How to Know When Your AC Needs to be Replaced
Fall is coming soon and your AC has survived another season of heat. But surviving this summer doesn’t mean it will keep the cold air coming the next time temperatures soar. Here are common signals that your air conditioner may be on its last legs.
Not keeping your cool
Your AC system is supposed to keep you cool and comfortable on the steamiest of days, so if it’s not keeping your home cool (and you’re unable to get comfortable) there’s likely a problem. There are many situations where your air conditioner may quit cooling – a wrongly calibrated thermostat, a refrigerant leak, or compressor failure. Depending on the issue, it may be best to just let go of your little engine that could, and move on to a newer, more energy-efficient air conditioner – preferably one that keeps you cool.
More Frequent Repairs
If you’re needing air conditioning repairs every summer, it may be time to bite the bullet and buy a new one. Frequent air conditioner repairs are a good sign that your equipment is starting to breakdown and you don’t want to be caught in the middle of summer with a sweltering hot home.
Increase in Energy Bills
If you see a rise in your energy bills that could be a signal that something is not right. If your AC is working too much overtime, it could result in you working overtime to afford it, and it might be a better decision for you to invest in a more energy-efficient air conditioner that can easily lessen your peak season utility payments.
Drop in Air Flow
If your air flow isn’t as strong as it used to be, it could be a signal that your air conditioner is on its way out. Check your home’s air filters to be sure they are not in need of replacing and, if not, call an expert to help discover the problem.
Constantly Starting Up
If your system is constantly running, more importantly if it’s not blowing much cool air, then you likely have a problem. It may be something that’s easy to fix with a routine maintenance, but it could also be a sign that your AC has to work more to keep your home cool and comfortable and that means wasted energy and wasted money.
Odd Noise
If your air conditioning system starts producing strange noises, there could be a problem. Higher pitched noises might mean a problem with one of the motors. Rattling noises might signal a part has come loose. Don’t chance it. Call an HVAC technician to examine it and determine if it’s an issue worth repairing or if it will continue to be an ongoing issue.
Signs of Aging
Just like everything (and everyone), the more something ages, the weaker it eventually gets. Is your system not cooling as well as it did a few years ago? Are certain rooms hotter or colder than others? Is it taking longer to cool your home? These can be common signals of an aging system. If your system is struggling and is getting close to or over 10 years in age, call Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning and 407-329-7661 for a free in-home estimate and ask about our current rebates on energy-efficient air conditioning systems.
