John A. Kinkaid Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc.

5 Signs it’s Time to Replace Your A/C Unit

Ambler AC repair

Many Ambler AC repair and maintenance tasks are quick and easy to DIY, such as replacing air filters. Others, not so much. It can be difficult to know when it’s worth investing in extensive A/C repairs and when it’s time to replace your HVAC unit outright. Read on for 5 signs it’s time to replace your A/C unit. 

A/C Replacement: 5 Warning Signs

Annual A/C tune-ups from a professional HVAC technician will go a long way toward extending the life of your unit and preventing major breakdowns. That said, all units reach the end of their lifespan eventually. Keep an eye out for these signs:

  1. Age of Unit

On average, HVAC units have a lifespan of 12–15 years. With proper care and maintenance, a quality unit might even last for up to 20 years. That said, if your unit is more than 12-years-old, it’s time to start thinking about and planning for a replacement. 

  1. Frequent Repairs and Breakdowns

If you find yourself dealing with frequent breakdowns and expensive repairs, a new unit may be more cost-effective in the long run. This is especially true as a unit ages, as it may become necessary to replace multiple component parts. These costs can quickly add up and may not be a wise investment in a unit that is already on the fritz.

  1. Loss of Cooling Efficiency

Even with repairs and regular maintenance, an older unit is likely to become less effective over time. As we fill our homes with modern, heat-generating appliances, aging units may no longer be able to keep up with cooling demands.

  1. Rising Energy Costs

An uptick in utility bills during the warm season could point to a unit in need of replacing. Older units may strain to keep up, using more energy in the process. In some cases, a unit that is improperly sized for the space that it’s in can use more energy than necessary. 

  1. Accessibility 

Those who intend on aging in place or residents who value easy access may want to consider installing a unit that makes regular maintenance tasks (like cleaning or replacing air filters) a breeze. 

Need Ambler AC Repair? Kinkaid Heating and Air Conditioning Can Help! 

Kinkaid has proudly served Montgomery, Bucks, Philadelphia and Chester Counties since 1917. We offer residential and commercial installation, maintenance and repair on all makes and models of HVAC equipment. Give us a call or contact us online to get started today!

8 Steps To Keep Your A/C Unit Running Smoothly

acunit

If saving energy and money sounds like something you are interested in (and who wouldn’t be?), then you’ve come to the right place! Keeping your A/C unit clean and healthy can make a big difference when it comes to cutting down your energy bill, and Kinkaid HVAC is here to show you the ropes.

Kinkaid HVAC is a Willow Grove air conditioning installation company that has been serving the Delaware Valley for nearly a century. Read on to find out exactly how to keep your A/C unit in tip-top shape.

Tips From the #1 Willow Grove HVAC Company

Here are a few simple steps from your go-to Willow Grove HVAC crew to ensure your AC unit doesn’t kick out when you need it most:

  1. Shut Off The Power – To avoid danger from the electricity powering your unit, before you do any checkups, turn it off. Look for an exterior shut off box near your outdoor unit and also turn it off at your breaker box.
  2. Clear Debris – On your outdoor compressor, use a screwdriver or wrench to open the top fan cage. Then use a vacuum or other device to clean out leaves, dirt and dust.
  3. Clean the Fins – Use a strong setting on a garden hose to spray through the fins surrounding your AC unit. This will loosen up any remaining debris. You can also use a fin cleaning spray (found at a home improvement store) to wipe down the outside. Avoid using a pressure washer so as not to damage the unit.
  4. Straighten the Fins – Using a butter knife or commercial fin-straightening tool, gently straighten the fins to open up areas where airflow might be restricted.
  5. Clean Around the Unit – After you’ve fastened the fan cage back on, remove leaves and branches from the surrounding area as well. The unit should have at least 2 feet of clear space in all directions.
  6. Check if It’s Leveled – Over time the soil beneath your unit can shift and cause your unit to tilt, and a tilted unit can cause the compressor inside to fail sooner.
  7. Clean the Evaporator Coil – On your indoor blower or furnace unit, dust off your evaporator coil and use a no-rinse coil spray to clean it.
  8. Clean the Blower Filter – You should replace the filter at least twice a year, and more if you live in a particularly dusty area.

Contact This Willow Grove AC Maintenance Crew Today!

If your system is in need of a checkup, call the most trusted air conditioning maintenance team in Willow Grove. We offer a variety of competitive service plans and even give a 10% discount to all active and non-active military personnel, so call today!