While air conditioners are made to last, they don’t last forever. Cooling your home over time puts a lot of wear and tear on your AC, so you’ll eventually have to replace it with a new air conditioner. But how do you know when it’s time to make that investment? Here are five signs you need AC replacement.
The System is Old
Air conditioners generally last 10-15 years, but they can last up to 20 years if well taken care of. If your AC is over 15 years old, it’s time to consider installing a new, more efficient system that won’t break down unexpectedly. Many homeowners will also consider that new air conditioners have warranties on them to protect against steep repair costs.
While a properly maintained AC system should last more than 10 years, you should start monitoring yours for signs that it needs to be replaced once it reaches 10 years old. This way, you’ll have a better idea of when your AC is reaching the end of its life and won’t be surprised by the cost of unexpectedly having to install a new AC.
Your Energy Bills are Rising
As your air conditioner gets older, it won’t operate as efficiently as it did when it was a new piece of equipment. Preventative maintenance in the form of regular AC tune-ups is a great way to keep your AC working as efficiently as possible for longer, but the system will still become less efficient as time passes. Lower efficiency means higher energy bills, so if you notice that your electricity payment is on the rise, your old AC is likely the culprit.
It’s Never Cool Enough
Do you seem to be constantly lowering the temperature on the thermostat without seeing results? If you feel like it’s impossible to reach a comfortable thermostat setting, you might need a new AC. Inadequate cooling is a sign that your AC is struggling to keep up with your cooling needs. When the system simply can’t do its job anymore, it’s time for a new one.
The AC is Loud or Smells
While a bit of sound is normal when your AC cycles, your air conditioner should never be making loud grinding, squealing or rattling noises during operation. This is a sign that something is very wrong with the system. Similarly, the air from your vents should smell clean, not moldy, musty or even smoky. Don’t assume that these symptoms are normal — call on a trusted HVAC company if you notice strange noises or odors coming from your AC.
You’re Dealing With High Humidity
Part of the air conditioning process is removing moisture from the air inside your home. When the evaporator coil extracts warm air from inside your home, cools it and redirects it back inside, condensation forms from the moisture in the air and is drained out of the system. As an AC ages, it loses efficiency and doesn’t control humidity as well as it once did.
Too much humidity results in a muggy, clammy feeling even inside, and you may even see condensation on the windows or vents. This is a sign that your AC isn’t working as it should anymore.
If you notice any of these signs that it’s time to replace your AC, contact the air conditioner installation pros at Express Air Conditioning and Heating today.
