It can be a significant investment to replace your air conditioner. That’s why many people are reluctant to put some money into their AC until they know for sure it is time to make a change. By running the unit until it dies, it often feels like you’re saving money.
If your air conditioner is exhibiting these signs and symptoms while operating this summer, you’ll know it is time to make a swap because the costs could outweigh the benefits of keeping the old unit running.
What Are the Symptoms of a Malfunctioning Air Conditioner?
1. Strange Noises
You’ll hear some noises frequently when operating an air conditioner, such as a whistle or a pop. If you hear grinding, scraping, or squealing coming from the unit, it is time to contact a professional immediately. These sounds might indicate something is wrong with the blower, condenser coil, or compressor.
If you hear continuous bangs or pops, it could be due to debris in the unit or low refrigerant levels. Once these issues get corrected, the problem should subside.
2. Terrible Smells
When an air conditioning unit is functioning correctly, it should push out neutral air with a slightly clean scent to it. If you have smoky odors or something foul blowing into your home, this symptom can indicate that the wire insulation is burning.
If the AC smells musty, you likely have a mildew or mold problem. Instead of suffering a catastrophic breakdown, the best scenario in this situation is to purchase a new unit to have installed.
3. Utility Bills
If you pay for your electricity, you might notice the power bill spike unexpectedly when an air conditioner isn’t functioning correctly. This issue occurs because older units need to work harder to produce the same cooling outcome, which means more energy gets used to stay comfortable.
Although the cost of a new air conditioner isn’t always a budget-friendly experience, the new energy-efficient units with high seasonal efficiency ratios deliver impressive results. As a result, some ACs might even qualify for rebates or tax credits.
4. Air Quality Reduction
AC units provide cooler air to your home while offering a ventilation resource. If you’ve noticed more dust or higher humidity levels in recent days, the air conditioner might have lost its ability to provide this feature. That means pollen, allergens, pollutants, and other contaminants can enter your home. Once this symptom occurs, it can impact asthma and other respiratory conditions.
5. Weak Airflow
If your air conditioner isn’t putting out as much of a breeze today as it did in its younger years, it might be time to replace the unit. Most people find themselves standing by the vents because the AC struggles to alter the temperature profile when it gets hot outside. The compressor is usually at fault here, which is why a replacement is typically the better option.
You might get lucky on a new AC unit and have a blockage in the air ducts causing this symptom. If that’s the case, removing the offending item will restore the air conditioner’s functionality.
6. Frequent Repairs
Older air conditioners seem to have one component fail after another, leading to a series of repair calls that can eventually add up to more than the cost of a new unit.
If you’re scheduling multiple services for the same unit in a short time, it’s often better to purchase and install a new AC. You’ll be more comfortable, and the long-term expenses will be lower. Most air conditioners last for about ten years before reaching this stage, although some have a shorter lifespan if they’re frequently operating.
7. Age Problems
If your air conditioner is more than 12 years old, it’s probably better to change your AC than fix it. Even when you’ve maintained it until this time, the energy-efficiency improvements from a modern unit can help you save more while adding more comfort to your environment. In addition, you’ll avoid uneven cooling issues, poor air quality, and costly repairs by investing in something new today.
Is It Time to Upgrade or Replace Your Air Conditioner?
Although the cost of a new air conditioner can be high, some of that expense can get offset by rebates or special offers. Please remember to follow all installation guidelines that apply to your building, neighborhood, and city to ensure that you don’t face fines or worse.
If you need any help with your AC installation or repair needs, give our team a call today. You’ll find that we offer fair, competitive rates that won’t get you hot under the collar when your goal is to stay cool.
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