In many households, air conditioners (ACs) are asked to do their jobs even as they begin to show their age. Their reduction in functionality is ignored, and they are replaced only once they break down. However, waiting to purchase a new unit until your current AC fails might do more harm than good. If it breaks down in the dead of summer or winter, you’ll not only have to contend with unregulated air temperatures, but also increased wait times for technician services. 

When you work with a skilled heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) company like Optimum Air Solutions, you can avoid these complications. Our 24/7 phone line and expert technician services allow us to help you choose the best AC system for your home and install it as soon as possible. But first, you need to understand what AC replacements entail, as well as why planning ahead is so important

What is an AC Replacement Service?

In ideal conditions, residential AC replacement services involve removing your existing AC system and installing a fresh, properly sized unit which meets the cooling needs of your home. While some homeowners may wait to begin this process until their AC stops working entirely, doing so may leave you with little time to choose a new unit. This may increase your chances of choosing an AC which does not fit within your budget or suit your home’s specific cooling needs. 

In order to avoid a full breakdown and give yourself time to plan ahead for your home AC replacement, keep an eye out for signs that your AC is experiencing issues, including:

  • The age of your air conditioner. If your AC unit is reaching the end of its lifespan, it may become less energy-efficient and require more frequent repairs, increasing the cost of maintaining it. 
  • Frequent repairs. Has your AC needed more repairs than usual? Do the repairs exceed the $5,000 rule—that is, does the age of your system multiplied by the estimated repair cost surpass $5,000? If so, consider installing a new system rather than sinking additional money into a dying one.
  • Low airflow or inconsistent cooling. Improperly sized or compromised systems may not be able to provide enough cool air, or they may leave some rooms in your residence noticeably warmer than others. 
  • Increased energy consumption. Issues with your home’s insulation, ventilation, air filtration, AC components and more may force your system to work harder, raising your electricity bill.
  • Odd odors and sounds. While many AC units will make noise, sustained unpleasant sounds and smells may indicate mold, mildew, burnt-out or loose components, and other wear-and-tear. 
  • Increased humidity in your home. Part of your residential AC’s job is keeping indoor humidity in check; higher humidity levels may be a sign that your unit is experiencing issues.
  • More dust, dander or other debris in the air than normal.
  • Repetitive short-cycling, or when your AC turns off and on more frequently than normal, without completing a full cooling cycle. This may be a sign of issues such as clogged filters, poor AC sizing, frozen evaporator coils or electrical problems.

Determining the Best Time for a Home AC Replacement

Once you’re aware of the need for a new AC unit, it’s time to begin making plans for replacing your current system. And when it comes to AC replacement services, timing truly is everything. While a broken AC system should be repaired or replaced as soon as possible, summer and winter months are often the busiest for technicians. By avoiding these peak HVAC service seasons and scheduling installations for spring or autumn, you may be able to gain benefits including:

  • Greater availability. As temperatures warm during spring and fall during autumn, technicians may experience a reduction in demand. This may give you more flexibility in appointment timing, as well as allow you to get the service you need when you need it. 
  • Better weather. If replacements take a day or more, being without air conditioning during heat waves can be uncomfortable, if not outright dangerous. Scheduling replacements during HVAC off-seasons, when temperatures are often milder, can make the process more comfortable for both you and your technicians.
  • Potential savings opportunities. HVAC companies and manufacturers may offer discounts on labor, materials, older models and more during the off-season.
  • Avoiding the need to rush. By planning your home AC replacement before it breaks down, you can take your time when deciding what brand and model will work best for your property.
  • Ensuring your AC will work when you need it. Scheduling an AC replacement during the off-season means that when heat waves arrive, your AC will be running like a well-oiled machine. And as an added benefit, the improved energy efficiency of your new system may save you money on your energy bill. 

Do You Need an AC Replacement or Repair?

Of course, before you schedule a replacement, it is important to determine whether a new AC is what you actually want. If your unit is relatively young, and if calls for repairs are few and far between, a replacement may not be necessary. Additionally, while concerns such as odd noises, poor airflow and reduced energy efficiency may indicate the need for a new AC, they may just as often signal the need for a repair. Once an inspection has been completed, speak with a technician to determine the cost of repairs vs a replacement, as well as their professional opinion. Then, make the decision which is right for you.  

Take Advantage of Quality HVAC Services with Optimum Air Solutions

When you work with Optimum Air Solutions, you get more than quality AC inspections, repairs and replacements. You get the services of a company which has, for more than 20 years, maintained an uncompromising dedication to customer satisfaction and swift responses. Our team of certified and licensed experts engage in continuous training in order to stay up-to-date on advancements in technology and best practices for servicing a variety of AC brands and models. Additionally, we exclusively work with leading AC manufacturers in order to offer high-quality equipment to our customers, ensuring that your AC will provide reliable service whenever it’s needed. 

Keep Your Home Cool and Comfortable During Louisiana Heat Waves with Optimum Air Solutions

As a homeowner, there are a number of reasons to schedule air conditioner replacement services for the HVAC off-season. While the most obvious may be availability, it also allows you and your technicians to be safer and more comfortable, and gives you the time you need to make informed decisions. And though replacing your AC system may seem overwhelming, you don’t have to do it alone. At Optimum Air Solutions, our expert technicians will be by your side every step of the way, helping you to make a smart, budget-friendly AC decision and guiding you through its functions post-installation. With experience replacing and servicing a variety of AC systems, we have the tools we need to help you make the best choice for both you and your property. 

Ready to replace your AC? Optimum Air Solutions is happy to help. Give us a call or send us a message to schedule an inspection today!

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