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AC Replacement

Houston Homeowner’s Guide to AC Replacement

Texas Gulf Coast humidity and summertime heat are a force to be reckoned with. HVAC systems must work harder to maintain comfort levels here in Texas than in any other region of the United States. This added strain eventually causes every homeowner to reach the pinnacle of answering the question: Is it worth it to continue to repair an aging HVAC system, or is it time for an AC replacement?

Being aware of the warning signs of an AC system reaching its failing point can prevent an emergency AC situation during the hottest part of a Texas summer.

Here are four warning signs that your HVAC system is nearing an AC replacement.

  1. The “$5,000 Rule”

The “$5,000 Rule” is a logical benchmark to estimate whether it is time to repair your cooling system or if it is time for an AC replacement. As the HVAC system ages, the electrical and mechanical components naturally begin to fail. The older the system, the more likely these systems are to fail more often.

The financial viability of the AC repair can be determined by multiplying the age of the AC system by the cost of the repair. If that number is more than $5,000, it is more financially sound to make the investment in an AC replacement rather than an AC repair. The newer energy-efficient systems make more financial sense to replace than continuing to replace the aging system.

  1. Your AC System is Reaching the End of Its Life Expectancy

All mechanical appliances will wear out eventually, and even the most strictly maintained HVAC system has a life expectancy. The average lifespan of an HVAC system on the Texas Gulf Coast is typically 12 to 15 years. The closer to that age, the more likely recurring repairs are, and major mechanical failures are more likely. Many homeowners prefer to take preventive measures and undergo an AC replacement to a newer model rather than pour money into an older machine.

  1. Frequent Component Failure

As your system ages, specific critical component failures tend to happen frequently, and often they repeat in succession. Be aware of these frequent repair issues:

  • Frozen Coils and Refrigerant Leaks: Internal system pressure can cause line joints and coils to leak refrigerant. If a block of ice physically develops on your indoor evaporator coil or outdoor condenser, you have a significant refrigerant leak. Continual leaks mean that you have structural system erosion.
  • Contactor and Capacitor Failure: Intense Texas summer heat can cause capacitors to overheat and fail. If your system has a loud humming sound, that is an indication that your capacitor is stressed. The contactors for electrical switches can weld shut if your system turns off and on frequently. This will result in your AC running constantly, even when the system is turned off at the thermostat level.

Each of these electrical components can be replaced. However, if replacement is frequent, that signifies that the system is being overworked and heading toward a complete system failure.

  1. Sudden Increase in Utility Bills and Decreased Energy Efficiency

As heat and humidity increase on the Texas Gulf Coast, your HVAC system must work harder, which leads to decreased energy efficiency. If there is a sudden spike in utility bills under normal use of your HVAC system, that is an indication that your system is under stress, and an AC replacement may be approaching.

Persistent Indoor Air Quality Issues and Increased Humidity

Your HVAC system removes moisture in the air and lowers the temperature of the air in your home. As your system ages, humidity levels often increase, resulting in an uncomfortable indoor temperature. This can also clog the condensate drain line due to sludge buildup in the drain pan. A new system integrated with advanced comfort controls, zoning, or whole-home dehumidifiers will permanently eliminate that heavy, humid feeling.

Ready for an AC Replacement? Consult with Local Experts

If you have noticed these warning signs, deciphering the selection process of an AC replacement can be overwhelming. Houston Trane serves as the leading distributor and dealer support network for Southeast Texas, connecting homeowners with independent, highly trained Trane Comfort Specialist (TCS) dealers. These local AC replacement professionals undergo comprehensive training to be able to evaluate your home’s HVAC system and walk you through designing an HVAC system to meet the needs of you and your family’s comfort.

Using the Houston Trane Dealer Locator will connect you with a qualified Trane Comfort Specialist today and get your new system installed quickly to avoid any summertime cooling emergency.