Knowing when to replace your air conditioning unit can be tricky, but it doesn’t have to be a guessing game. Fortunately, if you pay attention to your unit’s performance, you can get a good idea of when the right time is to replace your cooling system. In fact, most people can expect to replace their air conditioners every ten to fifteen years. Here are a few tips to help you decide when you should replace your AC unit.
What Are the Signs That You Need to Replace Your AC Unit
Typically, you’ll be able to tell easily that you should replace your air conditioner sooner rather than later. Poor performance or problematic issues are red flags that tell you your air conditioning is on the fritz. Here is a look at the signs that you might be replacing your AC unit within the coming weeks.
Frequent Repairs
As AC units age, they typically require more maintenance as well as the need for repairs. If the system hasn’t been properly maintained, it might even need to be replaced even sooner than the expected ten years.
Keep in mind that it is best not to make the repairs yourself, because they aren’t likely to hold up to the level of professional service. After all, trained experts have handled this type of work for many occasions.
Once your equipment requires constant repairs, you might as well replace it. After all, the cost of repairs is eventually going to add up to the price of a brand new air conditioner. Even if the lack of proper maintenance has led to more frequent repairs, it usually is the AC unit’s age that is the deciding factor to replace it.
Strange Noises
A properly working AC unit rarely emits unusual noises. If your AC is suddenly whistling a tune, it’s a clear sign that something is amiss. Likewise, clicking noises or metallic sounds are not part of the unit’s normal behavior. Once you notice your cooling system making odd squeaks, clangs, and knocks, it’s time to consider replacing your unit.
Unusual Odors
Any unusual odor coming from your cooling unit is a sign that it isn’t working properly. Odd smells typically indicate that a part is broken, a leak has developed, or something else is beginning to go wrong. A filthy filter, for example, can lead to musty smells whereas a more serious problem might create a burning odor. It’s best not to run your air conditioning when this type of problem exists. An efficient cooling unit rarely emits strange smells. When it does, take it as a clear sign that something is amiss with your AC.
Poor Temperature Regulation
Although a broken thermostat is often to blame for the AC unit’s inability to maintain your preferred temperature setting, other issues can occur. The unit might not be working properly anymore. This is particularly true if you have alternating episodes of cool and warm air coming from the unit. If your AC unit isn’t cooling your home up to your standards, consider AC replacement.
Absence of Cool Air
Once you turn your cooling system on, you should feel cool air coming from the ductwork. Before it gets to the point where your unit completely stops producing cool air, you might notice small changes. The air might not feel as cool as it should for the temperature setting in place.
While clogged ducts might be the problem, they could also be a faulty air conditioning unit. Either way, an experienced technician can determine the problem and take steps to remedy it.
If the ductwork has a blockage in it, the airflow becomes restricted. Until the debris is cleared from the ducts, the cool air cannot flow properly. The cost of this repair typically depends on the location and number of air ducts.
If a lack of refrigerant is the problem, your unit might just be running low or it might have a leak. A qualified technician can figure out which problem exists and fix it for you.
Respiratory Problems
As air conditioners age, they can develop leaks, mold, and other issues that increase the frequency of indoor allergy attacks and respiratory illness. Changing the filter and cleaning the duct work isn’t always enough to fix the problem. AC replacement might be the best solution.
Moisture Buildup
Moisture develops in small amounts even with properly working AC units. Amounts are usually not large enough to cause any operational problems. However, excessive moisture to the point of leakage should be handled immediately. The problem could be a buildup of water, but it might also be refrigerant leakage.
Not only can this type of issue cause your equipment to function poorly, but it can also cause you or your family to become ill. A buildup of moisture can lead to mold spores, one of the most prevalent indoor allergens. On the other hand, leaking refrigerant will eventually cause your unit to stop working properly.
Tips to Help You Know When You Should Replace Your AC Unit
Preventive maintenance on your AC unit can help to minimize the risk of problems and breakdowns. Even so, given their age and the high cost of repairing older AC units, they are more likely to be replaced than repaired. Here are some tips to help you know when to schedule AC replacement.
High Energy Bills
Utility bills typically increase during the hottest months of the year. However, your bills should be similar from one month to the next. When a cooling unit struggles to perform, it uses more energy to get the job done. As a result, you might suddenly notice a huge increase in your energy bills. Replacing your existing AC unit now might reduce the cost to cool your home for many years into the future.
Expensive Replacement Parts
It is more difficult to repair older units simply because replacement parts are more difficult to locate. As technology improves, certain replacement parts might become more difficult to find. As a result, technicians might need to send away for parts. Longer waiting times to have your machine repaired occur along with higher costs to purchase replacement parts. Upgrading to a new machine could be the expedient thing to do.
Overall Past Performance
The overall past performance of your AC unit could be the clue you need to determine whether you should repair or replace your existing cooling unit. Has your home been comfortably cool up to this point with few interruptions? A frequent need for repairs or the inability of the air conditioner to properly cool its designated area are both signs that replacement is the better option.
R-22 FreonRequired
On January 1, 2020, the production of Freon ended within the United States. Many older air conditioning units utilize R-22 Freon to produce cold air. AC replacement makes sense for AC units using R-22 refrigerant because it is no longer being produced. While it is still available for purchase, limited supplies exist. Eventually, you will need to replace your unit anyway.
Benefits of Replacing Your Cooling System
As the warmer weather approaches, homeowners often begin to consider their cooling needs. While the added energy cost might not be something to look forward to, having a cool and comfortable environment certainly is. Now is a good time to ensure the efficiency of your AC unit by scheduling a service check with an experienced technician.
Quick Guide on When to Replace an AC Unit
Paying attention to the performance of your AC unit is a critical part of knowing when its outlived its usefulness. If you are torn between repairing and replacing your AC, consider each of these factors:
- Age of the equipment
- Frequency of the repairs
- Cost of the current repairs, if any
- Overall past performance of your AC unit
- Plans to continue living in the home
Quick Guide on the Benefits of Replacing Your AC Unit
If your cooling unit isn’t performing as well as it did in the past, it probably has something wrong with it. While you can troubleshoot to find the root cause of the issue, this task might prove to be more expensive than replacing your AC unit. If you’ve already seen the signs that you need to replace your AC unit, ask a professional which size and model makes the most sense for your home’s square footage. Replacement of your AC unit brings with it a whole new level of indoor comfort along with lower utility bills.
Starting out with a brand new air conditioner offers a variety of benefits that can enhance your life.
- They include:
- Energy efficiency
- Lower utility bills
- Enhanced indoor air quality
- Even cooling
- Higher level of comfort
- Fewer repair bills
If you are looking for quality air conditioning replacement to restore your home’s comfort, look no further than the experienced professionals at B & E Energy Solutions. With more than twenty-five years of experience, they offer quality installation of a new AC unit offering reliable cooling, enhanced performance, and fewer headaches than your older air conditioner. Contact B& E today https://beinsulated.com/
