Replacing your old air conditioner with a new and improved model is a terrific way to beat the heat during Colorado’s warm summer months. However, many Denver residents don’t know the best time to install an AC system. Fortunately, the heating and cooling specialists at JC Mechanical are here to guide you.
JC Mechanical is Denver’s reliable AC installation company. We specialize in high-quality air conditioner replacement, repair, and maintenance services that help your air conditioner operate at its highest efficiency level without skyrocketing your monthly energy payments. If you want to get the most out of your heating and cooling system, contact JC Mechanical.
How Long Do Air Conditioners Last?
Most AC units last 20 years before requiring a replacement. Although routine maintenance can extend your unit’s lifespan, it’s a good rule of thumb to start shopping for a new system once it reaches the 15-year mark.
Air conditioners lose efficiency with age and will have trouble maintaining a comfortable climate once summer temperatures set in. That’s why it’s crucial to replace your air conditioner before it adversely affects your comfort.
However, figuring out the best time to install an AC unit isn’t always easy. Some seasons benefit the process more than others and will diminish inconveniences.
When Is the Best Time to Replace Air Conditioning Units?
Most technicians recommend installing air conditioners during early spring or fall. Heating and cooling companies consider spring and fall their “off seasons” and aren’t as busy as usual. Most recommend installing new units between late September and mid-November or early March and mid-May.
Spring and fall also experience less extreme weather and won’t leave your home as uncomfortable as summer and winter. Installing a new AC unit during the summer leaves your home without conditioned air for hours or longer, significantly reducing your interior comfort. Conversely, installing an air conditioner in winter prevents you from using your heater (if you have an all-in-one unit), making your residence resemble a freezer more than a home.
Since most air conditioning companies aren’t as busy during fall and spring, they can install your new unit without delay. You won’t have to wait days or even weeks for an opening, allowing you to replace your system with a new and improved unit in no time.
That said, sometimes air conditioning systems give out without warning, especially during summer. The excess heat and increased usage put immense strain on older air conditioners, causing them to break down or overheat. In these cases, it’s best to schedule an appointment with an installer as soon as possible to avoid unbearable indoor temperatures.
Many air conditioning companies offer emergency services and will rush to your residence and install your new unit if your system is beyond repair. Although emergency services typically cost more than regular appointments, it’s a small price to pay to stay comfortable.
Signs You Need to Replace Your Air Conditioner in Denver, CO
Now that you know the best time to install an AC unit, you can learn the telltale signs of a failing system. Most air conditioners exhibit warning signs when they’re on their last leg, allowing you to replace them before they give out completely. Below are a few common indications that you need to replace your air conditioning system.
Uneven Cooling
Most failing air conditioners can’t distribute air evenly, creating uneven temperatures throughout your home. For example, one room might feel cool and comfortable while another is unusually warm. Uneven cooling often worsens over time, so it’s best to replace the unit as soon as you notice fluctuating temperatures.
Reduced Efficiency
Again, old AC units experience reduced efficiency over time and won’t adequately cool your home. Although they will continue to supply air, it won’t be as cold, making it difficult to sustain a pleasant indoor climate. Although refilling the refrigerant can restore a system’s cooling abilities, if your unit is 15 years old or older, consider upgrading to a newer model.
Newer air conditioners are much more efficient and will keep your home comfortable all summer long.
A Sudden Spike in Energy Bills
Other factors in your home will also affect how it maintains and takes in heat. A house’s age and structure will influence the amount of BTUs needed to heat it. An older home often requires more BTUs, while newer homes have structural differences that better maintain internal temperatures.
Think about how the following appliances and structural differences apply when choosing a new furnace:
- Different insulation types and amounts affect how your home retains heat.
- The number and size of your windows influence how quickly heat escapes a room. A large window allows more heat to escape.
- Lower ceilings allow a room to stay warmer than tall, vaulting ceilings.
- Roof color affects the amount of heat a home absorbs. Darker colors will draw more heat into your home than lighter colors.
Unusual Sounds Coming from the Air Conditioner
Sometimes air conditioners produce strange noises when they are about to kick the bucket. Loose mechanisms, broken belts, and failing motors can create unusual sounds and indicate a severe internal issue. If your unit makes squealing, grinding, or scraping noises, contact a professional for immediate replacement services.
The Unit Produces Foul Smelling Odors
Broken AC units often emit foul-smelling odors that overtake your home rather quickly. Musty smells typically signify mold growth, while burnt odors indicate burned-out wiring or mechanisms. Although these odors could stem from your air ducts, it’s best to evaluate your air conditioner once you notice a peculiar smell.
Mold, in particular, is very dangerous and can cause significant health problems if you don’t eliminate colonies quickly. Always contact an air conditioning specialist if you believe your unit produces unpleasant smells. They will identify the root cause and replace your air conditioner to ensure your home has fresh, clean air year-round.
Contact JC Mechanical for Outstanding Air Conditioner Installation in Denver, CO
If you want to know the best time to install an AC unit, contact JC Mechanical. Our air conditioning specialists will help you find an ideal time to replace your system and will equip your home with a best-in-class model at a price that fits your budget. From air conditioning installation to professional AC maintenance, JC Mechanical is here for all your heating and cooling needs.
Give JC Mechanical a call at 720-372-0944 today and get more information!
Author Bio:
Jimmie Ciccone
Owner of JC Mechanical Heating & Air Conditioning. A small family-owned company with over 30 years of experience dedicated to providing the best service possible to our customers. They guarantee 100% customer satisfaction, and if you aren’t satisfied, then you don’t pay them a dime.
