A difficult decision that homeowners are often faced with is whether it would be worth the money to add an AC system to their home or – if the home already has one – if it would be wiser to keep patching up an HVAC system… or replace it with a modern one. These questions are important to owners who plan to sell a house, as well as those who have no intention of moving.
Replace Drafty Windows For Heating Efficiency
The winter isn’t any colder than usual, and the heat is set just like always, but the house still feels cold. Chances are, windows are the problem. Before you start cursing at your HVAC system, consider replacing draft windows to help improve your home heating efficiency. [Read more…]
Protecting HVAC Systems and Winter Maintenance
As the leaves start to fall and the days grow colder, many homeowners are beginning to prepare for the snowy season ahead. A little preparation can help avoid big problems down the road. So, here are some common questions and advice to help you prepare and protect your HVAC systems during the winter. [Read more…]
How To Avoid These Costly Mistakes This Holiday Season
We here on Long Island in the fall tend to experience a couple of weeks of gorgeous, near perfect weather before the temperature really drops, and we’re breaking out the sweaters, hoodies, and heavy coats. This year is no exception. As a result, many Long Islanders are quickly switching from cooling their homes to heating them. [Read more…]
Why A Home AC Plan Is Worth The Investment
Many of us have made purchases where they add optional insurance and expanded coverage plans. Everything from jewelry, rental cars, cell phones, computers, and more have some form of insurance available.
Not all coverage plans are created equal though. Depending on the product in question, it just might not be worth it. There’s a very good chance you’ve passed up on supplemental coverage for your own purchases in the past.
What is worth having expanded coverage on? Is having expanded coverage or insurance for your home HVAC system worth it?
5 Air Conditioning Myths That Cost You Money
Summer doesn’t just bring heat. It also brings a lot of misinformation about air conditioning and keeping cool. The problem is some of those myths can end up costing you a lot of money, so let’s address some common AC myths. [Read more…]
Spring Cleaning Air Filters to Prevent Allergens & Pollutants
The weather is finally warming up and spring is in the air. While we get brighter, sunnier days, it’s also the start of allergy season for many of us. That is all the more reason to partake in some spring cleaning. [Read more…]
How to Use Smart Technology to Keep Your Heating Costs Down
Everyone wants to save money and that means saving energy. Today’s technology provides new tools that make this easier and more comfortable than ever. [Read more…]
7 HVAC Tips for Pet Owners
Have you ever considered the impact a pet might have on your HVAC unit? Odds are that you have a pet or two running around your place. In the state of New York, 27% of homes have dogs and 21% have cats. Some overlap does exist but in total, around half of every household in NY has a pet. In fact, 67% of all American households own at least one kind of pet. [Read more…]
When Should I Replace My Central Air Conditioner?
With summer fading, you might be thinking about your central air conditioner (CAC), especially if your central air was less than perfect this season. If your central AC was making noise, didn’t feel as cool as usual, took longer than usual to make your house comfortable, or it’s just getting older, it might be time to start thinking about replacing your central air conditioner.
How Long Do AC Units Last?
On average, a central air conditioning unit lasts 12-17 years. The longevity of your central air system depends upon a few things like:
- Proper installation
- Regular maintenance
- Overall usage
- Unit location
- Sealing and insulation of ductwork
- Air filter replacement or cleaning
The Importance of Regular Central AC Maintenance
Obviously, regular maintenance is useful because it keeps your central air conditioning system running well. It also allows you to spot potential problems before they cause a unit breakdown.
The more often you run your central air system, the more wear and tear it undergoes. Fortunately, here on Long Island, our climate means that a central air conditioning system won’t have to run all year round, so it won’t run as hard as it might in other parts of the country with hotter climates. For more professional air conditioning maintenance tips, read through our article on 9 Ways to Avoid AC Breakdown.
Replace Your Air Filter Frequently
Replacing the air filter is a part of yearly maintenance, but for an efficient, effective system, it’s useful to clean or replace your filter even more frequently. A dirty filter forces you to run your central air longer and more often.
When to Replace Your Central AC
EnergyStar has a few guidelines for how to tell when it’s time to replace your central air conditioner.
- If you’ve had to make frequent repairs.
- If your energy bills are going up.
- If your CAC has become noisy.
- If your home has a humidity problem when the weather is warm.
- If your central air conditioning is more than 10 years old.
Except for the first item, any of these factors, on an individual basis, might not force a replacement. In combination, however, they’re definitely warning signs that it’s time to replace your central air conditioning unit – especially if combined with an uptick in repairs.
If it does look like you should replace your central air conditioning system, doing it before complete system failure is your smartest option. Not only do you save the discomfort of a summer breakdown but replacing your AC unit during the offseason means you can plan an installation at time that’s most convenient for you.
Can I Replace My Central Air Unit Myself?
Trying to install your own central air unit is a very bad idea. Central air conditioning systems are very complex. Even if you’re a competent DIYer, with the many electrical components involved, this increases the risk of an installation error. Even figuring out the right size unit takes experience and nuance. It’s also very likely that you’ll invalidate the manufacturer’s warranty by installing it yourself.
Do You Need a Permit for a New HVAC System?
Yes, permits are required to ensure your AC is installed properly. This is yet another reason why it’s a bad idea to try to install central air conditioning yourself. The permits usually require a licensed installer. Specifics vary according to the jurisdiction. The Town of North Hempstead is just one example, so you’ll need to check your local town requirements.
Tragar Can Upgrade Your Central Air Conditioning
Now is a great time to start planning for the installation of a new central air conditioning system or upgrading your current system. Tragar can work with you today to make sure it’s a seamless process. Reach out to us for more information and a free estimate.
