tracking pixel Residential Cooling System: When to Repair vs. Replace? | H.B. McClure
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Keeping your cool in the heat of summer can be difficult, especially if your residential cooling system is acting up. Improper cooling during the summer season can lead to higher utility bills and other costly expenses that could have been avoided with proper maintenance.

The experienced technicians at HB McClure created a list of identifiers to help you decide if your residential cooling system needs repaired or replaced. If any of the issues below are noticeable, it is highly recommended that you get your cooling system examined.

Repair your residential cooling system if:

  • It’s blowing warm air

If warm air is coming out of your vents, your cooling system needs a professional diagnosis. It could be a simple coolant issue, clogging, or a loss of power to the unit, but it could also be a more complex repair. A technician can examine your home and get your cooling system back on track.

  • Refrigerant is leaking

Refrigerant is what makes cooling systems work—otherwise, they just push warm air around. If you notice a hissing sound when your unit is running or if you find ice on the evaporator coil, you probably have a leak. A professional can recharge the refrigerant and make sure that there was no internal damage caused by the leak.

  • Airflow is weak

Cool air might be coming out of your vents, but if it’s not being pushed out with enough force, you’ll notice that you home doesn’t cool down comfortably. This means that your unit needs repairs. Be sure that your system’s filters are changed regularly and have a professional check the unit’s blower and ductwork.

  • Inconsistent room temperatures

Do you find that some rooms are warmer or cooler than others when they shouldn’t be? This is a telltale sign that your equipment is not operating efficiently, and it could also point to an issue with your thermostat. A professional should examine your thermostat and also check your home’s ducts and insulation.

Replace your residential cooling system if:

  • You experience frequent repairs or breakdowns

Your cooling system may require a little TLC every once in a while, but it shouldn’t be acting up all the time. If your cooling system is costing you a lot of money in repairs, it’s more feasible to replace the system with newer, reliable equipment.

  • Outdated system

According to EnergyStar, it is time to replace your residential cooling system if it is more than 10 years old. Newer models and systems are better able to cool your home while also making less of an impact on the environment (and your wallet long-term). Look for the EnergyStar seal when choosing a new cooling system.

  • It’s too noisy

A healthy cooling system may make a few noises every now and then, but loud, repetitive sounds are a sign that there’s a serious problem. If your unit is emitting squeals and screaming noises on a regular basis, it’s time for a replacement.

  • It uses R-22

Check your unit’s information plate or user manual to find out which type of Freon it takes. If it uses R-22 Freon, it should be replaced. R-22 is being phased out by the US Government due to its impact on the environment, and by 2020, it will no longer be produced. Until then, the price will only continue to rise—consider purchasing a newer system that uses R410A Freon instead.

Still not sure what to do about your cooling system? Try our Repair or Replace tool.

One of HB McClure’s residential cooling and heating resources is our free online Repair or Replace form. Designed to save you time and money in the long run, this form allows you to see how your HVAC system rates. This can help you make an informed decision about how to proceed with repairs and replacements.

Whether you plan on repairing your existing cooling system or having a new one installed, keep in mind that a well-maintained system will outlive a system that is not.

In order to get the most out of your system, make sure to get regular tune-ups and system maintenance. You should be receiving check-ups annually. An easy and cost-effective way to get the most out of your cooling and heating systems is through a preventive maintenance agreement.

Schedule an appointment with HB McClure today so that we can help you keep your home cool this summer.  Request an appointment online or give us a call 717-232-4328.

HB McClure provides residential HVAC service to Harrisburg, Carlisle, Camp Hill, Dillsburg, Middletown, Enola, Hershey, Hummelstown, Mechanicsburg, New Cumberland, and York.

Trust, Quality, Value…since 1914. That’s HB McClure.