Now, low refrigerant levels due to an improper initial charge (a mistake that we simply do not make) or a leak is the first issue that most people would associate with refrigerant. It is not the only one, though. Quite often during new system installations, underqualified technicians will fail to properly clean out the AC line sets. This can leave behind a number of contaminants that can cause problems for your AC in Rome, GA. That is why triple evacuation cleaning is the way to go.

Are You Making an AC Switch?

Triple evacuation line cleaning is very important in the event that you are upgrading your old air conditioner to a newer one, specifically if you’re making the jump from an R-22 system to one using R-410A. It should go without saying that any air conditioner is only going to function properly when it is properly charged with the proper refrigerant.

What too many people fail to realize is that even small amounts of residue in the lines can cause problems. Remember, this type of material won’t just evaporate out the way that water might.

Isn’t It Better to Just Use New Lines?

Well, it might be, and in some cases new lines are used. However, there are also a lot of situations in which replacing a line set just isn’t the best course of acction. If the existing lines are running through walls, for instance, it may take more time (and money) to remove them and replace them than it would to properly evacuate them. Plus, even new lines will have to be cleaned out before being put to use.

So How Does It Work?

As you may imagine, triple evacuation requires the evacuation of the line set, well, three times. Does that sound like overkill to you? Just remember that doing a thorough job of evacuating the lines is going to benefit you for many years to come. Believe it or not, leaving even a small amount of residue in your AC line set can result in a breakdown eventually. Following strict guidelines when evacuating these lines is going to give you the best results. Throughout the process, we’ll—

1. Use a blast of nitrogen to flush the line set, monitoring it at both ends so that we can evaluate the progress made.
2. Use a vacuum pump and appropriate hoses to remove any debris and moisture that is left behind.
3. Blow more nitrogen through the line. Then vacuum it out again. Then do another nitrogen flush. Then vacuum it out again. Then another flush. See where the “triple” title comes from?

After this triple evacuation, we can use a digital gauge to ensure that levels of contaminants are below the cutoff level. When the micron count is below this point, the job is done, and you can rest easy knowing that your AC and its refrigerant cycle are running smoothly.

AC Unit Age

When deciding whether to repair or replace your air conditioning unit, the first consideration should be its age. Is the AC unit two years old? Ten years old? Twenty years old? Generally, AC units that are more than 10 years old should be replaced with newer, more efficient models. The reason? Older units tend to run much less efficiently and often have lower Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratios (SEER) than newer models. For example, the standard efficiency rating in 2006 was 10 SEER; today it is 13 SEER. If your air conditioner was manufactured in 2006 or earlier, it may not meet minimum federal standards and could be costing you extra money.

If that’s not enough to help you decide, you can also rely on the 5,000 rule. This rule dictates that if the age of the AC unit multiplied by the cost to repair it equals more than $5,000, the unit should be replaced. If it equals less, the unit should be repaired.

AC Unit Repairs

Air conditioner units that require frequent repairs could signal that it’s time for a replacement. If your AC unit is constantly breaking down, never cooling the home properly, and always operating loudly, you should definitely consider replacing the unit. You should also consider replacing the unit if important components like the compressor or condenser fail.

Keep in mind: air conditioners can function well just by having preventative maintenance done regularly by a professional. If your AC unit requires minor repairs now and then, this could be normal. Consult with your HVAC technician if you’re unsure.

AC Unit Efficiency

If your AC unit is ten years old or more, runs continuously, doesn’t cool your home properly, and causes your energy bills to be higher than they should be, you probably have an inefficient unit. If this is your problem, consider replacing it. Although replacement costs can be high, newer AC units can save you about $200 per year on energy costs. Plus, new units also have high-efficiency features like smart thermostat compatibility, dehumidifiers, variable speed motors, and scroll technology.

If you are still not ready to part with your old air conditioning unit, there are some add-ons that you can install to improve its efficiency:

Programmable thermostats: improve temperature control for more efficient system operation.

Dehumidifiers: keep your home cool and comfortable, and help to improve your AC’s cooling efficiency.

AC Unit Recommendations

Always consult with a trusted HVAC contractor to determine whether your AC unit can be repaired or if it should be replaced. Depending on the issue, the technician may be able to fix it and save you from having to install a new unit. However, if the problem is beyond fixing, costs too much to be repaired, or the unit is too old or inefficient, replacement could be your only option.

Your trusted HVAC professional has years of experience working with AC units and can take factors like unit size, efficiency, and operation into consideration when making suggestions. HVAC techs can also perform home energy assessments to identify energy leaks and determine the efficiency of your cooling system.

If you decide to replace your AC unit , our technicians’ expertise will be crucial. After all, improper installation can reduce system efficiency and even reduce the life of the unit.