Air conditioning is more than just a comfort for when it’s warm outside. It can deter serious health issues from dangerous heat waves. It halts outdoor pollution from circulating in your indoor space. It helps you sleep more soundly. 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 factors to consider if you’re thinking of replacing your home’s air conditioner.
Potential Health Hazards from Old Air Conditioners
Usually, HVAC professionals suggest replacing air conditioning units when they are more than 10 years old. However, if you are noticing reoccurring challenges with your system before that, it doesn’t hurt to consider options beyond repairs and ongoing cleaning. Here are some issues that could affect 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 often, though, mold and bacteria can bother preexisting lung conditions and allergies. Routine maintenance can help reduce 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 paying for expensive repairs more often. That’s not just bad for your checking account. Your air conditioner is part of a complex appliance that works 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 may be putting your family’s health at risk.
Possible Leaks
Air conditioners use refrigerant to keep your home cooler. But not all versions 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 cause headaches and dizziness, but continued 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 home 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 continues to work hard, it can decrease its cooling power and efficiency. That could mean 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 protect 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, contemplate 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 worried your current air conditioner could be hurting your family’s health or want to see what a new air conditioner could do for your house, give our experts a call at 505-445-1250 or arrange an appointment with us online. We are happy to help you find a solution that works for your home.