Get Ready for Summer: AC Replacement in Edina, MN

Summertime in Edina, MN means warm temperatures and relatively high humidity. Staying cool and comfortable is a top priority and, for that, you rely on your air conditioner. But, you also worry that turning it on will result in higher energy bills or that it will need expensive repairs that disrupt your family’s budget. At Countryside Heating and Cooling Solutions, we understand your concerns and we’re here to help. You can count on our experts when it’s time for AC replacement in your Edina, MN home.

Signs It’s Time for AC Replacement

You reach for your thermostat to lower the temperature in your home and the blast of cool air you expected doesn’t come. It’s frustrating because the house is getting warmer by the minute and it’s stuffy and uncomfortable. You know something’s wrong, but do you need a new air conditioner or can you get by with repairs? Here are some ways that you can tell if it’s time for an AC replacement:

Your Air Conditioner Is Getting Old

The average life expectancy of a residential air conditioner is somewhere between 15 and 20 years. How long yours will last depends upon how well it’s been maintained over the years. If your AC is more than 10 years old, however, even with routine maintenance, it may be time to replace it with a new energy-efficient model. Another factor that can affect your AC’s lifespan is how hard it has to work. If it’s too small for your space, it will have to work harder, which increases wear and tear and decreases the lifespan.

Your AC Doesn’t Evenly Cool Your Home

If there are rooms in your home that don’t get enough cool air while others are comfortable, it’s time to consider a new AC. This is usually an indication that the air conditioner is too small for your space. It’s important that your air conditioner is a high enough BTU (British Thermal Unit) to handle the space and your demands. An HVAC technician can help you find an AC that’s the perfect size for your home by evaluating the square footage, the height of the ceilings, and the size of your family.

Your Home Feels Muggy and Moisture Builds Up

Air conditioners are designed to not only cool the air but also remove excess humidity from the air. Moisture build-up on the inside of windows, on ceilings and walls, and an uncomfortable, sticky feeling are all signs of high humidity. If you’ve had your AC properly serviced and maintained and you’re experiencing high levels of humidity, there’s a problem. It could be that there’s a clog in the condenser line or the air filter. It could also mean that your AC isn’t working properly due to age or mechanical issues and it needs to be replaced.

You’ve Had the AC Repaired Multiple Times

It’s a good idea to have your air conditioner serviced by a licensed technician on a regular basis. They’ll check it over and make minor repairs as needed. However, if you’re having to call someone in frequently to make repairs, it’s time to consider replacing that old AC with a new one. After all, constantly having to get repairs can be costly. A good rule of thumb to follow when deciding whether to repair or replace your AC is if the repairs will cost half of a new unit, it’s time for a replacement. Otherwise, you’re just wasting money.

Your Utility Bills Soar When Using the AC

Believe it or not, just because you’re running your air conditioner, you shouldn’t have high energy bills during the summer months. If your home’s energy use surges, it’s likely because your AC isn’t as energy-efficient as it could be. It may also be that your current system is too small and it’s working overtime to keep up with your cool air demands. New air conditioner models are highly efficient, which can help lower your energy bills and keep them lower for years to come.

Your Air Conditioner Makes Weird Noises

The only sounds you should hear coming from your air conditioner are the sound of it kicking in and the rush of cool air moving through the vents. What you shouldn’t hear is squeaking, banging, clanging, or any other weird sound. If you do, there’s a good chance that there’s something mechanically wrong with your AC, like an issue with the compressor. If your unit is reaching the end of its useful age, or it hasn’t been properly maintained, it may be time to look for a new one rather than invest in repairs.

There Are Odd Smells Coming from the Air Conditioner

When you click on your AC, there shouldn’t be any odors coming from it. If you detect the smell of mold or mildew, it’s a good sign there’s an issue that needs to be resolved. It could be as simple as changing the filter, cleaning the coils, or emptying the drip pan. However, if you smell something burning, call a professional right away. This could mean that there’s an electrical issue that’s causing the unit to overheat and that can be dangerous. The technician will help you decide whether to repair the problem or replace the unit.

Why Countryside Heating and Cooling Solutions?

In a word, experience. We’re not new to the HVAC industry, in fact, we’ve been around for over 45 years. Back in 1974, Countryside Heating and Cooling Solutions were founded by Craig Schumacher and it’s been a family-owned business ever since. These days, it’s run by Lance Schumacher and Jason Storm, who are just as passionate about the business as Craig was. With nearly 40 years of combined experience, under their belts, you can count on Lance, Jason, and the rest of the crew to provide exceptional HVAC services.

If you’re a homeowner in Edina or the surrounding areas, start your summer right with a complete air conditioner inspection and tune-up. Just contact us online or call (763) 299-9996 and we’ll dispatch one of our friendly, professional technicians to your home. We’ll take a look at your AC and make a recommendation as to whether you need a new unit, or if repairs are in order. There’s no pressure, and we’ll work with you to make sure your budget stays intact either way.