Rest In Pieces: 10 Signs Your AC Unit Needs to be Replaced
Summer is coming, and you don’t want to be left with an old air conditioner unit that doesn’t beat the heat. Southern households use their air conditioners nearly twice as much as all other regions.
Are you wondering if your old air conditioner unit is going to make it? Here are some signs you need an air conditioner replacement to save time and money.
1. You See Moisture Around the Unit
It is normal to have some condensation around the air conditioner, but if you have excess leakage, you have a problem. If you notice large pools of water or a refrigerant leak, you need to address the issue immediately.
Excessive water leaks can damage your furnace and floors, and may even lead to mold growth.
2. Your Energy Bills Have Increased Significantly
If you have noticed your bill has increased, this means that your unit may be working harder than it should and expending more energy. AC units that work properly should run effectively and efficiently and you should not see sudden spikes in your monthly bills.
Unless there was a drastic weather pattern change that goes with the bill increase, you most likely need to call a professional because there is some underlying issue.
3. Your AC Unit’s Age
Newer HVAC units have energy ratings to measure energy efficiency. If your unit is more than 10 years old, you probably do not have an energy-saving system. This means the performance may not be as good as it could be with a newer unit.
The average well-maintained AC unit lasts about 12-17 years (depending on make and model), so you need to take that into consideration when making repairs. See if it is worth repairing or if you should get a new unit.
You could save up to 40 percent on a monthly energy bill with a more efficient unit. Newer units are also easier to use and can be programmable to help save additional money.
4. Air Isn’t Blowing Through Vents Hard Enough
Your AC unit should push enough air through your home to cool it to the desired level. If you notice that the airflow out of your vents has decreased significantly, this could be a sign that your compressor is shot.
If that’s the case, you may want to replace the AC unit to save on additional expenses and emergency calls.
5. You Hear Unusual Noises
If you start to hear some loud grinding sounds from your AC, there is definitely an issue. The same is true for squealing, rattling, and banging. You should turn off the unit immediately and contact an expert if you hear loud and strange noises.
These noises could be a sign that a belt is slipping or the motor bearings are broken. If you let the unit continue to run, you could have an even costlier repair or replacement.
6. Your AC Needs A Lot of Repairs
If you are having consistent problems and your unit is no longer under warranty, replacement may be the best option. Think about all the money you are paying for repairs, and not to mention, your energy bills are most likely higher each month as well.
All these costs can add up quickly. Expensive repairs needed after a warranty is one of the most common signs that it is time to replace your unit for a newer, more efficient model. Buying a new unit will cost more money upfront, but it will end up saving you money in the long run.
7. Your House is Not Cooling Evenly
Sometimes this could just be an issue with your thermostat and not the main cooling unit. A broken thermostat prevents your system from cooling all the areas of your home.
If some rooms feel okay while others are still too warm or cold, you should have a professional check your unit, thermostat, and possibly vents. It could be one of these simple problems, but it could also be your unit is starting to break down and you may need a new system.
8. Poor Air Quality
If you have an old system, it may be adding additional allergens, dust, excess humidity, and even mold into your home. If you change your filters regularly but still notice issues with the air quality, you may need to have a professional inspection to see if the unit is the culprit.
If you notice that you begin to sneeze when your AC runs, this could be a sign of air quality issues. Other issues include respiratory problems like coughing and stuffy noses.
If you have any mold in the unit, you will need a new unit immediately because it is nearly impossible to fix that issue.
9. Your Home Is Not As Cool
This may sound like one of the most obvious reasons, but if your home is not getting cool air, there is something wrong with your unit. It could be low Freon levels or even a broken compressor.
There could be several issues causing the problem, so it’s best to have a professional out immediately.
10. Getting Ready to Sell Your Home
If your AC unit is old, you may want to consider modernizing before you put your house on the market. Homebuyers may deduct large amounts of their offer if they think they have to repair units. You may save money by doing it yourself, and it is also a good selling point to sell your home faster.
Are You Considering An Air Conditioner Replacement?
If your AC unit has any signs it is ready to go or not running efficiently, we are here to help you find the right air conditioner replacement. You don’t want to keep an old unit longer than you should and waste more money than necessary.
Get a free quote today and let our experts help you keep your home or business cool this summer. We can also inspect your unit to see if a repair will do the job or if a newer unit makes more sense.
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