Air conditioning is more than just a comfort for when it’s warm outside. It can save you from serious health issues from unsafe heat waves. It stops outdoor pollution from circulating in your home. It helps you sleep more deeply. But while air conditioning can help you stay healthy and comfortable, an older unit can create negative health effects for your family. Here are some things to consider if you’re thinking of replacing your home’s air conditioner.
Potential Health Hazards from Old Air Conditioners
Usually, HVAC professionals recommend replacing air conditioning units when they are more than 10 years old. Although, if you are observing reoccurring issues with your system before that, it doesn’t hurt to consider your choices beyond repairs and more regular cleaning. Here are some issues that could influence your family’s health and should prompt you to consider a new unit.
Mold and Mildew
Your air conditioner operates by cooling air over evaporator coils, which generates condensation. Where there’s condensation, mold can grow. And where mold can grow, so can bacteria. That can result in sickness. More regularly, though, mold and bacteria can irritate preexisting lung conditions and allergies. Regular maintenance can help eliminate mold growth, but broken parts in aging system can help mold spread.
Electrical Components
The older your HVAC system is, the increased likelihood that you’re paying for expensive repairs more often. That’s not just bad for your wallet. 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 especially important here, because HVAC units with older wiring are accountable for hundreds of house fires each year. 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 your home cooler. But not all forms of refrigerant are created equal. As the HVAC industry has evolved, we’ve started incorporating safer versions of it—especially in the last 15 years. However, refrigerant can still make your family ill. Mild exposure can create headaches and dizziness, but lengthy exposure can have more serious health effects. If you think 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. Some of the latest technologies can help your family be a little healthier, especially when you add some more modern features to it.
Improved Comfort
As your air conditioner ages, it can lose its cooling power and efficiency. That could lead to sleepless nights when you’re hot. It could also leave you feeling uncomfortable or sick when the temperature outside rises greatly. With a new air conditioner, you can dodge 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 as needed 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 pollutants from the outdoors—like dirt, dust or pollen.
If you’re concerned your current air conditioner could be impacting your family’s health or want to see what a new air conditioner could do for your indoor space, give us a call at 239-244-3439 or schedule an appointment with us online. We are happy to help you find a solution that works for your home.