How to Know When Your AC Needs to be Replaced
Fall is arriving quickly and your air conditioning system has outlived another summer. But surviving this summer doesn’t mean it will keep the cold air coming the next time temperatures soar. Here are a few signals that your air conditioner may be on its last summer.
Not cooling well
Your air conditioner is designed to keep you cool and comfortable on the hottest days, so if your system is not keeping your family cool (and you’re not comfortable) there’s probably a problem. There are many situations where your AC may quit cooling – compressor failure, a wrong calibrated thermostat, or a refrigerant leak. Once you’ve determined the situation, it may be ideal to just let go of your little engine that could, and purchase a newer, more energy-efficient air conditioner – hopefully one that keeps you cool.
More Frequent Repairs
If you’re calling for air conditioner repairs every cooling season, it may be time to bite the bullet and purchase a new one. Frequent air conditioner repairs are a good indicator that your AC is starting to breakdown and you don’t want to be left in the middle of summer with a blistering hot home.
Rise in Energy Bills
If you see a hike in your AC bills that could be a signal that something is amiss. If your air conditioner is working extreme overtime, it could result in you working overtime to afford it, and it might be a better option for you to buy a more energy-efficient air conditioning system that can easily lower your peak season utility payments.
Less Air Flow
If your air isn’t flowing as powerful as it used to be, it could be an indicator that your air conditioning system is on its way out. Check your home’s air filters to be sure they do not require replacing and, if not, call a professional to help discover the problem.
Constantly Turning On
If your system is constantly running, especially if it’s not producing much cool air, then you likely have a problem. It could be a problem that’s easy to fix with a seasonal tune-up, but it could also be a signal that your air conditioner has to work more to cool your home and that results in wasted energy and wasted money.
Weird Noise
If your AC starts creating strange noises, there might be a problem. Higher pitched noises could mean trouble with one of the motors. Rattling noises could signal a part got loose. Don’t take any chances. Call an HVAC technician to examine it and decide if it’s a problem worth repairing or if it will continue to be an ongoing issue.
Signs of Aging
Similar to everything (and everyone), the more something ages, the weaker it usually gets. Is your system not cooling as well as it did a few years ago? Are certain rooms warmer or cooler than others? Is it taking more time to get your home cool? These can be typical signals of an aging AC. If your AC is having a hard time and is nearing or over 10 years in age, call Midland Air Service Experts and 803-399-7208 for a free in-home estimate and find out about our current promotions on energy-efficient systems.
