Having a functional AC unit contributes to your overall comfort and health in your home. Unfortunately, most homeowners don’t schedule a yearly AC Tune-Up, and they end up having air conditioning problems at the most inconvenient time – in the middle of a heatwave, for example.
Learning how your central AC system works could help you determine whether your AC requires replacement or minimal repair. Here are five of the most common signs that indicate your AC unit needs to be replaced.
Regular Repairs and Breakdowns
If you are calling your HVAC contractor every year to check your unit for problems, it could be time for a replacement. Although repairs are part of having an AC unit, if you find that you need frequent repairs, you might want to consider getting a new one.
You may end up spending a lot of time and money on repairs until it breaks down completely. Often, it is less expensive to replace your, rather than have the old one running.
Your Unit is More than 15 Years Old
With proper maintenance, an AC unit can last for 10 to 15 years, but you may need to consider a replacement if your unit is older than that. Remember, once your warranty expires, you’ll need to cover parts and labor costs on your own. These costs may exceed the cost of a new AC unit.
What’s more, you could be missing out on new technology that offers more energy efficiency, which could save you money on monthly bills. Modern units are also more compact and can fit in any space.
Poor or old installation techniques could also be causing bad electrical connections, non-sealed duct connections, or improper welding.
If you’re looking for a more efficient unit that will also reduce your energy cost, your HVAC technician can advise you on the best unit that fits your family and home.
Rising Energy Bills
Your AC unit could be unknowingly contributing to high energy costs. If your unit has failing components like capacitors, motors, or the compressor, you’ll notice a spike in your electricity bill.
Another mistake most homeowners make is getting the wrong size of AC unit. Unfortunately, a system that is too big for the home can short cycle. You’ll notice your unit kicks on and off quickly as more energy is required at start-up. This can contribute to higher bills.
Your AC Is no Longer Cooling Your Home
Poor air circulation is something homeowners struggle with. It could be due to a blocked filter or passages. Sometimes it might be a problem with the air ducts or the compressor.
If you notice that your AC powers up, but instead blows warm air, this is a sign that your unit might be struggling to cool the air. An HVAC expert can repair the system if there’s a clog in the ductwork.
However, if the technician determines that your unit can no longer cool your home, even though it appears to be functioning well, you may need to replace it.
Unusual Sounds
If your AC has been making unusual sounds like banging, clicking, or squealing, that may indicate a problem with the fan belt, high pressure in the AC’s compressor, or worn-out bearings.
It can be challenging to figure out why your AC is making strange noises as there could be different explanations. A professional HVAC expert can check your unit and determine if the problem is repairable or if you’ll need to replace your entire system.
Final Thoughts
Unusual smells, frequent breakdowns, rising energy bills, and having an old unit are some of the signs that it may be time to replace your AC unit. Call your HVAC contractor to determine whether some problems can be fixed, or if you need to invest in a new one. With a new unit, you can save costs in the long run on repairs and energy bills.
