As the summer months roll in, air conditioners become essential for keeping homes comfortable. However, and with much use, when an air conditioner begins to show signs of aging or breakdowns, it may be time to consider replacing it. Especially if you've already had to repair it a number of times. These five signs can help homeowners determine if their unit is due for a replacement and needs upgrading.
Age of the Unit
It's important to be mindful of the age of your air conditioning unit in order to prevent any costly repairs or replacements in the future. Generally speaking, AC units last between 10 and 15 years. Older units can become inefficient and may require frequent repair. Therefore, if your unit is nearing this point, consider investing in a newer model for more energy efficiency and dependable performance.
Increasing Energy Bills
If you've noticed a steady increase in your energy bills over the last few months and need help pinpointing the cause anywhere else in your home, this could indicate that your current AC unit could be running more efficiently. An ac replacement of an inefficient system with a higher SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating will help reduce those energy costs and save you money in the long run.
Unusual Noises or Smells
If you hear strange noises from your AC or notice a musty smell while running, this could mean something wrong with the system itself. Have a professional come out and check it out as soon as possible so they can diagnose the problem and give you an idea of whether or not a replacement is necessary.
Lack of Cool Air Flow
If you're noticing that some rooms in your home are not getting cool enough even though all other areas are cooling correctly, then this could point to a problem with either your ducts or air handler, which may require replacement. Additionally, if there's no cool air coming out of vents, this could mean that there's something wrong with the internal components of your AC unit, and it needs further inspection by an HVAC technician.
Poor Air Quality
If you're noticing dust and other allergens collecting in certain areas of your home or if family members have been experiencing respiratory problems more frequently lately, then this could be due to poor indoor air quality caused by an old and inefficient AC unit. Replacing a tired old system with one designed for optimal air quality can help improve everyone’s health while providing better comfort levels throughout the house.
Knowing when it’s time to replace your air conditioner can save homeowners money on utility bills while also ensuring their family’s health and comfort at home during the hot summer months. Fortunately, several telltale signs indicate when an AC unit needs replacing, such as increasing energy bills, unusual noises or smells coming from the unit, lack of excellent airflow throughout rooms in the house, and poor indoor air quality due to inadequate filtration systems within the existing units. If any of these symptoms sound familiar to you, then now would be an excellent time for consulting with a licensed HVAC technician who can provide further advice on what steps need to be taken next in order to get your cooling system back up and running again.
