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 indoor space. It helps you sleep more deeply. But while air conditioning can help you continue to be healthy and comfortable, an older unit can have 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
As a general rule of thumb, HVAC professionals advise replacing air conditioning units when they are more than 10 years old. However, if you are noticing reoccurring issues with your system before that, it doesn’t hurt to consider solutions beyond repairs and ongoing cleaning. Here are some issues that could impact 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 creates condensation. If there’s condensation, mold can be present. And where mold can grow, so can bacteria. That can cause sickness. More regularly, though, mold and bacteria can irritate preexisting lung conditions and allergies. Regular maintenance can help reduce mold growth, but broken components in aging system can help mold spread.
Electrical Components
The older your HVAC system is, the the higher the chance that you’re seeing expensive repairs more often. That’s not just bad for your wallet. Your air conditioner is part of a complex appliance that functions throughout your house. When it breaks down, it can be dangerous for your home. The electrical component of your system is extremely important here, because HVAC units with older wiring are responsible for hundreds of house fires each year. 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 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 ill. Mild exposure can create 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 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 reduce 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 exponentially. 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 guard you from outdoor pollution using your regular filter. And changing that filter frequently 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 worried your current air conditioner could be harming your family’s health or want to see what a new air conditioner could do for your indoor space, give us a call at 847-362-0262 or book an appointment with us online. Our team is happy to help you find a solution that works for your home.