Here at Jennings Heating and Cooling, we know that many people do not know when their air conditioner needs to be replaced. It’s easy to ignore the signs of a failing AC system until the unit has stopped working entirely. However, there are multiple signs you can watch for to help you determine if it’s time to replace your air conditioner or if you should have it repaired instead.
If you’ve had frequent repairs.
If you’ve had to have frequent repairs performed, it may be time for a new air conditioner. As your air conditioner ages, the components will begin to wear out, and there will be an ever-increasing chance of failing. The highly trained technicians at Jennings Heating and Cooling are always happy to lend you some advice on repairing or replacing your equipment, although the decision is always up to you.
If your energy costs are high.
If your energy costs have gotten too high, it might be time to replace your air conditioner. Energy costs usually are higher in the summer and winter because of the increased run time. Still, they can also be affected by other factors like the age of your current system or if it has been kept clean.
If the unit isn’t running efficiently.
If your air conditioner isn’t operating as well as it should, there are a few things that you can do. Make sure the unit is the appropriate size for your home. If it’s too small, this may cause higher utility bills and shorter equipment life spans. Also, dirty ducts and filters can cause poor airflow and improper heating or cooling rooms in your house.
The air conditioner is over ten years old.
If the unit is over ten years old, it’s time to consider replacing it. While some older units can still function well, they’re likely using more energy than newer models and will be less cost-effective over time.
Your energy bills are getting higher.
Your energy bills are getting higher. You’ll notice how much your air conditioner costs to run as energy costs rise. This can be a sign that it’s time to replace your unit if:
- The heat index (the temperature and relative humidity) has been high for extended periods, which makes you run your AC more often.
- Your current AC runs longer than it used to when you first bought or installed it.
- Your current AC runs at a higher temperature than it used to when you first bought it or installed it.
Frost or ice begins forming on the evaporator coil or pipes connected to the coil.
It signifies a refrigerant leak or low airflow when you see frost or ice forming on your evaporator coil or pipes connected to it. The problem causes the compressor to run longer than usual and use more energy, leading to higher utility bills. If this happens, contact a professional immediately because frost or ice can also damage the unit.
The condenser fan motor is loud or makes noises as it runs.
If the condenser fan motor is making loud or unusual noises when running, it may indicate that it needs to be replaced. The condenser fan motor is located on top of the outdoor unit, and it helps to expel the heat from inside your home. If this part fails, you may notice that your home does not cool as well as usual, or you could experience higher utility bills due to running your unit longer than expected. If your condenser fan is not running, it can cause severe damage to your air conditioner.
These are signs that you need a new central air conditioning system.
When it’s time to replace your central air conditioning system, you can be confident that:
- It will be more efficient.
- You’ll save money on energy bills.
- The system will be quieter and more reliable.
- The system is less likely to break down, which means fewer disruptions in your daily life (and more occasional sleepless nights).
The benefits of a new central air conditioning system are many: You’ll have cleaner, healthier indoor air; you’ll have a more pleasant environment in which to live, and the new unit will be less likely to break down during peak demand periods such as summer months, you’ll also gain some peace from knowing that this essential part of your home has been upgraded successfully and efficiently!
Conclusion
If your air conditioner has been working well for a long time, there may be no reason to replace it. However, it may be time to upgrade to a new system if you have to repair the unit or frequently deal with high energy bills. If you are beginning to think that it may be time to replace your old air conditioner, then contact the best HVAC company in Northeast Ohio.
