Air-Conditioning systems not only consume huge amounts of a home’s total energy budget, they also directly affect the comfort and well-being of your family. If you are experiencing problems with your air-conditioning unit, it may need to be replaced and you may need to immediately contact licensed, HVAC certified top professionals who will provide you with great consultation, the best products, and the most trouble-free air conditioning installation.
Here are some telltale signs that your unit may be about to fail.
- It’s Old – Air conditioner units should be expected to have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years. If yours is this old or older, it is time to replace with a new unit. Also, older systems are usually half as efficient as newer models on the market today. So replacing your older unit to a more efficient one can reduce your electricity bills by 30 to 40%. This saving will begin immediately and continue over the lifetime of the system.
- More and More Repairs – As an air conditioners ages, it typically needs to be repaired more. If you are finding that you are seeing your HVAC contractor more frequently, this is a sure sign that your unit is going bad and needs to be replaced soon. So, you need to weigh up whether it is worth the increased repair bills for a unit that will fail soon.
- Air is Not Cool and Home Has Too Much Humidity – The amount of cool air coming from your air conditioner should be on-demand and consistent. If at some point, you discover that even at full blast, the air coming from your vents just isn’t as cold as it used to be, this could be a sign that your system is in need of serious repair or it might be time to replace the unit.
Air conditioners not only cool the home, they also remove humidity. As air conditioners age, they may not effectively dehumidify the home, and the indoor air quality is drastically reduced. A high level of home humidity may be a sign that you need a new system.
- Air Conditioner Runs Too Long – An additional indicator that you may need a new air conditioning system is inefficiency. This often means that your air conditioner runs too long with no noticeable cooling of your home. There can be several reasons for this, including issues with the ducts, but it can also mean it is time for the unit to be replaced.
- Reduced Air-Flow – If the air-flow coming from your AC has gotten weaker, or you find that some rooms are getting sufficient air-flow while others hardly get any, the unit’s compressor may be failing.
- Strange Noises or Smells – Unusual noises including squealing, grating, and grinding sounds, or bad smells coming from your air conditioner might mean it is having serious problems. These may imply that something is wrong inside the unit or that your duct system is not compatible with your cooling system. Further inspection by a professional might reveal that the entire system may need to be replaced.
Like all electrical devices, air conditioning units eventually fail. Recognize the signs that it is failing long before it actually occurs, so you do not end up with no AC on the hottest day of the year. A new air-conditioning unit will not only save you money in the long run, but will add to your overall comfort of you and your home.
