Air conditioning is more than just a comfort for when it’s hot outside. It can deter serious health issues from dangerous heat waves. It stops outdoor pollution from circulating in your house. It helps you sleep more deeply. But while air conditioning can help you keep 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 suggest replacing air conditioning units when they are more than 10 years old. But, if you are seeing reoccurring problems with your system before that, it doesn’t hurt to consider options beyond repairs and routine 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 works by cooling air over evaporator coils, which generates condensation. If there’s condensation, mold can develop. And where mold can grow, so can bacteria. That can cause sickness. More commonly, though, mold and bacteria can bother preexisting lung conditions and allergies. Routine 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 more likely it is that you’re scheduling 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 isn’t working properly, it can be dangerous for your home. The electrical component of your system is especially important here, because HVAC units with older wiring are the culprit for hundreds of house fires annually. The longer you put off replacing your system, the longer you could be putting your family’s health at risk.
Possible Leaks
Air conditioners use refrigerant to keep your home cooler. But not all types 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 sick. Mild exposure can create headaches and dizziness, but prolonged exposure can have more serious health effects. If you are concerned you have a leak, call 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 continues to work hard, it can decrease its cooling power and efficiency. That could mean sleepless nights when you’re just too warm. 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 defend 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. Working as a team, they’ll keep your home nice and cool, while filtering out more irritants from the outdoors—like dirt, dust or pollen.
If you’re concerned your current air conditioner could be hurting your family’s health or want to see what a new air conditioner could do for your home, give us a call at 717-220-4502 or book an appointment with us online. Our professionals are happy to help you find a solution that works for your home.