Do you need a new AC unit? If you’re not sure, that’s okay because you’re about to find out.
What follows are 8 common signs that your AC system needs replacing. However, this guide will also help you determine if the AC is truly on its last legs or if it just needs to be fixed.
Most importantly, you’ll learn when you should call a professional to take a look at it. There are even a few bonus tips you can try that may enable you to fix the problem yourself.
Keep reading to learn all about it.
1. Your AC Smells Bad
You might notice that the air coming out of your AC is starting to smell very bad. For example, a musty smell might indicate that your ducts need to be cleaned or that there is mold somewhere in the system.
Or, you might smell something more like vinegar or urine. This is usually the decay of organic matter. There could be debris, mold, stagnant water, or even a dead animal trapped somewhere in your AC system.
These smells don’t necessarily indicate that you need a new AC unit. It might be something as simple as a dirty air filter.
Check your air filter now. If it’s not the filter, have a professional inspect your AC to see if the problem’s fixable.
On the other hand, beware of a burnt smell coming from the vents. This could be from burnt-out wiring that could start a fire.
Shut the system off and call for emergency repair. In this case, you might need the whole system replaced.
2. Weird Sounds
As with smells, weird sounds are often caused by problems that can be fixed. For example, try changing the air filter and seeing if the sound stops.
Sounds you may hear include, buzzing, clanking, rattling, and screeching. These usually indicate a faulty or loose component that can be repaired/replaced or debris in the system that can be removed.
Loud popping or banging, however, might be your ducts reacting to the temperature change when your system turns on. The only way to fix this is to replace the ducts.
Also, has the sound gone on for a very long time but you haven’t done anything about it? If so, it might be too late to fix it. Leaving these problems unaddressed wears out your system to the point where it needs to be replaced.
3. Frequent Repairs
Or, perhaps you have had these problems repaired, several times. If your system seems to keep breaking over and over no matter how many times you fix it, it’s probably time to throw in the towel.
It sounds like your AC unit is simply on its deathbed and isn’t going to stop breaking down. Get it replaced before it dies for good.
4. Your System Is Old
Better yet, don’t let your AC unit get to the point where it breaks down every month. At best, your AC is only going to last about 15 years, maximum. And that’s if you’ve been very careful at keeping up with maintenance.
So, if your system is 10 years old, it could be on its way out. Get it checked by a professional now to know for sure. That way, you can replace it before the frequent breakdowns start.
Furthermore, you might find that your AC unit is now considered to be obsolete, inefficient technology. Replacing it with a newer, more energy-efficient model could reduce your monthly cooling bill.
5. Increased Electricity Bill
Speaking of your bill, does your electricity bill seem significantly higher every summer? This is a common sign that your AC system is no longer running efficiently.
A worn-out system will not cool your home as well. Thus, it runs more frequently. And, when it does, it works harder than it used to because its components are all worn out.
Plus, repairing the components when the whole system is worn-out will make little difference. You’d just be wasting your money.
6. Moisture Around the System
Moisture pooling around the system might be a sign of a refrigerant leak. This is very toxic and dangerous, so shut off your AC and get emergency repair from a qualified AC technician.
Granted, that’s a worst-case scenario. It could be the system icing up or condensation leaking. Still, call a professional to see about fixing/replacing your AC.
7. High Humidity
Dehumidifying your indoor air is an automatic side-effect of running your AC, one that you probably never noticed. On the other hand, if you do notice high levels of indoor humidity, it means your AC isn’t working.
It could mean that you’re low on refrigerant, that the refrigerant is leaking, or something else. Call an AC pro to know whether to repair or replace the unit.
8. No Cold Air
Another sign of low refrigerant is that you’re getting warm air instead of cold. Check that your air filter is clean and that your thermostat is set properly. If the problem is something other than those, call it in.
If you’re getting no airflow at all, the fan might be broken or blocked, or there could be an electrical issue. But, unfortunately, these problems might also mean that your compressor is failing and needs to be replaced.
Do You Need a New AC Unit?
If you noticed any of these signs, it’s highly likely that you need a new AC unit. We’re sorry to be the bearer of bad news, here.
So, here’s some good news to counter it. We have all the knowledge and skills necessary to get your brand new AC unit up and running in no time. Better still, we want to help you.
Contact us right away so we can assess your situation, help you choose a replacement AC system, answer your questions, give you a quote, and install your new AC unit.
