Air conditioning is more than just a comfort for when it’s scorching outside. It can prevent serious health issues from risky heat waves. It halts outdoor pollution from circulating in your indoor space. It helps you sleep more peacefully. But while air conditioning can help you keep healthy and comfortable, an older unit can have negative health effects for your family. Here are some factors to consider if you’re thinking of replacing your home’s air conditioner.
Potential Health Hazards from Old Air Conditioners
As a general rule of thumb, HVAC professionals suggest replacing air conditioning units when they are more than 10 years old. However, if you are observing reoccurring issues with your system before that, it doesn’t hurt to consider solutions beyond repairs and ongoing cleaning. Here are some issues that could influence your family’s health and should prompt you to consider a new system.
Mold and Mildew
Your air conditioner functions by cooling air over evaporator coils, which creates condensation. Where there’s condensation, mold can be present. And where mold can grow, so can bacteria. That can equal sickness. More often, though, mold and bacteria can irritate preexisting lung conditions and allergies. Routine maintenance can help eliminate mold growth, but broken pieces in aging system can help mold spread.
Electrical Components
The older your HVAC system is, the more likely it is that you’re seeing expensive repairs more often. That’s not just bad for your budget. Your air conditioner is part of a complex appliance that operates throughout your house. When it doesn’t operate as it should, it can be dangerous for your home. The electrical component of your system is very important here, because HVAC units with older wiring are accountable for hundreds of house fires annually. The longer you put off replacing your system, the longer you might be putting your family’s health at risk.
Possible Leaks
Air conditioners use refrigerant to keep the air in your house colder. But not all types of refrigerant are created equal. As the HVAC industry has evolved, we’ve begun using safer versions of it—especially in the last 15 years. However, refrigerant can still make your family sick. Mild exposure can bring headaches and dizziness, but prolonged exposure can have more serious health effects. If you suspect you have a leak, reach out to a professional immediately.
Benefits from New HVAC Units and Features
A new air conditioner can do a lot to make your space more comfortable. It can also help your family be a little healthier, especially when you add some more modern features to it.
Improved Comfort
As your air conditioner gets older, it can decrease its cooling power and efficiency. That could lead to sleepless nights when you’re unable to cool down. It could also leave you feeling uncomfortable or sick when the temperature outside rises greatly. With a new air conditioner, you can avoid all that, and keep your family happy and healthy.
Purer Air
Any good air conditioning system helps guard you from outdoor pollution using your regular filter. And changing that filter regularly is an important part of keeping your home healthy. If you want to take that a step further, consider adding an air purification system to a new air conditioner. Together, they’ll keep your home nice and cool, while filtering out more irritants from the outdoors—like dirt, dust or pollen.
If you’re worried your current air conditioner could be harming your family’s health or want to see what a new air conditioner could do for your house, give our team a call at 928-263-8570 or arrange an appointment with us online. Our team is happy to help you find a solution that works for your home.