Professional AC Installation and Replacement in Durham
AC replacement can seem expensive or even frivolous in Durham, NC, but the truth is anything but — it can be more expensive not to switch to a new HVAC installation in the long run, as dwindling efficiency and growing repair bills take their toll.
Running and constantly having to repair an inefficient AC comes with a higher electrical cost and headache, while upgrading to a more efficient model will provide constant cooling. Thermo Direct will help you choose the right air conditioner to cool your space and take a big chunk out of your electric bill. We will also recommend other comfort upgrades, like enhanced humidity control and indoor air filtration, to pair with your air conditioner installation in Durham.
Signs It May Be Time to Replace Your AC System
Homeowners should know the warning signs that it’s time for an AC replacement in Durham:
Homeowners should know the warning signs that it may be time for an AC replacement in Durham. If several of these issues are happening at once, replacing the system may make more sense than continuing with repairs.
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Older system: The unit is past its 15- to 20-year lifespan and is running poorly.
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Short cycling: The unit continues to turn on and off before reaching a complete cooling cycle.
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Poor airflow: There is weak airflow coming from the unit despite having a clean air filter.
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Rising energy bills: Your energy bills continue to rise, which may indicate an inefficient system.
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Strange noises: Your old AC is making banging, screeching, grinding, or hissing sounds.
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Unusual smells: Mildew smells may point to mold growth, while burning or smoke smells may indicate electrical failure.
Quick tip: If your AC is older, unreliable, inefficient, or struggling to keep your Durham home comfortable, it may be time to compare replacement options before the system fails during peak heat.
What Type of Cooling System Is Right for Your Durham Home?
If your home already has existing ductwork in good condition, a new central air installation in Durham, NC, could be the right choice for your home. If you are looking for even more ways to increase the unit’s efficiency, we recommend installing a smart thermostat to better track and control your energy usage.
Ductless mini splits are perfect for older homes without existing ductwork. They can come as single-zone units for one room or multi-zone units for up to four rooms. Mini splits are also perfect for cooling rooms that need different temperatures than the rest of the house, like room additions, sun rooms, garages, and home offices.
New AC System Sizing Matters
Properly sizing an AC is just as important as properly installing it. Thermo Direct technicians will perform something called a Manual J® load calculation, taking into account the number of windows in your home, its insulation quality, your home’s square footage, and the home’s layout, to find the correct size of unit.
This is a crucial step, as oversized ACs will cool a space too quickly, short-cycle and rack up your energy bills while leaving uneven room temperatures. On the flip side, an undersized AC unit will fail to remove humidity, continuously run without reaching the desired temperature, and break down more quickly due to increased wear and tear on components.
Benefits of Installing a New Air Conditioner
Beyond restoring proper cooling to your Durham home, there are many benefits to installing a new air conditioner:
- Increased air quality from cleaner air.
- Consistent cooling temperature throughout the home.
- Lower energy bills from a higher efficiency system.
- Increased property value with a brand new system.
- Fewer repair costs.
- New manufacturer and labor warranty coverage.
- Superior dehumidification in the home.
AC Installation for Older Homes, Newer Homes, and Remodels in Durham
Thermo Direct installs new AC systems in Durham, NC, for all types of homes.
Older homes will benefit from a ductless mini-split — adding a new ductwork system is an expensive endeavour. Newer homes usually come with existing ductwork, making central ACs with high efficiency ratings a good choice for whole-home cooling.
During any home renovation, upgrading with an air conditioner replacement in Durham with a higher SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating is always a good choice.
