Air conditioners are made to last for a long time, but not forever. At some point, you’ll have to let go of your old unit and swap it out for a new system. Even well-maintained air conditioning units will eventually need replacement. Typically, your AC will show signs that indicate that it can no longer function at an optimal level. Here are nine of the most common conditions that will tell you that it’s time to replace your AC.
Your AC Is Old
With proper maintenance, most AC units can last for 10 to 20 years. But this will also depend on other factors, such as the type of AC you have and its quality. So, if your AC is reaching this age or if it is even older, you should definitely start shopping for a new unit.
Your AC Uses R-22
Air conditioners made before 2010 are designed to use R-22 (sometimes referred to as HCFC-22 or Freon), a refrigerant that helps the system make the air cold. But due to the R-22’s harmful effects to the environment, Freon has started being phased out in 2020. If your AC is using R-22, it’s best to have the entire system replaced since you will no longer be able to find this type of refrigerant.
Your AC Produces Excessive Noise
It’s normal to hear a blowing sound from your AC’s fan. But if you hear a banging, clanking or whining sound from your AC unit, the culprit could be a worn-out belt or a damaged internal component. In the first few instances, such issues can be fixed with the appropriate air condition repair. But if repairs don’t or no longer work, it’s a clear sign that you should buy a new AC instead.
An Unusual Smell Is Coming From Your AC
The air coming out of your vents while your AC is running should smell clean. Once you notice a musty, moldy or smoky odor, it is never a good sign. Make sure to call an AC technician so that you can pinpoint the source of the problem. Oftentimes, a repair is not enough to make the smell go away, so your technician might have to recommend AC replacement.
There Is Water Underneath Your AC
Look out for puddles on the ground underneath your air conditioner. And, when you do see water in this area, call your trusted technician immediately before water damage becomes a problem. Depending on the severity of the issue, your technician may still be able to do a repair or suggest a replacement ASAP.
You Have Done Frequent Repairs Recently
If you have called in a technician to perform a number of repairs on your AC over the past weeks or months, it’s high time that you purchase a new unit instead. Frequent repairs will only cost you more in the long run, so it would be best to spend on a new system that could provide you long-term comfort and relief.
There Is Moisture Buildup or Humidity Issues in Your Home
Your AC should be able to get rid of humidity from the air inside your home. More specifically, the evaporator coil is responsible for this. This component extracts warm air from your home’s interior, cools it and redirects it back inside your home. During this process of removing moisture from the air, you may notice water droplets forming on your outside unit. This is normal and should not be a cause for alarm.
But once you see fog on your windows or moisture in your ductwork or around your vents, this is often a sign that your evaporator coil is no longer functioning properly. You may also notice mold or mildew growth inside your home – a clear indication that something is wrong with your AC or that your AC may already be in need of replacement.
Your AC’s Fan Is Running, But It Is Blowing Warm Air
If the fan is running, but the air coming out of your AC is warm, the problem could be with the outside component coils or refrigerant. Your technician may have to consider the age of your AC unit when determining the best solution for your AC issue. Of course, if you have an old unit, it’s likely that the best course of action is to replace your air conditioner.
It’s Cool Inside Your Home, But Your Energy Bills Are Significantly Higher Than in the Previous Summer
Unless the current summer season is significantly hotter than the previous summer, your cooling expenses should be at around the same rate. But if you notice an unexplained increase in your energy bills, you should check your air conditioning and determine if it is still running efficiently. Call an HVAC professional to assess your unit. The company will be able to tell you if it’s time for AC replacement. Also, make sure your thermostat is working properly. Otherwise, it could be the reason why you have higher cooling costs.
AC Maintenance
Once you have purchased and installed a new AC unit, don’t forget to ensure proper maintenance on a regular basis. This typically includes having your air conditioner serviced as well as changing or cleaning filters every one to three months. Check with your HVAC contractor and the AC manufacturer to know the best practices for maintaining your unit. Make sure that you are doing the upkeep correctly so that you can keep your AC warranty intact throughout the specified period of coverage. Your warranty will come in handy in case something goes wrong with your unit.
For quality air condition service, EZ Air Conditioning and Heating is one of the most reliable companies to call. We have many years of experience in the industry, and all our technicians and installers are trained on a regular, ongoing basis. Our services include HVAC installation, air conditioning and heating repair, duct cleaning, home insulation and more. Call us at (210) 429-9186, or you can fill out our contact form to schedule a service. We look forward to working with you!
