Air conditioning is more than just a comfort for when it’s hot outside. It can save you from serious health issues from unsafe heat waves. It halts outdoor pollution from circulating in your house. It helps you sleep more peacefully. But while air conditioning can help you keep healthy and comfortable, an older unit can have 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. However, if you are noticing reoccurring issues with your system before that, it doesn’t hurt to consider solutions beyond repairs and more regular cleaning. Here are some issues that could affect your family’s health and should prompt you to consider a new air conditioner.
Mold and Mildew
Your air conditioner works by cooling air over evaporator coils, which makes condensation. Where there’s condensation, mold can be present. And where mold can grow, so can bacteria. That can result in sickness. More regularly, though, mold and bacteria can bother preexisting lung conditions and allergies. Ongoing 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 more likely it is that you’re scheduling expensive repairs more often. That’s not just bad for your checking account. 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 extremely 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 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 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 sick. Mild exposure can cause headaches and dizziness, but lengthy 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. It can also 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 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 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 contaminants 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 home, give our team a call at 573-635-3547 or arrange an appointment with us online. Our team is happy to help you find a solution that works for your home.