Air conditioning is more than just a comfort for when it’s warm outside. It can deter serious health issues from risky heat waves. It stops outdoor pollution from circulating in your house. 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 items to consider if you’re thinking of replacing your home’s air conditioner.
Potential Health Hazards from Old Air Conditioners
Usually, HVAC professionals advise replacing air conditioning units when they are more than 10 years old. But, if you are noticing reoccurring challenges with your system before that, it doesn’t hurt to consider solutions beyond repairs and routine cleaning. Here are some issues that could affect your family’s health and should prompt you to consider a new system.
Mold and Mildew
Your air conditioner operates 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 equal sickness. More regularly, though, mold and bacteria can irritate preexisting lung conditions and allergies. Ongoing 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 increased likelihood that you’re scheduling expensive repairs more often. That’s not just bad for your budget. Your air conditioner is part of a complex appliance that operates throughout your house. When it breaks down, it can be dangerous for your home. The electrical component of your system is very 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 may be putting your family’s health at risk.
Possible Leaks
Air conditioners use refrigerant to keep the air in your house colder. 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 not feel well. Mild exposure can create headaches and dizziness, but prolonged 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 house 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 result in 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 avoid 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 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. Working as a team, 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 impacting your family’s health or want to see what a new air conditioner could do for your home, give our team a call at 803-220-0761 or book an appointment with us online. Our team is happy to help you find a solution that works for your home.