How to Know When Your AC Needs to be Replaced
Fall is arriving quickly and your air conditioning system has made it through another season of heat. But surviving this summer doesn’t promise it will keep cooling the next time the heat is upon you. Here are common signs that your air conditioner may be on its way out.
Not cooling your home
Your air conditioner is supposed 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 several situations where your air conditioner might quit cooling – a refrigerant leak, compressor failure, or a wrongly calibrated thermostat. Once you know 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 conditioning system – hopefully one that keeps your home cool.
More Frequent Repairs
If you’re requiring air conditioner repairs every year, it may be time to give it up and invest in a new one. Frequent AC repairs are a good indicator that your equipment is starting to breakdown and you don’t want to be left in the middle of soaring temperatures with a sweltering hot home.
Increase in Energy Bills
If you see a jump in your cooling bills that could be a sign that something is not right. If your AC is working excessive overtime, it could end up causing you to work overtime to afford it, and it could be a better option for you to invest in a more energy-efficient air conditioner that can easily reduce your peak season cooling payments.
Decrease in Air Flow
If your air isn’t blowing as strong as it used to be, it could be a signal that your air conditioning system is on its last leg. Check your home’s air filters to make sure they do not need replacing and, if not, call an expert to help find the problem.
Constantly Turning On
If your system is constantly running, more importantly if it’s not producing much cool air, then you likely have a problem. It may be a problem that’s easy to fix with a seasonal tune-up, but it could also be an indicator that your system has to work extra to cool your home and that means wasted energy and wasted money.
Strange Noise
If your AC starts making weird noises, there may be a problem. Higher pitched noises could mean an issue with one of the motors. Rattling noises could signal a part is loose. Don’t risk it. Call an HVAC technician to examine it and figure out if it’s an issue worth repairing or if it will continue to be an ongoing issue.
Signs of Aging
Similar to everything (and everyone), the older something gets, the weaker it eventually gets. Is your AC not cooling like it did five years ago? Are certain rooms cooler or warmer than others? Is it taking longer to get your home cool? These are all common indicators of an aging air conditioner. If your air conditioner is floundering and is approaching or over 10 years in age, call Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning and 540-302-8645 for a no-charge in-home estimate and find out about our current promotions on energy-efficient air conditioning systems.
