“To be, or not to be. That is the question.” This most famous line from Shakespeare’s Hamlet pertains to the whether or not the lead character in the play should continue to exist or not. This deep question is one that many homeowners have about their aging air conditioning unit. On one hand, it makes sense to continue to repair a quality AC unit if it has proven over the years to be a trusty source of cool air throughout the long Arizona summers. On the other hand, continuing to invest money in service and replacement parts on a system that doesn’t have nearly the energy efficiency of a newer system may not make financial sense. The key is being able to identify certain telltale signs that it’s time for a replacement.

Your AC Unit Is More Than 10 Years Old

Most older units do not have nearly the energy efficiency of today’s models. In fact, the most current, high-efficiency units offer up to a 20 percent or greater savings on monthly utility bills. Quality air conditioning systems will typically last from 12 to 18 years. Some can even last longer. If you are requiring significant repairs after five years, you may want to consider repairs because your unit likely has some good years of service left. However, one that is significantly older may not be worth the investment in repairs.

Utility Bills Are Continuing to Climb

While it’s normal to have fluctuations in your utility bill based on changes in your consumption, there’s a problem if your bill is consistently going up month after month. This is an indicator that your cooling system is no longer providing the efficiency you require for your home.

Your Cooling System Is Noisy

Although no HVAC system is completely silent, excessive noise indicates a potential problem. Most often, it’s an issue with a coil or with an undersized duct system. Often, this is an early indicator that it’s time for a new unit.

Excessive Repair Costs

If your system requires repairs, and they will cost more than $500, it may just make more financial sense to replace it. Some homeowners believe that it’s more affordable to kick the can down the road and replace at a later date. However, when you add up the cost of repairs, time, and reduced energy efficiency, it often is more financially savvy to replace than repair.

Need Help Determining the Future of Your AC Unit?

Air conditioners are long-term investments. You want to make sure you’re making the best decision for both your budget and your comfort. At Bruce’s Air Conditioning & Heating, we can help you make the right decision for your home. Call our expert team today at 480-968-5652 to get the answers you need.

The trees are in bloom. Spring training is in full-swing. And, the Arizona weather is the envy of the entire country. Yet, if you’re a Chandler homeowner, you know that the long, hot summer is just around the corner. The time to find out if your air conditioning system is working efficiently isn’t when you’re sweating in triple digit heat. Instead, take advantage of the mild spring temperatures by scheduling your HVAC system maintenance now.

Air conditioning is an absolute essential in the Phoenix area, and it only makes sense to ensure your AC system is working as it should and won’t break down when you need it most. While your air conditioning can make up the majority of your utility bill during the summer months, there are ways to reduce these costs and ensure you’re not going to lose your cool due to an unexpected system malfunction.

Check Your Thermostat

When we begin having consistent daytime temperatures above 80 degrees and nighttime temperatures above 60 degrees, it may be time to flip your thermostat to the “cool” setting. Within moments of changing the setting, you should hear your AC turn on and begin to feel cooling. If not, don’t delay in calling your service technician.

Schedule a Maintenance Check for Your System

At Bruce’s Air Conditioning & Heating, we get a dramatic uptick in service calls on that first day of triple digit temperatures. To avoid having any potential problem, call now to schedule a seasonal tune-up of your air conditioning unit. It’s not only our job to help keep your system running efficiently, we can address any potential issues that can turn into major problems in the future. The cost of a seasonal tune-up is a small investment that can help keep your system performing optimally all summer long.

Clean or Replace the Filters

This is the easiest maintenance step, but often the most overlooked when it comes to preparing your AC system for summer. With the high amount of dust in the Arizona environment, it’s wise to make it a monthly habit of replacing or cleaning filters. When they’re clogged with dust, they restrict air flow and reduce the efficiency of your air conditioning system. They also recirculate dust into your home.

Remove Leaves and Debris

Winter storms can result in debris collecting around the base of your air conditioning system condenser. If you’ve scheduled an AC tune-up, also take the time to cut and remove any weeds, vines and leaves that may be obstructing airflow through your unit.

Call Bruce’s Air Conditioning & Heating

With summer just around the corner, schedule a seasonal AC tune-up today. Not only will you save money be maximizing the efficiency of your cooling system, you’ll also greatly reduce your chance of needing larger, more costly repairs. Call to schedule an appointment with one of our expert HVAC specialists today at 480-968-5652.