Signs You Need a New AC Unit
- Airflow is limited and does not blow cold air – This is often the first sign that air conditioning repair is needed. An AC unit that either stops blowing cold air or has limited airflow compared to in the past can be a major sign that a full system failure is imminent. Sometimes this is a sign of a minor problem, such as a clogged drain, so it’s best to have a trained technician inspect the unit to determine if a fix is necessary or if the whole system needs replacing.
- AC unit makes strange sounds – If your air conditioner makes grinding, squealing, or other unusual sounds that were not present before, it could be a sign that your unit is reaching the end of its shelf life and is in need of replacing.
- Bad smell comes from the AC unit – Like with limited airflow or a lack of cold air coming from your air conditioner, a bad smell can be attributed to a minor repair or cleanup. However, strange smells coming from a system that usually has neutral-smelling air can be a definite sign that something isn’t right with your system and needs to be checked.
- Energy bills have increased over time – Air conditioners are designed to run efficiently, meaning they work well without driving your bills higher. However, if you have noticed your energy bills increase even during seasons where you use your AC less, then it’s time for a technician to diagnose your system problem and recommend repairs or even a full replacement.
If you do end up needing your whole air conditioner replaced or want to take preventative steps now to ensure your system lasts longer, it might be time to consider an AC maintenance plan. Our plans provide homeowners peace of mind about their system tune-ups and come with other benefits as well, such as:
- $100 discount on system replacement (if needed) for plan A
- $300 discount on system replacement (if needed) for plan B
You can trust our technicians with your air conditioning system no matter its current issues and rely on us for affordable, reliable diagnoses and maintenance for the life of your unit.
What to Consider When Replacing an Air Conditioner
Air Conditioner Size
To find the right AC unit for your home, you’ll need to know what size, or capacity, is needed. Installing the correct size air conditioner is essential to the efficiency, reliability, operation, sound levels, comfort, and ongoing costs of cooling your home. If an AC unit is too small, it will struggle to keep your home cool. An oversized unit will cycle on and off too often and blow out much more air than is needed, which can cause stress to the components, require more maintenance and repairs, and ultimately fail much sooner than a properly sized air conditioner.
You may think simply getting a replacement unit with the same cooling capacity as your old AC unit is the solution, but that isn’t necessarily the case. Consider any changes you’ve made to your home — if you have improved your home’s energy efficiency by upgrading your windows or adding insulation, you might be able to reduce your cooling needs; however, if you built an addition to your home, your cooling needs might have increased.
It is best to have a qualified cooling expert evaluate your home to help you choose the right size system. They will take into account significant factors that can impact what size AC unit is ideal for your home, including:
- Your home’s age
- Construction materials
- The amount, type, and age of your insulation
- The number, size, and efficiency of your windows
- Airflow and duct size tolerances
- How much sun your house gets and where the sun strikes
- Nearby trees that may add additional shade
Air Conditioner Efficiency
Understanding AC efficiency ratings can help you choose a new unit that will allow you to recoup the cost of a new unit thanks to reduced energy bills. The efficiency rating for central air conditioners is expressed as the seasonal energy-efficiency rating (SEER), and it measures how efficiently the unit will operate at a specific outdoor temperature. The higher the SEER, the more energy-efficient the AC unit is, and the more comfortable your home will be.
The minimum standard SEER rating is 13 for air conditioners. Most modern air conditioners have a SEER that ranges from 13 to 21. ENERGY STAR qualified central air conditioners must have a SEER rating of 14.5 to qualify.
Air Conditioner Brands We Install
While we are the #1 Trane Dealer in the Midwest and have held that distinction for over a decade, our AC installation technicians service all makes and models including brands like Amana, American Standard, Armstrong, Bryant, Burnham, Carrier, Coleman, Comfortmaker, Daikin, Ducane Frigidaire, Gibson, Goodman, Heil, Janitrol, Lennox, Luxaire, Maytag, Nordyne, Payne, Rheem, Ruud, Sears, Tempstar, Trane, Weatherking, and York to name a few.
Experienced Air Conditioner Replacement Technicians
When you choose Design Aire, we recognize that you are inviting us into your home to help protect your family’s comfort needs – we take that responsibility very seriously. We are:
- Insured
- Licensed
- NATE Certified
- OSHA Safety Trained
- Union Trained
- Drug-tested
- Background Checked
Our most valuable asset is our team, for it is their pride and dedication to get the job done efficiently. Learn more about the many awards and accolades recognizing our team for a job well done!
Air Conditioning Installation and Replacement Add-On Services
Along with AC unit installation and replacement, we offer a number of add-on services such as custom sheet metal fittings and duct sealing to keep your system running as it should for years to come.
- Custom Sheet Metal Fittings – Our installation trucks include a Pittsburgh machine and a metal brake which allow us to fabricate a single-piece supply plenum specifically sized for your system whenever necessary. This custom ductwork assures you the best airflow and performance for your new system. Design Aire distinguishes itself from other companies with its unmatched sheet metal craftsmanship. As members of Sheet Metal Workers’ Union, Local 36, our installers possess superior skills and knowledge about the craft of sheet metal fabrication.
- Duct Sealing – The main areas for air leakage on your system occur closest to the blower (those locations have the highest pressure). We seal the ductwork at your coil, supply plenum, and return airdrop to prevent air loss at these critical points.
Contact Us for AC Replacement & Installation Services in St. Louis, MO
Find out why St. Louis area families trust the HVAC pros at Design Aire to handle all of their air conditioning service needs. From installing/replacing a new AC unit to routine annual maintenance and repair, we can help keep your home cool and your family comfortable throughout the warmer months. To get a free estimate to replace and install your AC unit with an efficient new system, contact Design Aire today!