Air Conditioner

While you’re busy swapping out that old compressor, now is a great time to have your furnace cleaned and serviced , especially if your home is older and your heating system is as old as your AC unit. Likewise, it’s a good idea to clean your air ducts to ensure air flows properly through the house.

An air conditioner’s watt usage depends on multiple factors, including the type of AC unit, its size, and how often you use it. With that said, most central air conditioners consume between 3,000 and 3,500 watts. Meanwhile, window AC units use 900 to 1,400 watts, and portable air conditioners consume 2,900 to 4,100 watts.

You can protect your air conditioner in the winter by turning off the power at the thermostat and performing routine HVAC maintenance in the spring. Regular maintenance, cleaning, and repair of your AC unit helps protect it and extend its life span. If you have a window AC unit, remove it from the window and store it in a dry place during the winter. Window units cannot withstand freezing temperatures. Keeping them in your window also allows cold air to seep into your home.

Deciding whether to replace just the AC coil or the entire system depends on the age of your unit and the overall cost. Replacing a coil is less expensive than a full system replacement, but it can still be a pricey repair. If your HVAC system is relatively new and still under warranty, or if the replacement cost is significantly lower than a new system, replacing the coil can be a worthwhile investment that restores efficiency and extends the unit's life. However, for older systems (nearing the end of their 10-15 year lifespan) or those with extensive damage, it is often more cost-effective to replace the entire AC unit. Mismatched coils in an older system can lead to inefficiency and future breakdowns, so a full replacement ensures optimal performance and avoids further costly repairs.