintenance.  Close Shades During the Day Close shades, curtains, and blinds during the hottest parts of the day to help keep out some of the heat of direct sunlight. Then open them up again at night to allow built up heat to escape.    Run Ceiling Fans Counterclockwise If you have ceiling fans, run them counterclockwise in the summer to help push cool air down. Your AC unit won’t have to work as hard, and your room will feel up to 8 degrees cooler! (In the winter, you’ll want to switch your fan to rotate clockwise so it pulls cool air up and pushes warm air down.)    Check Your Thermostat Increasing your thermostat by a few degrees can give your AC a break as well. Setting it at around 78 degrees will give you the best energy savings, but we know that isn’t comfortable for everyone. Increasing the temperature even a degree or two can make a big difference. In addition, keep lamps and other heat-producing appliances away from  your thermostat, as the extra heat will tell it to run the AC more than it needs to. For the same reason, try to keep direct sunlight off of your thermostat as well.  Use a Dehumidifier Here in Minnesota we know all too well that high humidity can make hot summer days feel miserable. Running a dehumidifier will make your home feel much more comfortable without overtaxing your AC unit, even on the hottest of days.  Seal Up Leaks Some basic weatherization steps can prevent the loss of that cool air your AC unit is working so hard to create. Seal air leaks around windows and doors with caulking or weatherstripping and make sure air ducts are properly sealed and insulated as well.  Call In the Pros Routine maintenance of your HVAC system will keep it running at peak performance and efficiency. We recommend having your system checked out at least once a year to keep it in tip top shape.  Time for a Replacement? If your AC unit is no longer able to keep up with your cooling needs, it may be time for a replacement. While a new unit can be an investment, newer models are more energy-efficient and will save you money in the long run.  When it’s time to maintain, repair, or replace your AC unit, Titan Heating & Cooling has everything you need. Give us a call at 651.714.8931 or contact us here.  ...

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