Month: July 2019

Should you repair or replace? That’s always the big question when it comes to major home systems like air conditioning (AC). Repairs are easier on the pocketbook in the short run, but too many of them can add up.

Deciding on the ideal time to replace your air conditioning system in Oro Valley can be a challenge, so here are three areas our ACS Air Conditioning Service professionals suggest you monitor for telltale signs:

1. Check the age of your air conditioner.

Most air conditioners have an average life span of 10 to 15 years with regular usage. If you run your air conditioning system constantly through unusually hot summers, you may shorten that life span. On the other hand, lighter usage or cooler weather may mean your unit lasts significantly longer.

Although age alone does not signal an automatic need for a new air conditioner, it should play a factor in your decision. If you notice your current unit is not performing as well and you require more repairs on a system that’s reaching the end of a typical life span, it’s probably a good time to make the investment.

2. Evaluate the performance and energy efficiency.

Pay attention to how your air conditioner is performing, as well as to your energy bills. If you have taken care of your air conditioning system with regular maintenance, but begin to notice the unit is not cooling as quickly, as well, or as evenly as it used to, this may be a sign that it’s time to look for a new air conditioner.

In addition, take a close look at the cost of running your air conditioner. New units are always more energy efficient than older ones, and technological developments often boost performance of the newest models. According to the US Department of Energy (DoE), high-efficiency air conditioners can reduce energy usage by 20 to 50 percent per year.

3. Gauge your home’s air quality.

A well-functioning air conditioner should not only keep your home cooler, but it should also improve your air quality by reducing the humidity and minimizing allergens such as mold. When the weather is particularly humid in AZ, your air conditioner will have to work much harder. Not only will your system need to remove heat, but it will also need to remove moisture from the air.

Over time, this will tax your air conditioning system, making it more difficult to handle humidity. If you notice more moisture in your air, as well as decreased air quality, you may want to invest in a new system.

Call Us Today for More Information

Our certified technicians at ACS Air Conditioning Services here in Oro Valley, AZ, are well versed in all makes and models of air conditioners. We would be happy to help diagnose any problems you are facing, as well as make recommendations for repair or replacement. If it’s time for a new air conditioning system, our professionals can also help you choose the best new air conditioner for your home. Call us at 520-230-5668 or contact us online!

“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” There’s a reason why that old adage has been passed down through the years. It’s always better to be prepared for misfortunes than to have to deal with the consequences. During storm season in Oro Valley, that proves true for protecting your air conditioning system as well.

Our professionals at ACS Air Conditioning Services want you to have a reliable air conditioning system before, during, and after a storm. Here are some tips on helping you protect your air conditioner investment.

Add Appropriate Insurance Riders

Although basic homeowners insurance will cover some storm damage, if you happen to live in an area that’s particularly prone to flooding, hurricanes, or tornadoes, you may want to add a rider to cover these particular situations. Having the additional coverage in AZ can bring you peace of mind that expensive equipment is covered and can be more easily replaced if needed. According to the Insurance Information Institute about one in 50 insured homes has a property damage claim related to wind, hail, or water damage each year.

Learn How to Turn Off Electricity

Be sure you and all older family members know how to access your electric circuit breaker and understand how to turn the electricity off in your home in the case of violent storms. You can do something as simple as labeling your circuit breakers so it’s easy to tell which breakers are connected to which major appliances in your home, including your heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system.

By turning off the breaker associated with your HVAC or air conditioning unit, you can protect your system from electrical surges or damage if debris gets trapped in a running unit.

Consider Investing in Surge Protection

Multiple types of surge protectors are available on the market today. You can either invest in a whole-house surge protector that can protect everything that’s connected to your electrical system in the case of electrical surges which can result from lightening, or you can connect individual surge protectors to only major appliances or electronic equipment.

Power surges may not only occur during storms but can happen for other reasons as well. Even minor ones can damage your equipment over time.

Think About Purchasing a Generator

Many different types of generators are also available, including some that automatically turn on when the power shuts off. Having a generator backup is an excellent way to keep your air conditioning system up and running even in the worst of storms. It will also power critical appliances like your refrigerator and your electronic devices.

Secure and Cover Condenser

Most of the time covering your air conditioning condenser outside is a bad idea. The condenser requires free air circulation to operate efficiently. However, in a storm, you may want to place a tarp temporarily over your condenser to protect it from flying debris. (Be sure to turn your system off before doing this though.) If small items such as branches and leaves get trapped inside the condenser, you can easily hurt your motor or experience other equipment malfunctions.

In addition, if high winds are an issue, you may want to tie down your unit more securely to keep it from being pried up by the storm. If you live in a dwelling that’s on a higher floor, consider investing in hurricane straps to secure window air conditioners.

Prepare Your Yard

This may sound like a strange precaution, but being sure your trees are trimmed, dead branches are removed, and yard items are put away can help protect your air conditioning unit, as well as your home in general, in a violent storm. You want to remove anything that can be blown around and cause more damage, especially in a storm with high winds.

Rely on the Professionals

It’s always a good idea to have an HVAC professional come out regularly to inspect your air conditioning system to be sure it’s in good working order. However, if you do suffer damage from a storm, you may want to have your unit inspected before you turn it back on.

Storm damage may not necessarily be apparent, but in some cases it can cause more damage after the storm has passed. For example, flying debris can clog up the unit, disconnections inside your unit may cause toxic coolant leaks, and flooding can damage interior components. A simple inspection can ensure your air conditioner is safe to turn back on and will continue delivering reliable, efficient cooling in the future.

Let’s Talk Air Conditioners

Our ACS Air Conditioning Services team in Oro Valley, AZ, wants you to protect the investment you have made in your air conditioning system. For a new system, preventive maintenance, repairs, or advice regarding storms and your air conditioning system in general, call us at 520-230-5668 or request service online.