What are the signs that say it's time to replace your A/C?
It can be a significant investment to replace your air conditioner. For this reason, homeowners do not make this decision easily. Unfortunately, every A/C will reach a point where it cannot be avoided to replace the unit. It will make more economic sense to replace your air conditioner than to continue to pay for expensive repairs or put up with inadequate performance. These are signs your unit may need to be replaced and it’s time to stop making repairs.
1. Your Air Conditioner is Making Strange Noises
Pops or whistles can be commonly heard when your unit is turning off or on, but other strange noises are a sign there is a serious problem. If you hear:
- Grinding
- Squealing
- Scraping
- Or your unit makes continuous loud bangs or pops
These are all signs of there being a significant problem with your air conditioner. These sounds indicate a problem with the condenser coil, compressor, or blower. If your unit has low refrigerant levels or debris inside of it, this will also be the cause of strange noises. Talk to the specialists at Telford Cooling to check if the noises you are hearing can be repaired, or if it’s time to replace your air conditioner.
2. Your Air Conditioner is Old
Even if you have taken excellent care of your unit, it cannot be expected to continue operating effectively for more than nine to twelve years. If your unit is reaching this time limit, you should consider replacing it.
Having a newer model of air conditioner means it will operate more efficiently and safer. Older units affect the air quality in your home and do not cool properly. Older units are also subject to more frequent breakdowns which you don’t want when the temperatures begin to rise. It is typically considered a poor investment to continue repairing older model units.
3. Your Air Conditioner Has Weak Airflow
If you begin to notice it is taking longer to cool down your home, or are not noticing any difference in temps inside when the unit is on, it may be time to replace your air conditioner. When you stand by your unit’s vents, there should be a rush of air coming out. If you have weak airflow, it could mean your compressor is failing. A weak airflow could also be a sign of a blockage in your air ducts.
If you notice a decrease in the amount of airflow coming from your unit, talk to Telford Cooling to schedule an appointment. You will want to determine the cause for weak airflow before purchasing a new air conditioner.
4. Your A/C Needs Expensive and Frequent Repairs
As an A/C unit begins to age, it will develop issues requiring you to call in repair service. If you find you are scheduling these repairs frequently, you should determine if the repairs are accomplishing anything, such as extending the life of the unit. Frequent repairs to an aging A/C unit are typically just throwing your money out the window. If your unit requires a major repair, and you no longer have a warranty on the unit, it could be more cost-effective to invest in a new air conditioner.
5. Your Air Quality is Suffering
An A/C system not only cools your home, but also provides ventilation. If you are beginning to see increased dust gathering on your furniture or other areas of your home, it could mean the A/C is not properly ventilating. Another sign of poor ventilation is an increase in the humidity levels inside your house.
Poor ventilation leads to poor air quality and can allow for pollutants or pollens to enter the air you breathe. It is important to have a properly working air conditioner in your home to ensure your air quality.
