One of the most amazing conveniences about modern homes is the ability to regulate the inside temperature. When the weather heats up to uncomfortable levels during the summer months, air conditioners come to the rescue and provide a relaxing indoor environment. However, a home’s AC system doesn’t last forever, and there are some telltale signs a replacement might be necessary.
1. Not Cooling Consistently
One of the indications an AC unit is well past its prime is when cooling temperatures aren’t applied evenly throughout all the rooms. For example, one-bedroom may be frigid while another across the hall is balmy. Unfortunately, uneven temperatures could suggest problems with the HVAC ducts equipment improperly running or inconsistent home insulation.
Other possible causes include:
- Improperly sized equipment
- Unit is overly stressed
2. Air Conditioner is Noisy
Another problem that could spell trouble for an AC system is noisy operation. When an AC is running, the sound generated is consistent, and homeowners will notice the white noise produced when the air begins circulating through the house. However, a noisy AC unit may have a bad coil or improperly sized ducting in the system, causing mechanical strain.
Other possible causes include:
- Loose or broken component
- Blades out of balance
3. Strange Smells
Odd odors coming from an HVAC unit are sometimes a good indication of a problem. For example, a strange burning or mechanical smell indicates the unit could be on its last leg. Homeowners should immediately contact a qualified technician to determine the problem before it escalates. Parts inside the unit could be overheating, or other odd smells may indicate a filthy system. Air conditioners should only provide cooling temperatures and not mystery smells within the home.
Other possible causes include:
- A fluid leak
- Could indicate a pest infestation
4. Sudden Energy Bill Increase
Unfortunately, each year an AC unit operates less efficiently than the year before. An aging system well over ten years can run so inefficiently that energy bills begin to increase dramatically. Other factors can help reduce diminishing performance, such as regular maintenance. Homeowners who practice a routine maintenance schedule won’t suffer the same high energy costs as their neighbors who neglected their AC.
Other possible causes include:
- Clogged filters
- Leaks in the ducting
5. 10 or More Years Old
Air conditioning units work hard to keep everyone in the house comfortable during the summer heat and have a finite lifespan. AC systems over ten years old typically need replacing. One of the reasons a homeowner wouldn’t want to continue using an aging system is the lack of a warranty. AC units come with a five-to-ten-year warranty that covers the cost of repairs. Once the warranty expires, any costly work to fix an aging cooling unit will fall directly on the homeowners.
- New AC units can come with a 10-year warranty
- Replacement is a better investment
6. Indoor Humidity Issues
Air quality is essential for a healthy home environment, and that’s why AC filters are important to replace regularly. However, failing cooling units can begin to wreak havoc on humidity levels throughout the year. More than just uncomfortable for those in the home, a rise in humidity could allow mold to form and circulate harmful particles reducing overall air quality.
Other possible causes include:
- Evaporator coils are frozen
- Debris accumulation on inner components
7. Frequent Repairs
When an air conditioner begins to require regular repairs, it might be a good time to replace it. In fact, many good HVAC technicians will suggest a homeowner cut their losses as the finances continue to take a hit. Not only is the warranty likely expired but replacing one expensive part on an aging AC unit is a risky investment as there’s no guarantee another component won’t fail shortly after that. Even worse, after paying for a costly AC part, a homeowner still must grapple with efficiency loss, energy bill increases, and poor performance from an older system.
- Weigh the cost of continued repair vs. replacement
- Some components are cost-prohibitive
We’re the Experts
At Tulsa hvac company, we understand the importance of a comfortable home environment and the concerns of homeowners regarding older air conditioning systems. If you’re experiencing any of the above situations with your AC system, don’t hesitate to contact us at (918) 437 3721 and schedule an appointment with one of our expert technicians today.
