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That old AC might still be chugging along, but it might also be harming your family's health!

Older ACs Can Be Health And Safety Hazards

Posted: June 6, 2022 by Hey Neighbor

Before we know it, summer's heat and humidity will be here in Northeast Ohio. Is your air conditioner ready to keep you cool, or did it struggle last summer with one repair after another? We know the decision to replace a central air conditioning system is a difficult one that many homeowners put off as long as possible. However, an older system eventually needs to be replaced because it's become a health and safety risk.

Spring is the best time of year to replace your AC system before the busy summer season arrives. However, if you're on the fence about replacing your AC, Hey Neighbor Heating & Cooling suggests reviewing these six reasons you shouldn't wait any longer.

Reason 1: Older air conditioners aren't environmentally friendly.

If your home's AC was installed before 2010, it uses R-22 Freon. As of 2022, this refrigerant can no longer be produced or imported into the USA. It's damaging to the environment because it contributes to the depletion of the ozone layer.

Reason 2: Your AC may be an electrical or fire hazard.

An inevitable fact is that an older air conditioner will have more mechanical issues than a newer model, but perhaps most concerning is its wiring. Some of the system's wiring is internal, which can be damaged if your system overheats. Also, the wire's insulation degrades and becomes brittle and worn over time. This makes an old system a possible shock or fire danger.

Reason 3: Old AC units are breeding grounds for mold, germs, and more.

An AC system that hasn't been well-cared-for and cleaned over the years is an ideal environment for biohazards like mold, bacteria, and fungi. These organisms can spread from your AC system throughout your ductwork and cause a variety of illnesses.

Reason 4: Your home's air quality might be worse than you realize.

Indoor air quality (IAQ) is a concern for most families, but especially for those who suffer from chronic respiratory conditions like asthma or COPD. Your home should be the place where you're able to breathe easily. However, an old, dirty AC unit will cause the IAQ in your home to worsen gradually, aggravating breathing issues and potentially causing new health problems to form.

Reason 5: You have a high risk of Sick Building Syndrome (SBS).

Though it may sound made-up, Sick Building Syndrome is actually a real thing. It's caused by an accumulation of airborne microorganisms in air conditioning units. One indication is when the air in your home smells musty or moldy. Your family members may experience chronic symptoms, such as:

• Headache
• Fatigue
• Congestion
• Difficulty breathing
• Itchy or rashy skin

Reason 6: Your AC can't make your home comfortable.

On a hot, humid summer day, your family relies on your home's air conditioner to stay cool and comfortable. However, as your AC unit ages, it'll struggle to cool your home and become progressively less reliable. Meanwhile, the high temperature in your home can become unbearable during the summer.

Why choose Hey Neighbor Heating & Cooling to install your new AC system in Northeast Ohio?

Instead of rolling the dice with an old AC system that puts your family's health and safety at risk, it's best to install a new system before summer arrives. But why should you choose us to install and maintain your new AC system?

First, our neighborly team of professionals has been serving the Northeast Ohio area for over 20 years, and we're committed to our 100% satisfaction guarantee. Second, our customers appreciate that we provide 24/7 emergency service with no overtime fees. Finally, we offer a high-value Preventative Maintenance Program to keep your new AC system running great for many years to come.

Contact the Trane Comfort Specialist team at Hey Neighbor Heating & Cooling at 330-262-4100 to request a free, no-obligation consultation and ask about our easy financing options!

 


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Containing the most current and easy-to-read expert information in the world of heating and cooling, our blog is intended to help you stay "in the know" and make the best decisions when it comes to keeping your home and family comfortable and your HVAC system trouble-free. That's how neighbors should treat neighbors!™

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We're committed to providing fast friendly emergency service 24 hours a day 7 days a week for residential heating and air conditioning systems in Wooster, Millersburg and the surrounding areas.

Our 24-hour emergency on-call service means you'll never have to go through another cold winter night or a hot, humid summer day. We service residents of Wayne and Holmes counties with no after-hours or overtime fees, so you'll never have to worry about paying extra because your furnace or air conditioner decided it wanted to quit on the weekend or a holiday!

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We'll keep your Wayne County furnace running smoothly, and we service gas and electric heaters, heat pumps, ductless mini-split systems and more. Our local, licensed, friendly HVAC technicians drive fully-stocked service vans so when we troubleshoot your Holmes County HVAC system and find a faulty part, we can replace it right then! Whatever you need in the area of heating and cooling repair in Wooster, Millersburg, and the surrounding areas, we've got you covered!

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Whether you're a homeowner in Rittman who's in the market for a new, high-efficiency furnace, a mobile home owner in Shreve who's tired of baking in the summertime or you're a property manager in Dalton looking to replace old, temperamental air conditioning systems in apartments with new reliable units, our experience enables us to quickly and accurately assess your HVAC needs. You'll get the new furnace install and central air conditioning upgrade that's right for you.

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While we don't mind visiting your home for a dead-of-winter breakdown (it's what we do), we want to help you avoid that unfortunate situation altogether. That's why we offer affordable Wayne and Holmes County seasonal HVAC maintenance to reduce the future need for heating and cooling repairs. Our thorough inspections catch little problems before they become big ones. An annual HVAC tune-up by one of our expert techs saves you money, time, and stress!

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